Having a venue agreement is very important for a successful Fringe season.

The agreement should outline the roles and responsibilities of both the event producer and the venue. It ensures everyone is on the same page about what is expected, what fees will be charged, what technical support is offered and more.

An agreement also helps avoid disputes and will hopefully contribute to a smoother Fringe experience for both performers and venues.

You can download the venue agreement template below:

Venue agreement template

Here is a checklist you can use in making sure your deal suits your needs:

• [ ] Check which performance dates and times are confirmed. Make sure you know if rehearsal time is included as part of your rental – and if so, what dates/hours you can rehearse in the space
• [ ] Be sure to ask about the timeframe for bump-in and bump-outs and if this is included as part of your rental
• [ ] Find out what equipment and facilities (for lighting, sound, AV etc.) are available and included at the venue
• [ ] Ask if technical staff are on hand for sound and lighting during performances or if it is up to your company to arrange
• [ ] Check the venue’s insurance coverage and ask whether your show needs to hold public liability insurance
• [ ] Check if the venue runs its own box office and what the associated costs are / if they take a cut at the door
• [ ] Ask if the venue provides any support in the way of marketing services
• [ ] Ask what happens in the event of a cancellation either on your own part or the venue’s. Set down the timeline for advance notice and any monetary penalties. Look at the conditions for cancellation closely!