Performance Contract

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Performance Contract


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theatre or drama
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gymnastics or acrobatics
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PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT

THIS CONTRACT (the "Agreement") made and entered into this ________ day of ________________, ________ (the "Execution Date"),

BETWEEN:

_________________________ of _________________________
(the "Client")

OF THE FIRST PART

- AND -

_________________________
(the "Performer")

OF THE SECOND PART

BACKGROUND:

  1. The Performer is a professional entertainer.
  2. The Client wishes to engage the Performer subject to the terms and conditions as follows:

IN CONSIDERATION OF and as a condition of the Client hiring the Performer and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is acknowledged here, the parties to this Agreement agree as follows:

  1. Business Address of the Performer
  2. Any payments by check or money order should be made out to _________________________
    The Performer's business address is as follows:
    Address: _________________________
    Telephone: _________________________
  3. Business Address of the Client
  4. The Client's business address is as follows:
    Address: _________________________
    Telephone: _______________________
  5. Venue
  6. The place of performance (the "Venue") is located at:
    Name: _________________________
    Address: _________________________, Ohio
    Telephone: _________________________
  7. Performance
  8. The entertainment to be provided by the Performer is generally described as ___________________________________ (the "Performance").
  9. Date and Time of Performance
  10. The Performance will consist of one show on the date and between the times indicated in the table below and the Venue will be available for set-up and sound check at the date and time also indicated in the table:

    Set-up Time and Date

    Date of Show

    Start Time

    End Time

    __________
    September 10, 2026

    September 10, 2026

    __________

    __________

  11. Payment
  12. In full consideration for all services rendered by the Performer at the Performance, the Client agrees to pay the Performer a fixed fee of $______ USD (the "Fee").
  13. Performer Expenses
  14. The Performer agrees that the Fee is inclusive of all expenses, accommodations, holiday entitlements, traveling expenses to and from the Venue and covers any costs incurred by the Performer whatsoever, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
  15. Payment of Balance
  16. Promptly after the last show on the final date of the Performance, the Client will pay to the Performer any outstanding balance of the Fee in cash, money order, certified check, or online payment.
  17. Cancellation
  18. The Performer reserves the right to cancel this Agreement without obligation upon written notice to the Client prior to September 10, 2026.
  19. The Client reserves the right to cancel this Agreement without obligation upon written notice to the Performer prior to September 10, 2026. Cancellation by the Client later than September 10, 2026 will require payment of the full Fee.
  20. Non-performance by the Client
  21. Those obligations of the Client required to be met prior to the Performance are conditions precedent which must be satisfied in full by the Client before the Performer is required to perform unless otherwise agreed to by all parties in writing. If the Client cancels or postpones the Performance, or any show comprising the Performance, without proper notice or fails to make any payment or fails to perform any other condition precedent as required by this Agreement then the Client will be in breach of this Agreement and the Performer will have no further obligations under this Agreement.
  22. Security Deposit
  23. The Performer will not be required to post a security deposit against any or all possible damage related to or arising from the Performance.
  24. Force Majeure
  25. Neither the Performer nor the Client will be held liable for any failure to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement where such breach is due to any of the following: acts or regulations of public authorities, labor difficulties or strike, inclement weather, epidemic, interruption or delay of transportation service, acts of God, or any other legitimate cause beyond the reasonable control of the Performer and the Client.
  26. Sickness and Accidents
  27. The Performer agrees to meet its obligations under this Agreement subject to legitimate incapacity of the Performer caused by sickness or accident.
  28. No Recording of the Performance
  29. Recording or transmitting of the Performance by anyone through any means whatsoever will not be allowed under this Agreement. It is the responsibility of the Client to enforce this provision.
The remainder of this document will be available when you have purchased a license.
Last Updated September 9, 2026

Written By 

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What is a Music Performance Contract?

A Music Performance Contract records the terms for a live musical performance at a private or commercial event. It helps clients and performers clarify their responsibilities before, during, and after the event.

Clients may be individuals, businesses, or venue operators. Performers may include solo artists, bands, musical groups, singers, and DJs. 

A Music Performance Contract may also be called a:

  • Performance agreement

  • Artist performance contract

  • Band performance contract

  • Band booking contract

  • Musician contract

  • DJ contract

Music Performance Contracts vs. other agreements

Compare these agreements to find the right option for your event or working relationship:

Agreement

Best for

Key difference

Music Performance Contract

Hiring a musician, band, singer, or DJ for an event

Covers live-music terms, including set times, equipment, and payment.

Hiring any entertainer or performer

Also works for speakers, dancers, comedians, and other performers.

Hiring an individual or business to provide services

Covers many types of services and may not address event-specific performance details. 

