You've rehearsed, promoted the event, packed your equipment and travelled to the venue.
Then comes the call no performer wants to receive: the show has been cancelled.
It might be because of severe weather, damage to the venue or another issue that's completely out of your hands. Whatever the reason, a cancellation can leave performers, production companies and organisers facing unexpected costs.
Why Are Performances Cancelled?
Most performances go ahead as planned, but sometimes circumstances make it impossible. Common reasons include:
- Fire, flooding or structural damage to the venue
- Power failures or other essential service disruptions
- Health and safety concerns
- Unexpected venue closures
- Industrial action
- The venue becoming inaccessible due to circumstances beyond anyone's control
In many cases, nobody is at fault, but that doesn't stop the financial impact.
What Are the Costs?
Missing out on your performance fee is only part of the problem. A cancellation could also leave you out of pocket for:
- Travel and accommodation
- Equipment hire
- Crew or technician costs
- Marketing and promotional expenses
- Venue deposits
- Lost ticket income for organisers or production companies
For tours, festivals or larger productions, these costs can mount up quickly.
Does Performer Insurance Cover Cancellations?
Not always. Many people assume cancellation is included as standard, but it is usually a separate type of cover.
Public liability insurance is there to protect you if someone is injured or property is damaged because of your activities. Equipment insurance can help if your instruments or gear are lost, stolen or damaged. Neither is designed to cover the financial losses that come from a cancelled performance. That's where cancellation insurance comes in.
When Can Cancellation Insurance Help?
Cancellation insurance is designed to protect against financial losses when an event can't go ahead because of circumstances beyond your control.
Depending on the policy, cover may include:
- Venue damage or closure
- Illness or injury affecting a key performer
- Non-appearance of a principal performer
- Certain public events, such as national mourning or industrial action
- Other unforeseen circumstances covered by the policy
Every event is different, so cancellation insurance is usually arranged to suit the individual production or event.
Who Should Consider It?
Cancellation insurance can be valuable for:
- Theatre companies
- Production companies
- Independent performers
- Touring productions
- Festival organisers
- Event organisers
- Arts venues
If a cancelled performance could leave you facing a significant financial loss, it's worth considering whether this type of cover is right for you.
Protect Your Next Performance
No one can prevent every unexpected cancellation, but you can protect yourself against the financial consequences.
At Performers Insurance, we arrange specialist cancellation insurance for performers, theatres and production companies. Cover can be tailored to your production and may provide protection if an event has to be cancelled because of circumstances beyond your control.
To find out more, visit our Cancellation Insurance page or get in touch with our team to discuss the right cover for your next performance.
Performers Insurance Call: 01708 860999