Thread: What is in your contract?

Hello ladies,

I am in the process of writing up a standard contract for private parties/events, and I am curious as to what I should include. I dance in a restaurant, teach classes, and do some free events (charity, etc.) but I am getting more requests for birthdays/parties/weddings, and I want to have a standard contract.

Can you ladies help me out? I don't want to forget anything!

Mine is too long to post, but I can send it to you, if you'd like. PM me your email address if you'd like me to do that.

In short, it should include at a minimum:
- the date and time of the event
- the exact address of the event
- the duration of your show
- contact information for the client (and the event contact, such as a wedding planner, if different)
- the performance price, and when payment is due (including deposits, if you require them)
- any special requests you agreed to (using a particular prop, etc.)
- cancellation policy
- tipping procedures (and a statement that they're yours to keep and don't count towards the performance price)
- any fees to be charged if the client wants to you go on later than planned
- anything the client has to provide (a CD player, private space for you to change and store your belongings, any permits necessary for you to perform)
- a statement about safety (that the client is responsible for making sure that there are no candles, broken glass, harrassment, etc.)

I'm always emailing this to people as a sample, so I'm going to see if I can post my actual contract here so whoever needs it can see. This one was set up for a bridal shower, show plus mini-lesson. I just change the info for each party. (For this post, identifying info about me and the client is removed, obviously!):

continued in next post....

Entertainment Contract

Event/Performer Information
Performer(s): Daniela
Phone/Fax:
E-mail: danielabellydance@yahoo.com
Title of Event: Bridal Shower
Event Format: Private party
Performance: Solo bellydance performance by Daniela
Props used: Wings, Veil, Sword, Finger cymbals + Souvenir hip scarf
Music used:CD (supplied by Daniela)
Costume: Full professional
Date of Event: July 20, 2008
Time of Performance: Approximately 3:30 (actual time TBD)
Length of Performance: 20 minute show + 10 minute mini-lesson

Location/Employer Information
Place of Event: Private home
Address/Directions:
Contact Name:
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:

How did you hear about Daniela?
Is this a surprise?
Will there be a DJ/stereo system?
Notes:

Payment Information and Terms
The above venue commits to paying the performer an entertainment fee of $260 (two hundred sixty dollars). There is a $20 (twenty dollar) travel fee for this event, for a total of $280 (two hundred eighty dollars). The full payment will be remitted to the entertainer or agent at the completion of the performance.

THIS CONTRACT for the personal services of participants on the engagement described above is made this_________day of ____________2008, between the undersigned performer and employer.

AN ADVANCE DEPOSIT OF 50% OF THE FEE QUOTED – in this case $140.00 (one hundred forty dollars) - IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT. THE BALANCE OF $140 (one hundred forty dollars) - IS DUE IN CASH AT THE TIME OF THE PERFORMANCE. Upon signing of this agreement and receipt of any applicable deposit, this engagement shall be considered binding. Should cancellation by the employer be necessary, if cancellation occurs at least one week (7 days) prior to the event, deposit shall be refunded. If employer cancels less than one week (7 days) prior to the event, deposit shall be forfeited to the artist. Should cancellation by the artist be necessary, the artist shall make every effort to arrange for a comparable substitute. If no substitute is desired by employer, artist shall refund deposit in full.

still continued.....

Daniela will not solicit tips from the guests, but if they choose to tip Daniela of their own accord, they may do so by throwing bills in the air above her head, respectfully placing them in her costume (Daniela will indicate an appropriate place, and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated), or handing them to her. Any and all tips given to Daniela are hers to keep, and are in addition to the $280 payment.

Program delays due to no fault of the performer will be charged to the employer at the rate of $40 for the first half hour and $2 per minute thereafter. Please note that, due to possible multiple bookings in one night, Daniela cannot guarantee that she will be able to perform if show is delayed for more than one half hour. For this event, a 15-minute leeway is allowed before late charges begin accruing.


__________________________________________
(employer’s name and signature/date)

__________________________________________
(artist's name and signature/date)

Please sign and return an extra copy of this contract. Contract should be faxed to Daniela at xxx-xxx-xxxx or mailed to xxx xxxx street, anytown, NY 11111

In the alternative, employer can electronically sign this contract by typing /s/ followed by the employer’s full name and date. Employer agrees that an electronic signature shall take the place of an actual signature and will be considered equally binding. Electronically signed contracts should be emailed to Daniela at danielabellydance@yahoo.com

Please make check, money order or cashier’s check payable to xxxxxxxxx.
PayPal payments should be sent to danielabellydance@yahoo.com

Thank you for your business!


The formatting is a lot prettier in Word, but you get the idea.

Great contract Daniela! It's much more detailed than mine (time to edit!). Thanks for sharing! ..g.:

No problem, glad I could help! It's gotten more detailed as I've experienced issues arise that weren't addressed in the contract (ie: a show that went on an hour late, so I added the late fee clause; a job where the mother of the groom took my tips, so I added the tip clause, etc). It's always changing! I just hope it doesn't get too long!

Thank you everyone SO much for the information!
*sends hugs*