Money!$!$!

[scarylarrywolf]

Helloooooooo!

Giving prices for shows has always been a sore spot for me -- usually cause I don't know the employer's budget well enough to balance it with mine. So I thought I'd throw this question out to all of you who perform for payment:

How do you go about charging? Do you have set prices for certain time lengths? Puppeteers have to eat too...

 

[Super Scooter]

It depends. I've only ever done shows at the library. I got paid the same as any other special event might: 25 dollars for an hour show. I think it's about what a story hour person might make.

25 dollars an hour is actually a hefty paycheck... unfortunately, that was once every 2 months for 6 months.

 

[scarylarrywolf]

Yeah that is pretty good for an hour long show, but I take into account writing the play, rehearsing it, building puppets and props, building the puppets, lugging my huge stage around... that sort of thing. I guess the library's standards are pretty concrete, but was that payment for only the performance itself, or do you think you would charge more after totaling all these preparations?

 

[DPuppets]

I believe it has alot to do with the area you live or work in. I do shows for libraries, birthdays and other events. I charge between $150.00 to $350.00 according to where I am doing it. I have done some trade shows that are little more. But, when I started I did alot of free shows and shows that I charged very very little. I know alot that do not charge as much but I also know quite a few that charge more. I would see what others are charging in your area. Then you can get an idea what others are charging.

 

[scarylarrywolf]

Thanks for all your info, guys!

 

[Buck-Beaver]

I'd say the $150 - $350 range is about right for a professional show. Up here most performers charge anywhere from $100 for birthday parties up to $450 for shows in schools (remember too that the Canadian dollar is worth about 30% less than the US dollar). Sometimes corporate gigs can net pros anywhere from $500 up to $5000 or even $10,000.

I think it really depends on how good your show is and what your clients can afford. Obviously someone starting out can't charge $400 for a kid's birthday party show. But if you are confident in your abilities you shouldn't be too shy about asking for a little money.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

Original puppets, with music and live voices:
$100/hr, or $10/kid (whichever benefits me most)--anyone over 18 gets to see it for free. I spend about 40 minutes doing show, and the last part is discussing puppetry and conversations with Muley.

Schools: $2.00/kid, and if it was a particular teacher that asked me to come, I do a quick visit specifically for that classroom to discuss puppetry.

Another thought: My original puppet shows began at $25/hr; then I moved up to $50, then down to $45 for a 45 minute show, then when I got bigger and started using my own music and live voice, I began doing shows at festivals, etc, and now charge those prices above, so I agree with Buck: charge based on the quality and professionalism of your work.