Document Guide

Performance Contract

An engagement agreement that shows your role and billing

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

Educational only — not legal advice.

What it shows

A performance contract is the agreement for a production, event or engagement. It shows your role, your billing and the terms, and supports claims of a lead or starring role.

Strong vs. weak

Strong

Signed by both sides, naming the production, your role, dates and fee
Billing or credit terms that show a lead role
Paired with programmes, posters or credits confirming the role was performed

Weak

A deal memo with no signature
A contract that does not state your role
A future engagement with no evidence about the production or venue

How to prepare it

Provide the full signed contract
Add material showing the standing of the production, venue or organiser
For future work, add the itinerary of engagements

Common mistake

Showing the contract without evidence of the production's standing. A lead role counts when the production or organisation is itself distinguished.

Where this evidence is used

O-1B Lead or Starring Role

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