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Theatre and Performing Arts Insurance

Whether you’re an amateur dramatics group or a theatre hosting multiple sold-out shows a year, theatre and performing arts insurance can offer all the bespoke cover you need to protect your finances. The show must go on, so be ready for every eventuality with this specialist cover for groups, production companies, and venues in the performing arts world.

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What is theatre insurance?

Theatre insurance (also known as performing arts insurance) is a collection of covers that help protect your finances if you run groups, workshops, or shows in the field of performing arts. This type of insurance addresses a range of risks, from third-party claims to cover your theatre equipment or even the venue itself if you own a theatre or performing arts centre.

Especially when you’re putting on a performance, there are many moving parts to contend with; even a tiny problem can cause a bothersome domino effect.

What would you do if your costumes, props, or technical equipment were lost in transit? Could you afford to buy replacements before opening night? What happens if an audience member at your show trips on a lighting cable and makes a claim for their injury? If a fire destroys your hired venue, could you shoulder the impact of cancelling the show?

Insurance is important because it not only protects your finances but your reputation too, allowing you to deal with any legal claims quickly and efficiently.

What does theatre insurance cover?

Whether you’re looking for insurance for a theatre production, a venue, or your performing arts group, you’ll need a policy that reflects the relevant risks. As standard, theatre insurance usually includes the following cover:

  • Employer’s liability – if your performing arts business hires any staff, from sound engineers to actors, by law you will need to hold at least £5 million in employers’ liability cover. This protects you should an employee claim they became ill or injured as a result of your theatre business.
  • Public liability – if a member of the public becomes injured or their property damaged while they attend one of your events or your venue, they could make a claim. Public liability insurance for theatre companies and groups deals with any compensation and the legal fees associated with defending a third-party claim.
  • Contents cover – allows you to protect your costumes, props, lighting, rigs, sound equipment, musical instruments, and sets against theft, damage, and loss. Over the years, you can acquire a valuable collection of theatre gear, from hand-made costumes to state-of-the-art technical gear. Make sure you can replace like for like with a sufficient level of contents cover.
  • Cancellation and non-appearance cover – theatre folk are famous for pushing through and putting on a show whatever happens, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances make that impossible. If your hired venue suddenly becomes unavailable or your key performer is stuck on the other side of the world due to a delayed flight, this cover compensates for the resulting lost revenue and any reputational damage.
  • Travel cover – if you’re a travelling performance group, touring from venue to venue, you can furnish yourself with all the cover mentioned above, tailored for your specific travel arrangements.

If you own your venue, you can add building insurance to protect the bricks and mortar against fire and water damage, natural disasters, and vandalism, such as broken windows.

How much does performing arts insurance cost?

The cost of your premium will depend upon several factors, including:

  • The level of public liability you need
  • The number of staff you employ
  • Whether you’re an amateur group or a professional theatre company
  • The type of shows you produce
  • The venues you use and the number of attendees per performance
  • The income your shows generate
  • The value of your equipment
  • Whether you tour

Frequently asked questions

Can I take out theatre insurance as an individual?

If you host theatre workshops or run a drama group, you can obtain this type of insurance as a sole trader.


Is insurance for a theatre production compulsory?

The only compulsory cover you need is employers’ liability, and that is only applicable if you pay people to work for you, have apprentices, or utilise volunteers who aren’t direct members of your family.


If you’d like to see how Park Insurance can protect your performing arts business, give us a call today to learn about our tailored theatre and performing arts insurance policies.

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Park Insurance Services Ltd
323 Church Road
St George
Bristol
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Tel: 0117 955 6835

Email: info@parkinsurance.co.uk

Park Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN 998383. You may check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA website. Park Insurance Services Limited is registered in England and Wales (company number 13091532). Registered address: 323 Church Road, St. George, Bristol, England, BS5 8AA.