Rider (theater)

In theater (and musical performance), a rider is a set of requests or demands that a performer sets as criteria for performance. Types of riders include hospitality and technical.

The hospitality rider is a list of requests for the comfort of the artist on the day of the show. Common requests are:

A document which specifies the types of equipment to be used, the staff to be provided, and various business arrangements.

Typical requests are:

On occasion, an artist's rider may be seen as unreasonable or excessive for a given performance. It is often the case that such riders were devised for larger or more complex performances. In situations like these, the stage manager would talk with the band manager about alternatives.

Some requests or requirements are used to avoid certain conditions and small venues (e.g., if an act is required to perform as a condition of grant money). Such clauses make it difficult to put on a show and/or limit production quality. An example could be a ballet choreographed for a 60 feet by 60 feet stage. Adapting to a smaller stage could require removal of vital parts of the performance. Another example is asking for an unnecessarily large power supply.

Some rider requirements are attempts to avoid specific problems from previous shows. Some venues cut corners to save expense, leaving the touring crew with inedible food, etc.

"Unreasonable requests" (if legal) can be contractual obligations. Failure to meet such terms can compel performance fees to be paid without a performance.

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