What do you charge for performances?

[lovable puppet pals]

Hello Guys,
I was just wondering what everyone is charging for their performances.  Usually, when we go to a church, they just give us an offering of some sort.  But now, we are getting asked out to more places.  Do you charge a certain price, or do you just let them pay you whatever? 
Any advice would be appreciated. 
Sara

[StiqPuppet Productions]

I would say between $100.00 to $200.00 US depending on the venue.  I sometimes charge more for corporations and other such large sums of money places and charge a little less for non profit organizations.  I certainly don't take whatever they offer me.  My time is way to valuable.  I love what I do but I don't give it away for this will make it harder to make more productions in the future. 

Just my 2 Cents.....

Daryl H

[lovable puppet pals]

Thanks, Daryl.
We have 10 people on our puppet team, and we do large blacklight shows, etc.  Is $100 - $200 still good, with that many people?

[StiqPuppet Productions]

That is where it can get tricky....I based my rate on one puppeteer as you add details (lights, sounds system, ect)  the price goes up.  With a larger group you need to consider what they will get paid each (puppeteers) and the set up costs ect.....then you need to make the price based on those facts.  I have never priced for a large group like that so I hope someone may have a realistic view on how they do it and what is reasonable. 

You do need to charge much more than what I quoted you for that type of show since you need special lighting and outfits plus you need to pay 10 people.   

Daryl H

[Billy D. Fuller]

Thanks, Daryl.
We have 10 people on our puppet team, and we do large blacklight shows, etc.  Is $100 - $200 still good, with that many people?

I think it is very reasonable............. Just figure if you had to pay those ten people minimum wage  for the total time it took you to set up, perform, and break down. Not counting added expenses like wear and tear on your vehicle and gas, etc.
All this stuff adds up. Don't sell yourself short.

Billy D.

[lovable puppet pals]

Ok, that gives me some ideas with where to start.  Thanks!
I'm also a violinist, that hires out for weddings, etc...so...I can go on some of that knowledge as well.
Sara

[MsPuppet]

Sara
Are there other puppet teams in your area that you could get prices from?  I know different areas of the country can charge more than others.
In our area $200 would be cheap for a show. I am checking on some pricing to let you know. Several years ago a show with non moving mouth puppets (30-45 minutes) was about $300.

[lovable puppet pals]

OK, thanks for your help!  Yes, I may be able to check with some others in the area.
Sara

[ksuttles]

I am looking for someone who does puppets shows for my sons birthday party. Do you do them or can you point me in the right direction. I am in the Hendersonville, NC area Greenville/Spar/Asheville?
I would really appreciate any help I can get.
Thanks
Kristen Suttles

[Billy D. Fuller]

I am looking for someone who does puppets shows for my sons birthday party. Do you do them or can you point me in the right direction. I am in the Hendersonville, NC area Greenville/Spar/Asheville?
I would really appreciate any help I can get.
Thanks
Kristen Suttles

Contact Kristen or myself  by personal messages for contact number.

Billy D.

[MsPuppet]

Sara
Are you doing a performance for entertainment, or are you doing a kids crusade?  The prices vary a lot depending on what you are doing. 
We do not charge, (unless we are doing a puppet making workshop) because this is a ministry for us. We determined from the start that we would accept offerings and the Lord would take care of us. If asked, we tell them they should consider us the same way they consider an evangelist and pay accordingly.  We do crusades, doing puppets along with all the other stuff we do.