Defining an independent contractor relationship

Often focuses on the working relationship rather than on a single live event.

Hiring an employee

Creates an ongoing employer-employee relationship.

For a musician’s performance at one event, a Music Performance Contract is often the best fit.

Why should I use a Music Performance Contract?

A Music Performance Contract helps clients and performers record and outline key details, including: 

  • Performance dates, times, and set lengths

  • Payment, deposits, and expenses

  • Equipment and venue requirements

  • Cancellation terms

  • Each party’s responsibilities

  • Travel, accommodation, meals, and other agreed expenses, if applicable

For musical performers, the contract can confirm payment and preparation requirements. Clients can use it to clarify event expectations and venue arrangements. Agents and managers may also request a formal agreement before confirming a booking.

When should I use a Music Performance Contract?

Use LawDepot’s Music Performance Contract when booking an artist for a concert, live show, party, birthday, wedding, reunion, product launch, or similar event.

For example, a company can use the contract to hire a singer for a product launch and record the booking details.

Performers often provide the contract, but clients can also introduce one to confirm the arrangement.

How to write a Music Performance Contract

LawDepot’s questionnaire helps you create a Music Performance Contract in minutes. 

Choose a short-form contract for a simple paid performance, such as entertainment at a birthday party. Choose a long-form contract for larger or more complex performances that require additional terms, such as travel, equipment, accommodation, or cancellation arrangements. 

After selecting your location and contract type, add the following details:

1. Performer details

Include the performer’s:

  • Names, including any stage name

  • Group name, such as a band name, if applicable

  • Contact details

Then choose the signing authority. The performer can sign the contract, or a group leader or business manager can sign on their behalf.

2. Client and venue details

Add the client’s name and contact details, and identify whether they are an individual or a business. Include the venue’s name and address so the performer can plan travel and prepare for the event.

3. Performance details

Describe the performance, including the number of shows, dates, times, and other scheduling details.

4. Payment details

State the performer’s fee, deposit requirements, payment schedule, overtime rates, and reimbursable expenses such as travel, accommodation, and meals.

Performers may set their fees based on the event type, set length, travel requirements, equipment needs, local market rates, and whether an agent or manager is involved. Others may follow union rates or professional rate guidelines, such as those associated with the following groups:

5. Performer and client duties

Use the contract to assign responsibilities for the event, such as:

  • Providing lighting and sound equipment

  • Allowing merchandise sales

  • Obtaining insurance

  • Arranging permits or licences 

  • Restricting recording or broadcasting during the performance

The contract should state which party is responsible for obtaining required permits, licences, insurance, and venue approvals.

6. Cancellations and dispute resolution

Set cancellation deadlines and deposit-refund terms for both parties. Clear cancellation terms give clients time to find another performer and give performers time to accept another booking. 

LawDepot’s template also includes dispute-resolution options, such as mediation or arbitration, if either party does not meet the contract terms.

7. Signing details

Choose a signing date and decide whether to use a witness. A witness is not always required, but an independent witness can help confirm that both parties signed the agreement.

Choose a witness with no personal or business relationship with either party. You may also be able to eSign your document online.

Is a Music Performance Contract legally binding in the United States? 

In general, a contract requires mutual agreement, an exchange of value, and a lawful purpose. A Music Performance Contract should be legally binding once it meets these requirements.

State contract laws, including common law principles, may affect how a court interprets or enforces a contract. LawDepot’s template lets you select the governing law of your state and add event details.

LawDepot’s template can also include a dispute-resolution clause that explains how the parties will address a breach of contract or other dispute.

If you have questions about your rights or whether a contract is enforceable, consider speaking with a lawyer.

Music Performance Contract FAQs

What is the difference between a Music Performance Contract and a Performance Agreement?

toggle-arrow

A Music Performance Contract focuses on live music bookings involving solo musicians, singers, bands, DJs, and other musical groups.

A Performance Agreement can cover a broader range of live entertainment, including speakers, dancers, comedians, theatre performers, and acrobats.

Can I use this template for a band, DJ, or solo musician?

toggle-arrow

Yes. Use LawDepot’s Music Performance Contract template to outline booking terms between a band, DJ, singer, or solo musician and an individual client, business, or venue.

Can a Music Performance Contract include cancellation terms?

toggle-arrow

Yes. You can set cancellation deadlines and deposit-refund terms in your Music Performance Contract.

LawDepot’s template can also include an alternative dispute resolution clause that outlines how the parties will address a breach of the agreement.

Can I include a deposit in a Music Performance Contract?

toggle-arrow

Yes. LawDepot’s Music Performance Contract template lets you include a client deposit and specify its due date.

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