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Artist Booking Agreement

For booking a performer for a concert, club gig, festival set, private event, or corporate show — handles flat fee, guarantee + backend, or door deal in one contract.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your event?

This contract is built for the person booking a performer and the performer being booked. It fits live performances, speaking slots, DJ sets, and similar engagements where you need to set the fee, the performance details, the deposit, cancellation terms, and any technical or hospitality needs in writing.

Good fit for

  • Event organizers hiring a performer, speaker, or DJ
  • Performers and entertainers accepting a booking
  • Venues and promoters confirming a date
  • Talent representatives booking on behalf of an artist
  • Anyone setting a fee, deposit, and cancellation terms for a show

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • The performer and the booking party
  • The event date, venue, and set length
  • The fee or guarantee and any backend or door split
  • The deposit amount and payment timing
  • Cancellation deadlines and terms
  • Technical, sound, and lighting responsibilities
  • Travel, lodging, and hospitality details
  • Whether the performance can be recorded or streamed

What's Inside This Contract

Engagement and performance

Sets the performance, venue, date, set length, soundcheck, load-in, and curfew.

Compensation

Covers the fee or guarantee, deposit, any backend or door split, settlement, and late payment.

Production and technical requirements

Addresses sound, lighting, stage, dressing room, security, hospitality, and photography.

Travel and accommodations

Covers travel, lodging, and ground transportation responsibilities.

Merchandise

Sets the performer's right to sell merchandise and the space provided for it.

Cancellation

Explains what happens if either side cancels, including deposits and illness or injury.

Recording, broadcast, and promotion

Covers recording rights, audience recording, and use of the performer's name and likeness.

Representations, warranties, insurance, and liability

Confirms authority, permits, insurance, and indemnification.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The fee and how it is split between deposit and balance
  • Cancellation deadlines and any fees
  • Who provides sound, lighting, and equipment
  • Whether the performance can be recorded or streamed
  • Travel, lodging, and hospitality responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an artist booking agreement?
An artist booking agreement sets the terms for hiring a performer for an event. It covers the fee, performance details, deposit, cancellation terms, and any technical or hospitality needs.
Who should sign it?
The party booking the performer and the performer, or the performer's representative, both sign. Each signature confirms the fee, the performance details, and the cancellation terms.
What is a guarantee?
A guarantee is a fixed amount the performer is paid regardless of how many tickets are sold. Some deals add a share of sales on top of the guarantee.
What happens if the event is cancelled?
The cancellation terms decide. Agreements set deadlines and explain whether the deposit is kept or refunded if either side cancels.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the performer and booking party, the date and venue, the set length, the fee and any split, the deposit, technical needs, travel and hospitality details, and any recording terms.
How is it different from an appearance agreement?
A booking agreement covers a performance such as a set or speaking slot. An appearance agreement covers attending or taking part in an event, such as a signing or meet and greet, without a full performance.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in an artist booking agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any artist booking agreement:

  • No clear cancellation or refund terms
  • No payment deadline
  • Vague performance details
  • No clarity on who provides equipment
  • No rules for recording or broadcasting the performance
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