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Public liability insurance for theatre productions and performing arts

Help your cast and crew perform at their best, with tailored theatre production insurance arranged by industry experts.

1300 655 931

Why is theatre and performing arts insurance important?

Insurance for performing arts is important for several reasons.

For one, it can cover legal liability around third-party injury and property damage. Your cast or crew could accidentally injure (or damage the property of) an audience member, possibly leading to a claim.

It can also help cover equipment damages and volunteer injuries – as well as the financial impact of event cancellations or the non-appearance of the headline act.

Whether you are on-stage or off, touring or local, we can tailor a theatre insurance policy to your unique production.

What insurance do theatre productions need?

Public and event liability

If someone gets injured or suffers property damage during your show, public and event liability insurance can help cover the financial consequences of a legal claim.

Event equipment

A theatre or stage production’s equipment is precious cargo. Event equipment insurance can help cover property repair and replacement if it gets damaged or lost (even in transit).

Event cancellation

Cancellations can’t always be avoided. If your show is cancelled or abandoned due to circumstances outside your control, this insurance can help cover the financial loss.

Non-appearance

Want peace of mind for circumstances outside your control? Non-appearance insurance can cover financial losses if a key performer, headline or part of a performance group fails to show up.

Volunteer injury

Ever rely on volunteers to help bring your show to life? Voluntary workers personal accident cover can help protect them and you against financial loss if they get hurt while volunteering.

Travel insurance

If you’re taking your production on the road, a travel insurance policy can help protect your personal luggage, medical costs and trip cancellation fees – letting you focus on the bigger picture.

Why choose theatre and stage production insurance with Marsh?

75+ years’ experience

Our decades of experience arranging tailored insurance solutions for theatre and stage performances gives us unmatched industry expertise.

By performers, for performers

We take a personalised approach to our service and our products, informed by our firsthand experiences in the performing arts.

Trusted partners

We are the principal risk partner to a number of industry associations – including the Association of Community Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company.

Why use a broker?

Choosing insurance for the performing arts means navigating through products, coverages and policy terminology – with a sales pitch as your only guide. A broker who specialises in the entertainment industry will spot your unique set of risks, match you to the right choice, and advocate for you on price.

Frequently asked questions

Marsh can arrange specialist performing arts insurance for a range of industry groups and companies – including:

  •  Theatre groups
  • Community theatre productions 
  • Musical and art theatre
  • Performing arts (such as ballet and opera)
  • Dramatic art
  • Production companies
  • Event promotors, managers and organisers
  • Venues.

Can’t see your specialty listed? Get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Public and event liability insurance can help cover risks relating to on-premises activities, including during rehearsals or performances.

In the event of a claim due to third-party bodily injury or property damage, public and event liability cover can offer protection for:

  • legal fees
  • medical expenses
  • repair and replacement costs (in the case of property damage).

Your insurable risks (the duties and actions you carry out at work) can differ depending on your insurer.

Event cancellation and non-appearance cover can help protect you against risks posed by:

  • Extreme weather
  • Staging collapse
  • Public transport failure
  • Venue damage
  • Terrorism
  • Technical failure
  • Denial of access
  • Power failure
  • National mourning
  • Communicable disease
  • Earthquake
  • Non-appearance (of a key performer)
  • Damaged equipment
  • Damaged props
  • Set design fire or flood.

For further information, please contact the Marsh Entertainment team

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LCPA 24/415

Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238369) (“MAI”) arranges the general insurance (i.e. not the Discretionary Trust Arrangement) and is not the insurer.

This page contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from MAI on request. MAI makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wordings or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or re-insurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors.

The Discretionary Trust Arrangement is issued by the Trustee, JLT Group Services Pty Ltd (ABN 26 004 485 214, AFSL 417964) (“JGS”). Any advice or dealing in relation to the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is provided by JLT Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 69 009 098 864, AFSL 226 827) (“JLT”). JGS and JLT are businesses of Marsh McLennan. The cover provided by the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is subject to the Trustee’s discretion and/or the relevant policy terms, conditions and exclusions.