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Dance Performance Agreement

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Dance Performance Agreement

This Dance Performance Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of by and between Performer Name: with principal address and Presenter Name: with principal address .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Performer is a professional dance artist or troupe engaged in the presentation of choreographed dance performances; and

WHEREAS, Presenter operates or engages venues and events for public performances and desires to engage Performer to present a dance performance under the terms set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth their respective rights and obligations with respect to the engagement and presentation of the performance.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. ENGAGEMENT

Presenter hereby engages Performer to provide the services described in this Agreement, and Performer accepts such engagement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

2. PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Performance Date: ; Load-in Time: ; Sound Check Time: ; Performance Start: ; Performance End: .

3. COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT

Presenter shall pay Performer a total fee of $ (the "Fee"). A non-refundable deposit of $ is due upon execution of this Agreement. Balance of $ will be due no later than .

Payments shall be made by the method specified by Performer in writing. All amounts are exclusive of applicable taxes. Presenter is responsible for all taxes, withholdings, or other governmental charges imposed on payments to Performer except as otherwise required by law.

4. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND RIDER

Presenter shall provide, at Presenter’s expense, the stage, lighting, sound equipment, backline, and stagehands reasonably necessary for the Presentation as specified in the technical rider. Any deviation from the rider must be approved in writing by Performer no later than .

5. REHEARSALS

If rehearsals are required, rehearsal dates, times, and compensation shall be agreed in writing. Presenter shall provide reasonable rehearsal space and access to the venue for scheduled rehearsals as set forth in the technical rider or other written agreement between the parties.

6. CANCELLATION; FORCE MAJEURE

If Presenter cancels the performance more than 30 days prior to the Performance Date, Presenter shall forfeit the deposit only. If Presenter cancels within 30 days of the Performance Date, Presenter shall pay Performer an amount equal to of the Fee in addition to forfeiture of the deposit.

Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government orders, pandemics, strikes, or utility failures ("Force Majeure"). In the event of Force Majeure, the parties shall use reasonable efforts to reschedule the performance. If rescheduling is not possible within 90 days, either party may terminate this Agreement without further liability except as provided for deposits and incurred out-of-pocket expenses.

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; RECORDING

Performer retains all copyright and intellectual property rights in choreography, music arrangements, and related materials created prior to or during the engagement. Presenter shall not record, broadcast, reproduce, or distribute any portion of the performance without Performer’s prior written consent. If consent is granted, additional compensation and credit terms shall be agreed in writing.

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Each party agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party and its officers, agents, employees, and contractors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of the indemnifying party’s breach of this Agreement, negligence, willful misconduct, or violation of law in connection with the performance.

9. INSURANCE

Presenter shall, at its sole cost and expense, maintain commercial general liability insurance with limits of not less than $ per occurrence and shall name Performer as an additional insured when required. Presenter shall furnish Performer with a certificate of insurance no later than .

10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Performer is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, or partner of Presenter. Performer shall be responsible for payment of all taxes and benefits applicable to Performer and its personnel.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY

Except as required for the promotion of the engagement, neither party shall disclose the other party’s confidential information obtained in connection with this Agreement to any third party without prior written consent. Confidential information does not include information that is or becomes public through no fault of the receiving party.

12. PUBLICITY

Presenter may use Performer’s name, image, and biographical material in promotional materials related to the performance, provided use is truthful and not misleading. Presenter shall submit material featuring Performer for approval if requested by Performer; such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

13. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below (or to such other address as a party may designate by notice in accordance with this Section) and shall be deemed given when delivered personally, sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by overnight courier.

14. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. The failure of either party to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of such provision or of the right to enforce it subsequently. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

15. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state specified below without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.

Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect, and the invalid or unenforceable provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

The parties acknowledge that each has read and understands this Agreement and agrees to be bound by its terms.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the dates indicated below.

Presenter:

By:

Date:

Performer:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Dance Performance Agreement covers

A Dance Performance Agreement is a written contract between a performer (individual or troupe) and an engager (presenter, venue, or producer) that records the scope of a live or streamed dance performance. It defines parties, performance date(s) and times, location, set length, technical rider, payment and deposit terms, intellectual property and recording rights, insurance requirements, cancellation and force majeure clauses, and indemnities. The agreement also specifies who supplies sound, lighting, and crew, plus any required permits. Electronic signature and eSubmission language clarify whether the contract may be signed and retained electronically.

Why a clear performance contract matters

A written agreement reduces dispute risk by documenting expectations for performance content, payment schedule, cancellation penalties, and liability coverage. It also provides evidence for enforcement, insurance claims, and tax reporting.

Why a clear performance contract matters

Who commonly uses a Dance Performance Agreement

Typical users include performers, venue managers, event producers, performing arts schools, and booking agents who need clear terms for live or recorded performances.

  • Independent dancers and ensembles booking single or recurring shows for venues or festivals.
  • Venue owners and rental managers hiring talent for one-off events or season contracts.
  • Producers, festivals, and schools arranging multiple acts, tours, or educational showcases.

Use the agreement to allocate responsibilities, document insurance, and set payment triggers before work begins.

