Hi,

What are the specific uses of a Rider vs. a Contract?

I have seen assorted verbiage all over the map in both.

Travel Accomodations in Riders and/or in Contracts, etc.

Stage requirements in Contracts and/or in Riders, etc.

Which items really should go where as a professional entertainer?

Thanks,
Tod

A Rider is part (or an extention of) the Contract, The Contract is basicially the who, what, where, when and how much, where the Rider provides the details, performance necessities, and additional arrangements. This is the quick overview of the two.

The contract rider is usually sent prior to the contract for approval, but some follow after... Depending on the situation. This outlines travel, special request, staging-sound requirements, etc etc....

The contract is the who, when and where, and how much and all the legalities.

So, here, in simplistic terms, would be the appropriate forms?

CONTRACT
Who: Suave magician
What: Evening show
When: Next month
Where: Any town, USA
How Much: Not Nearly Enough

RIDER:
Staging Requirements: 8x8 riser, mic, etc
Hotel: Payed by client
Airline: Coach seat, pickup at airport, etc
Cancellations: 30 day
Refreshments: Bottle of water
Misc: Etc

Do I understand everything correctly?

Tod,
Cancellations & postponements are dealt with on my contract - not rider.

Tod,
Pretty much right on, but cancellations should be in the contract and not the rider.
Also, more detail about travel and hotel etc etc.
The client will usually follow it to the T.

For travel I have a claus...
Min 4 star hotel (Stays more than 3 days- hotel with a swimming pool) (I have the pool claus in there since I swim for exercise when I am at home)
Coach ticket when the total travel time is less than 4 hours
The most direct and non-stop flights when possible
All arrangements must be approl prior to purchasing...


One would have a contract rider for travel and a contract rider for stage, etc etc,,,
The person who hires you gives them to their production company/coordinator and to their travel agent... etc etc...

For an example:

STAGING/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

All performance areas, including but not limit to; sound booth, stage, back stage, 
vehicles should be designated as non-smoking areas.
Only authorized personnel may be in the designated areas. 
Magic of Curtis Management has the right to approve any personnel or remove any 
person(s) finds fit.


All in-house intercoms and music should be disabled during performance(s).


Stage layout and room diagram (minimum 21 days prior to event)



Illusion Program:

Stage at least 20’ x 20’ x 3’ (see diagram)

Steps on all sides of the stag
e
Black pipe and drape at least 8’ to meet in the middle for access to back stage


Center staging can have backdrop (see diagram)

No public access or view to backstage


Wireless Lavaliere Microphone to be worn on the head

Wireless hand held microphone with stand
6 fllash pots with flash at least 8 feet

2 CD players capable of playing rewritable CDs.
Sound/Stage Technician
Stage Wash
Spotlight with Technician
Gaffers tape (3 different colors)

So, we're saying that a pro entertainer ideally has TWO riders instead of one?

One for all things travel & accomodations, and another for stage and performance?

These and the contract make THREE forms that go to the client for approval/signature?

Thanks,
Tod

Well,

You have a separate travel rider because the entertainer may perform locally.

The riders will also speak about green rooms, security, prop handling, time frames etc etc.

Usually on the contract you have a claus stating,,, The undersign agrees to all contract riders.... and you list them...

My rider covers all the technical aspects of the show - room set up, when I go on (not during dinner) etc, dressing room etc.

If you want to see what can really go into some riders look at The Smoking Gun website. They list a lot of riders from bands and performers.

Would someone be kind enough to provide me with some examples of their contracts and riders. I know everyone is different but I would like to see some general guidelines and what format is professional looking. Thanks!