Indie Agreements

Indie Standard Terms and Conditions

Indie I Design Engagement Contract

The most comprehensive of the agreements used to engage ADC659 designers by independent producers with a project budget and/or annual budget in excess of $50,000. It provides fee guidelines based on box office potential; clearly sets out parameters for royalties; provides details of the production schedule and budget; makes provisions for residency period, accommodation, and travel expenses; clearly states the responsibilities of both the designer and producer; and upholds the designers’ intellectual property rights. Each design discipline has a separate Schedule to outline the parameters in detail.

The Indie I includes a provision for the ADC to hold a bond (equivalent to 34% of the total design fee) to mitigate financial risk. The bond may be waived if the producer pays the designer in full upon contract-signing, or in other special circumstances determined by the ADC.

Indie II Design Engagement Contract

This agreement may be used by independent producers to engage ADC659 members, in circumstances where: the project and/or annual budget is $50,000 or less; and where the box office potential is $17,000 per week or less. This hybrid agreement provides for a simplified contract and more modest fees in exchange for a share of the box office. In addition to outlining the financial arrangements between parties, the designer is accorded Right of First Refusal for any future iteration of the production with a new contract and new fee, in lieu of royalties.

Workshop Contract

The Workshop Contract is for use when ADC659 members are participating in a development workshop for a performance. Fees are to be negotiated separately from and in addition to any fee negotiated for the design of the final production. Eligible workshops and readings include the development of a new work; a new translation or adaptation of an existing work; or the reading of an existing work. The focus of workshops and readings is clearly understood to be on process rather than on production, with emphasis on the development of the work, not on the performance or production values of any presentation.

No defaulting engager may participate in an ADC-approved Workshop Contract.

Collective Contract

This contract exists to respond to the evolving needs and producing models in the Canadian theatre community. It is to be used by ad hoc unincorporated entities that do not receive operating funding for projects where all members of the collective are full and equal business partners. It may not be used when a PACT member or established producing entity is hosting the production as part of their season, or for any co-production. In addition to naming all parties to the agreement and their share of box office proceeds, the designer is accorded Right of First Refusal for any future iteration of the production, and a new contract and new fee shall be accorded in lieu of royalties.

Requesting a Contract

To request any contract, please contact the office, and provide the following information:

• Which contract you require
• Relevant Design Discipline(s)
• Name of the Designer
• Name of the Production
• Producing Company
• Company Category

The Indie Fee Table (2022-2024) outlines the base fees applicable to all producing categories, including Profit Share. Designers and Producers may negotiate above, but not below, these base fees.

Members can download the contract from our Members Section