Many street performers are often approached by members of their audiences who, having been so impressed by what they have just witnessed, make an offer of some kind to use that performers talent and skills within the context of their own professional fields.

Sometimes this is easily negotiated. The potential employer simply wishes to engage the performers services. A fee is agreed upon and, providing that both parties are professional enough to carry out their individual commitments to each other, everybody is happy.

However, a lot of the time, what these potential employers usually offer is not payment in return for a performance but an invitation for the performer simply to "busk" in a different environment. Many performers see this as an attempt to obtain free entertainment and turn such offers down, thereby closing the door on a possible new venue and disappointing those who approached them.

Therefore the following retainer system was designed to rectify this imbalance for the benefit of all concerned.


Why is the retainer necessary?

To answer this question any potential employer should firstly consider the following:

- Street theatre cannot just be done anywhere. There are some environments where, no matter how busy it is pedestrian wise, it is simply not possible. This explains why street performers only work in certain places.

- Street performers, at least the vast majority, have no other form of income. Thus they rely on what they can earn (normally only on weekends) to make ends meet and are not inclined to try out unknown places when the rent is due. So, to ask a street performer to "busk" at some out of the way event on a Sunday, is like asking them to commit financial suicide.


What are the benefits of a retainer for an Employer?

- That the performer will turn up on time on the date requested instead of "maybe".

- That even though the performer may feel that the venue is unsuitable, they will at least attempt a show, instead of walking off in a rage, leaving the employer angry with no act whatsoever.

- That he gets a performance for half its normal cost rather than no show at all.


What are the benefits of a retainer for a Performer?

- That, if the venue or event turns out to be unsuitable due to the nature of its layout or organisation, and/or the "hat" negligible, at least he or she doesn't totally lose out.

- That there is a commitment on the employer's part rather than simply an open and easily forgotten invitation so the performer isn't wasting valuable working time.


How much should a retainer be?

Obviously every performer charges differently for their services but a good rule of thumb is usually half the normal fee for one performance. Only one show is guaranteed but if the venue or event is definitely workable, any good street performer would keep on working.