What information should be included in a vocal performance contract ?
Question by OOO! I know! I know!: What information should be included in a vocal performance contract ?
For a currently unsigned freelance southern gospel vocalist.
Best answer:
Answer by Russell E
It depends on if you are talking an appearance contract or if you are talking signing with a label or producer.
Having actually had to sign a contract when performing in a couple of operas, I can give you a few points from memory.
It should include, The Date or dates that you will be expected to perform. How many hours or songs or sets that you will be expected to perform for.The hours you are to work. and importantly! how much you will be paid. Either by performance or a lump sum for a run of nights.
I would expect there to be a clause for a no show penalty on your part.
You could be offered a share of the ticket sales instead of a lump sum.
I would also want a clause that if signed for more than one night, that if the venue does a “no show” or cancels the show that you would expect to be paid for the whole contract anyway.
I threw my back out during rehearsals for one opera when I was lifting up the soprano during a kidnapping scene and could not do the part I was supposed to do, so they gave me something else to do(basically I just improvised another “character” during the show’s run until I was physically able to do the part I was supposed to.
I assume that since I had a contract to perform with the opera company, they didn’t just shuttle me out the door.
I don’t know what exactly a label or producer contract would entail, but I’m sure it would be somewhat similar. How many recordings you would be expected to do, in what time frame. Licensing rights for souvenirs, T shirts, marketing stuff. How much money….etc…
Even better…
Here’s an actual contract sample for you.
http://www.blues101.org/articles/contracts.htm
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