We all know that we need to include agreements in our contracts that address tuition, billing and changing or dropping classes, but what about the nitty-gritty details you may not have considered? You don’t want to get caught off-guard by a lawsuit or uncooperative parent simply because you didn’t cover your bases.

To help you stay on top of things, here are three important things you should put in your studio contract.

You’re welcome!

1. Photo Release

It’s 2019, classes and performances will be filmed and photographed—that’s just a fact. Whether by a student, a teacher or a parent, your dancers and their work will very likely end up on social media somewhere. You can’t monitor everything your students do, and frankly, you’re going to want to use footage and photography to help promote your business. So, include a photo release agreement. Be sure to include a statement that says parents/guardians consent to the use, distribution or sale of images by your studio.

2. Unattended Children

Ever since the dawn of the dance-studio business, parents/guardians have had trouble picking up their dancers on time. I for one know I spent a good chunk of time waiting for my parents to rush across town to pick me up after class had long since been over. Of course the mayhem of looking after unattended children is not your studio’s responsibility, and it can start to be a real problem if not addressed. Get ahead of things by reminding parents/guardians to pick their kids up on time. In your agreement, include a clause that states parents/guardians may be charged a certain amount of money if they leave children at the studio for longer than a certain amount of time.

3. Studio Rental

Renting studio space to your students and other businesses for extra rehearsals can be a big money-maker, as long as your guests are respectful of your rules and procedures. Make sure your contract outlines cost, when payment is due, cancellation fees and the correct process for booking space. You don’t want anyone sneaking into the space dishonestly and taking the time away from a paying customer. Let your dancers know there is a fee that will be charged to anyone who doesn’t follow your regulations.