Who should sign this agreement

Performer

An individual dancer or troupe leader authorized to commit to performance dates, technical requirements, rights to recordings, and receipt of compensation on behalf of performers. Ensure the signer has authority to assign any required permissions.

Presenter

A venue manager, producer, or promoter with authority to book the space, confirm technical support, and make payment. The presenter accepts liabilities stated in the contract and must secure required permits and insurance.

Core sections every professional agreement should include

A comprehensive Dance Performance Agreement groups obligations into clear sections so both parties know deliverables, payments, and risk allocation.

Parties

Identify the legal names, business entities, and contact details for every contracting party, including an authorized signatory for companies or organizations.

Performance Details

Specify date(s), start and end times, number and order of pieces, artist call and soundcheck times, load-in/load-out windows, and any breaks or intermissions.

Compensation

Detail total fee, deposit amount, payment schedule, method of payment, late fee interest, expense reimbursement, and whether taxes or withholding apply.

Technical Rider

List sound, lighting, stage dimensions, stagehands, dressing rooms, microphones, playback formats, and who provides each item or service during the event.

Insurance and Indemnity

State required insurance types and limits (general liability, workers compensation), certificate holder name, and mutual indemnity language covering claims and damages.

Cancellation and Force Majeure

Define cancellation windows, refund or forfeiture of deposits, rescheduling process, and force majeure events with notice requirements and mitigation duties.

Step-by-step: complete and execute the agreement

Follow these steps in order to reduce errors and ensure both parties have enforceable copies.

  • 01
    Draft terms: Populate parties, dates, fees, rider, and insurance requirements.
  • 02
    Review with stakeholders: Share draft with legal counsel, production manager, and lead performer for feedback.
  • 03
    Finalize and sign: Obtain signatures from authorized representatives and date the agreement.
  • 04
    Distribute executed copies: Provide each party with a signed PDF and maintain a retained copy for records.

How to set up an online signing workflow

Configure a simple electronic workflow to send, authenticate, and store signed agreements securely.

Field Configuration
Upload and prepare Upload final PDF, place signature, initial, and date fields.
Authentication Choose email link, SMS code, or stronger ID verification for signers.
Routing order Set signer sequence and enabling conditional fields if needed.
Notifications Enable reminders and final signed copy delivery to all parties.

Where to send completed agreements and evidence

After execution, route the signed document and supporting materials to relevant recipients and record systems.

  • Performer copy: Send signed PDF to the performer for payroll and tax records.
  • Presenter records: Store executed agreement in the venue or producer's contract folder.
  • Accounting: Forward invoice and payment terms to accounts payable.
  • Insurance carrier: Provide certificates and agreement sections required for underwriting.

Digital signing and file-format considerations

Use a signing platform that supports common file formats, secure access, and reliable audit trails for evidentiary purposes.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX preserve layout and are universally accepted.
  • Integrations: Platforms often integrate with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and CRMs.
  • Authentication: Enable email, SMS, or multi-factor signer verification.

Ensure the chosen platform preserves timestamps, signer attribution, and an audit trail that meets ESIGN/UETA evidentiary needs.

Typical eSignature pricing and feature comparison for agreement signing

Compare starting price, trial availability, bulk-send, audit trail, HIPAA capabilities, and envelope limits when selecting an eSignature provider for performance contracts.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Real-world scenarios where a performance agreement helps

Below are two common use examples showing how the agreement clarifies responsibilities and reduces disputes.

School Recital Booking

A community school hires a dance troupe for an end-of-year recital and sets a deposit, load-in time, and liability limits.

  • The performer provides a technical rider and proof of insurance.
  • Clear payment milestones and insurance requirements avoided a last-minute cancellation dispute and clarified responsibility for sound and stage equipment.

Festival Slot Contract

A festival books multiple acts and needs staggered set times, soundcheck windows, and ticket-splitting terms.

  • Presenter supplies stage and house technician.
  • Specifying cancellation fees, rescheduling options, and recording permissions prevented disagreements about recorded clips and revenue sharing after the event.

Common drafting and execution mistakes to avoid

  • Vague technical riders without dimensions or power requirements cause delays and on-site equipment mismatches that interrupt performances.
  • Using informal email confirmations instead of a signed agreement leads to disputes about payment timing and scope of services.
  • Failing to require certificates of insurance or to name the venue as certificate holder exposes the presenter to uncovered liability.
  • Incorrect signer authority — accepting a signature from someone not authorized — can render the contract unenforceable or delay payment.

Consequences of incomplete or incorrect agreements

Breach of contract: Damages and litigation risk
Late payment: Collection fees and interest
Insurance gaps: Uninsured third-party claims
Invalid signature: Enforceability challenges
Tax withholding: Backup withholding risk
Venue liability: Operational shutdown or fines

Key dates and timing to track in the agreement

Include explicit dates for each milestone so obligations and remedies are triggered predictably.

Booking deadline:

Date by which deposit secures the booking

Final rider submission:

Deadline for technical specifications and special requests

Payment schedule:

Due dates for deposit, balance, and late fees

Insurance certificate due:

Date by which proof of insurance must be provided

Performance date:

Scheduled date and time for the contracted performance

Frequently asked questions about Dance Performance Agreements

Answers to common legal and practical questions about signing, notarization, cancellations, and electronic records.


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