Tools of the Trade

Booking and Touring Tips

General pre-requisites for touring

  • Several years professional performance experience in local and/or fringe festival showings
  • Demonstrated administrative structure, technical and marketing support.

Before you contact one of the CanDance Network members

  • Read and assess the presenters' pages and websites. Choose members who have programming philosophies and season schedules compatible with your work. Make sure their theatre/space can accommodate your needs.
  • Assemble a proposal which clearly describes you and your artistic product. Include the number of performers, length of piece(s), technical and any additional requirements. If appropriate, provide options for a shared programme or a full evening of work. List the dates that you are available, and types of residency activities you offer. Enclose a press kit that highlights your professional achievements.
  • Send your proposal a minimum of 18 months before you want to tour. (Do not wait until the last minute to contact presenters.)
  • Follow-up with the presenter to make sure they received your proposal. Ask when they make final programming decisions.
  • Add presenters to your mailing list and invite them to showings of your work at home, in festivals, or on tour. Give them as much advance notice as possible.
  • Often performance or residency fees will not cover all your touring costs. You need to raise additional creation, re-mount, travel or rehearsal funds from private sources or government grants (see listings for the Canada Council, Service and Umbrella Organizations for more information).
  • There may be two or more years between your first approach to a presenter and a booking. The number of artists/companies requesting tours far exceeds the opportunities available. Make your work, promotional materials, and organization as professional as possible to get that extra edge.

Artist and Presenter tools