Rates: When (& When NOT) To Do Stuff for Less Money

We all talk about it as performers. Rates.
At least, we should all talk about it as performers.

We’ve all been asked to do stuff for free.
We’ve all been asked to do stuff for less money.
When is it actually the right call?

For us, it’s all about value exchange. A fundraiser that offers exposure feels different than a festival offering a small package that includes a ticket, meals, and group camp spot with 8 of my friends (/colleagues). It’s always within our right as performers to support organizations and people we believe in, too.

We highly value:
Collaborating with our network of artists (especially 5+ of us together)
Collaborating with new professionals
Tickets for events we are genuinely interested in
Photo/Video Media Exchange
Meal Stipends
Green rooms
Lodging/Accommodations (when applicable)
The opportunity to collect tips (respectfully)

We sometimes value:
+1 Tickets
Meal Vouchers
Buffet Dinners
Merch/Swag
Time ‘off’ to enjoy parts of the event (ie. 1 hour to check out vendors at a market)

We do not value:
All forms of ‘exposure’
Bar tabs

Each gig is judged on a case by case basis, so there isn’t a straightforward answer that applies to all scenarios. As a performer, you need to decide what your rates are, and consider other forms of value exchange that actually matter to you.

Maybe you have dietary restrictions so meal vouchers matter less. Maybe you have elaborate costumes so a green room is a bigger deal. You get the idea. It’s not strictly about the dollars being exchanged, it’s about whether you feel good about the agreement taking place.

No event has an endless budget, but that’s only one facet of what an event can actually do for you.

Some questions to think about:
Does the event have a photographer or videographer onsite that you can connect with? Do you have permission to use/reshare those photos/videos? Is the media uniquely useful to you in some way?
How likely is this company to promote your brand in marketing materials?
Do they have a buffet set up for staff already? Food trucks you could have vouchers for?
Is that food something you would actually eat pre-performance?
Is food still available after you’re done performing?
Can the event offer you +1 tickets? Do you have people who would genuinely benefit from that?
Are there other artists there that you have (or want to) collaborate with?
Are you able to debut new acts there?

The fact is, a lot of us love performing, and so sometimes we’ll do it for the joy and accept less money. The gigs that are the most ‘fun’ are generally the least well paid. Does that contribute to a reduction in professional rates? Maybe. But not all events have the budget (or need) to hire professionals. An independent festival doesn’t have the same need for movement artists that a corporate party does, and pricing reflects that. Knowing when to say yes (and possibly more importantly, no) is a personal decision at the end of the day.

We’ve always been proudly transparent with both Artists and Clients about rates.
If you’re an indecisive performer reading this, we highly suggest reaching out to a local performer friend and see what they think! Pricing varies by location and service quite a bit, and it’s always good to know what other local professionals are charging.

We’re also happy to talk shop anytime. Quick questions are free and encouraged!

We offer in-person performance coaching for performers around the Madison area, and virtual sessions for any non-locals. Shoot us an email (booking@cirqueducham.com) if you want to set something up. You’ll get an email with a scheduler link to book your session!

We are happy to talk rates, marketing, act creation… or simply be consultants on what might help you progress as a professional performer.

“A rising tide raises all ships”