Booking Agents

Who Does What

Do You Need One Yet?

• Agents are paid from a share of your fees, so they take on acts that already draw a crowd and play often.
• Most independent acts book their own shows for years first. Emailing venue bookers directly is usually the quickest way in.
• The Put On Your Own Show page covers booking and running a gig yourself.

Your Rights in NSW

• The Entertainment Industry Act 2013 covers people who find work for performers in NSW, including booking agents.
• For live work they can charge at most 10% of your fee. On a long run of shows it drops to 5% after the first five weeks.
• They can't charge you a joining fee, an audition fee or a fee to keep you on their books.
• If they collect your fee, it has to be held in a trust account in NSW and paid to you within 14 days.
• If an agent breaks these rules, you can complain to NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

Source: NSW Government, working as a performer or performer representative.

Red Flags

• They ask for money up front to sign you, audition you or put you in a showcase.
• They want more than 10% of your fee.
• Your money takes more than two weeks to reach you.
• You have to sell a set number of tickets to get on the bill, or pay to play.
• They want you tied to them for years with no way out, or won't put the deal in writing.
• They want a cut of gigs you found and booked yourself when you never agreed to that in writing.

Before You Sign

• Get the agreement in writing, including the commission and what it is worked out on.
• Ask how and when you'll be paid.
• Talk to two or three acts on their roster about how they're treated.
• Have the agreement checked before you sign. Arts Law does this for musicians.

Agencies Around Sydney

None of these publish their commission or terms, so ask each one before you agree to anything. They're listed because they work with independent acts and can be reached. Tap a name for details.

Where to Get Advice