Looking for Performing Arts Insurance?

Performing arts organizations need general liability for audience injuries and venue property damage, equipment/property coverage for costumes, sets, instruments, lighting, and sound equipment, event cancellation insurance protecting ticket revenue and expenses when shows are cancelled, and workers compensation for employees. Many organizations also need professional liability if providing educational programming, abuse and molestation coverage for youth programs, and commercial auto for touring. Non-profit performing arts groups additionally need directors & officers liability to protect board members.

Performance venues universally require general liability insurance (typically $1-2 million minimum) and adding the venue as additional insured before allowing performances on their stages. Touring contracts and presenters require proof of insurance including equipment coverage and often event cancellation coverage. Grant applications from arts councils and foundations often require insurance verification as a funding condition. Venues hosting children's programming typically require abuse and molestation coverage.

Small community theater groups or ensembles pay $1,500–$4,000 annually for basic liability and equipment coverage. Mid-sized performing arts organizations with regular seasons pay $5,000 to $15,000+ annually. Large professional companies with extensive productions, touring operations, and valuable equipment pay $20,000 to $75,000+ annually. Costs depend on performance schedule, venue types, equipment values, whether touring, number of performers and staff, educational programming, and whether serving youth populations.

Inland marine or equipment coverage protects costumes, sets, props, musical instruments, lighting equipment, sound systems, and other production assets from damage, theft, or loss whether in your facility, during transport, or at performance venues. Coverage typically includes mysterious disappearance and can be scheduled with specific values for expensive items like period costumes or professional instruments. Some policies include coverage for rented equipment and newly acquired items.

Event cancellation insurance reimburses lost ticket revenue, non-refundable expenses, and extra costs when performances are cancelled or postponed due to covered perils like extreme weather, venue damage, illness of key performers, or technical failures. Coverage typically requires purchasing before tickets go on sale and may have waiting periods. Pandemics are now often excluded or require special coverage.

Yes, theaters, concert halls, and performance venues routinely require being added as additional insureds on your general liability policy before allowing performances. This protects venues from liability arising from your productions, audience interactions, and activities at their facilities. We handle certificates for each venue with proper endorsements, and can maintain a list of regularly used venues to streamline the process.