A tour manager contract can help to protect your interests and ensure a smooth touring experience.
For decades, tour managers have been working on handshake agreements, but an increasing number of professional roadies are starting to utilize contracts.
Below you’ll find a sample tour manager contract template that can be customized to fit your unique situation.
Please note that this is only an example and the language this includes should be reviewed by a legal professional before being used as a contract.
The specifics of what to include will depend on a variety of gig-specific factors along with your individual circumstances.
Tour Manager Contract Example
THIS AGREEMENT is made this ____ day of ______, 20____, by and between _______________(hereinafter “Artist”) and _______________ (hereinafter “Tour Manager”).
1. Scope of Services
The Tour Manager will provide services related to tour management for the Artist, including but not limited to coordinating logistics, advancing time, post-tour reconciliation, rehearsals, travel days, show days, press days, and off days while on tour.
2. Term
This Agreement will begin on __________, 20___, and will continue until __________, 20___, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
3. Compensation
3.1 Weekly Rate
The Tour Manager will be compensated at a weekly rate of $______ for the duration of the tour, prorated for partial weeks. This will include all show days, rehearsals, travel days, press days, and off days.
3.2 One-off Dates
In the event of one-off dates, the Tour Manager will be compensated at a rate of $______ per event or a lump sum of $______ for X number of weeks.
3.3 Advancing Rate
The Tour Manager will be compensated for the tour advancing time at a rate of $______ for the length of the run.
3.4 Per Diem
The Tour Manager will receive a daily per diem of $______ for personal expenses incurred while traveling on business during the tour.
For international tours, the Tour manager will receive a daily per diem of $____
3.5 Reimbursements
Any business expenses incurred by the Tour Manager will be reimbursed by the Artist or the Artist’s management. The Tour Manager should not use a personal credit card for business expenses.
4. Payment Schedule
The Tour Manager will be paid on a ______ basis. The Tour Manager and the crew should be aware of any holidays or other factors that may impact the processing time for payroll.
5. Accommodations
Accommodations on days off will consist of ______. This will be negotiated separately from the weekly rate.
6. Travel
The class of travel for the Tour Manager will be the same as the artist. For long-haul international flights, a business class ticket may be considered based on the tour budget.
7. Termination
Either party may terminate this Agreement upon providing ______ days’ written notice to the other party.
8. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of ______.
9. Cancellation
In the event of a cancellation of the tour or any shows within the tour, the Tour Manager will be compensated as follows:
9.1 Cancellation by Artist or Management
If the tour or any shows within the tour are canceled by the Artist or Management, the Tour Manager will be compensated in full for the canceled shows as per the agreed weekly rate and per diem, unless otherwise negotiated and agreed upon in writing.
9.2 Force Majeure
In the event of a cancellation due to circumstances beyond the control of either party, including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, wars, or public health emergencies, the Tour Manager will be compensated a reasonable cancellation fee to be determined based on the specifics of the situation, unless otherwise specified and agreed upon in writing.
______________________
Artist
______________________
Tour Manager
Date: __________, 20___
Conclusion
In today’s rapidly evolving touring industry, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding between the artist’s team and tour manager is absolutely crucial for a successful tour.
Discussing compensation can be a sensitive topic, but approaching these types of scenarios with preparation and confidence can increase the likelihood of favorable outcomes.
Ultimately, everyone benefits when folks are on the same page.