Contracting Entertainers: How to Negotiate a Rider

When negotiating riders, it’s important to remember just that – you can negotiate. A rider is the section of an entertainer’s contract that details requirements for things such as a dressing room, transportation, food and beverage or the performance itself.

All requests might not be as detailed as sorting M&Ms by color. Some specifications are made for health and personal preferences and should be taken seriously. Riders are part of a contractual agreement, so terms should be reviewed carefully before signing.

Negotiating Riders-Where to Start

Re-reading and getting a second set of eyes to look it over are good ways to make sure you don’t miss any details. Determine the needs of your event and come to a decision about what you can and are willing to comply with, and what have questions about. If you aren’t 100% comfortable with signing the contract as is, communicate with the sender and note your changes by marking them directly in the document.

Making Changes

First, go through and cross out anything that doesn’t apply. It’s important to note that most national entertainer contracts default from arena or concert venue tours. In which case, a lot of terms will most likely be inapplicable to an event. These are usually things such as comped seats and merchandise sales.

Add in any terms that relate to your event or venue (i.e. no onsite showers, a different stage size, an outdoor venue, etc.) While the rider represents the artist or performer’s requirements, it should also align with the specifications of your event.

Negotiating Terms

The purpose of rider requirements is so that entertainers are able to perform the best that they can. If you are suggesting changes to their requests, you should know how to offer comparable options. As with any other contract, a fair compromise can satisfy both parties.

Certain terms in a rider may require more attention, time, and money. For example, if a band has specific dietary preferences, organizing a catered meal in their dressing room might become pricey and time-consuming. A more efficient solution may be a buy-out, providing a fixed stipend for the band to go out to eat.

Negotiating riders ultimately comes down to understanding the specifications of your event, the needs of your entertainers, and your resources.