Standard Contract
This Performance Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of [Date], by and between:
Performer
Rishi Greg Nixon
and
Client
Organization: [Organization name]
Contact Person: [Name]
Email: [Email]
Phone: [Phone]
I. Engagement
Client agrees to engage Performer to present a storytelling performance under the following terms:
Event Title: [Event name]
Date: [Date]
Time of Performance: [Start to end time of performance, in local time zone]
Time of Arrival: [Including setup, rehearsal, or sound check, in local time zone]
Location: [Venue name and address or “Virtual via ____ platform”]
Performance Length: [e.g., 12 minutes ± discussion]
Audience: [General public / youth / adults / etc.]
II. Compensation
Client agrees to pay Performer a total fee of $[Amount].
Payment shall be made via [check / ACH / PayPal] and is due within 14 days of the end of the performance.
III. Travel (if applicable)
If the performance is in-person and outside of Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, Client agrees to cover or reimburse pre-approved travel and related expenses, including transportation and lodging, if required. Receipts may be requested.
Performer may choose to waive or reduce certain travel or expense reimbursements if in alignment with other touring engagements or goals.
IV. Technical Requirements
Client agrees to provide a performance environment that is safe, accessible, and appropriate for spoken-word storytelling.
a. Backstage Needs
Client shall provide a quiet, private space for Performer to prepare prior to the performance and store personal items. Access to drinking water and a nearby restroom is requested.
Client shall provide reasonable on-site support, including: a designated point of contact before the performance for assistance with basic technical or logistical needs as needed by Performer.
For virtual events, Client is responsible for hosting the platform, managing audience access, and providing technical support.
b. Stage Needs
The performance area shall have level, stable flooring suitable for standing and light movement. Floors must be free of hazards, excessive slope, loose rugs, or slick surfaces.
A clear performance space of at least 8 feet wide by 6 feet deep is preferred. If no raised stage is available, Client agrees to designate a clearly defined performance area visible to the audience.
Client shall provide appropriate sound amplification for the size and acoustics of the venue. If audience seating extends beyond a space the size of one standard classroom, one high-quality microphone (handheld or stand-mounted), and a functional sound system capable of clear speech reinforcement is requested.
If an indoor performance or an outdoor performance after sunset, Client shall provide adequate front lighting to ensure Performer is clearly visible. For all outdoor or partially outdoor performances, Client is responsible for providing reasonable protection from weather and environmental hazards. Performer may pause or stop the performance if conditions become unsafe.
c. Front-of-House Needs
Client shall provide front-of-house support, including audience seating and accessibility, house management during the event, and enforcing a timely start and conclusion of the program.
V. Cancellation
Cancellation by Client
Cancellation within 14 days of the event may result in lost opportunities, and Client agrees to compensate Performer accordingly as outlined herein.
More than 14 days prior: No fee is due.
Within 14 days: 50% fee due within 28 days of written notice of cancellation.
Within 72 hours: 100% fee is due within 14 days of written notice of cancellation.
Cancellation by Performer
Performer will return any payments received and will make reasonable efforts to assist with rescheduling if requested.
Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including illness, natural disaster, or government restrictions. Force majeure does not include changes in funding, staffing, attendance expectations, or internal scheduling decisions.
VI. Recording
All stories, spoken-word content, and performance materials presented by Performer remain the sole intellectual property of the Performer.
No audio recording, video recording, photography, or livestreaming of the performance is permitted without the Performer’s prior consent.
If Performer grants permission for Client to record, videotape, or livestream the performance, Performer grants Client a limited, non-exclusive license to use the recordings only for the specific purposes explicitly agreed upon in writing (such as internal archival, educational, or limited promotional use).
Performer retains full copyright ownership of all content presented. Client may not sell, license, distribute, edit, adapt, or reuse recordings beyond the agreed scope without additional written permission from Performer.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to waive Performer’s right to negotiate royalties, licensing fees, or additional compensation for any future or expanded use of recordings, including but not limited to broadcast, monetized distribution, long-term hosting, or commercial reuse.
Audience members may not record the performance unless expressly authorized by Performer and Client.
Unauthorized recording or distribution shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement.
VII. Promotion
Client may use Performer’s name, bio, images, and press kit materials from rishinixon.com to advertise the event.
VIII. Safety
Client is responsible for maintaining a respectful, professional, and harassment-free environment. Performer reserves the right to pause or stop the performance if safety or professional boundaries are compromised. If the performance is paused or stopped for safety reasons outside Performer’s control, the full performance fee shall remain payable.
IX. Independent Contractor
Performer is an independent contractor and is not an employee or agent of the Client. Client shall not withhold taxes or provide employee benefits.
X. Indemnification
Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Performer from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:
The condition or use of the venue or virtual platform
Actions or omissions of the Client, its staff, volunteers, or attendees
Unauthorized recording, distribution, or use of the performance
Any breach of this Agreement by the Client
Performer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Client from claims arising from Performer’s willful misconduct or material breach of this Agreement.
XI. Liability
In no event shall either party be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.
Performer’s total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the total performance fee paid, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
XII. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.
XIII. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and may be modified only by a written document signed by both parties.
Performer Signature
______________________________
Rishi Greg Nixon
[Date]
Client Signature
______________________________
[Name]
[Title]
[Date]