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What is a deal memo?
A deal memo records the main terms of a proposed or agreed engagement: who is involved, what is being presented, when it happens and how the parties will be paid.
Do not assume a document is nonbinding because it is called a memo. UK Theatre's published template explicitly asks whether the parties have agreed that it is legally binding. The effect of your document depends on its wording and applicable law; obtain qualified advice when that matters.
What should be clear?
Parties: legal contracting entities and the contacts handling the booking.
Engagement: artist or production, venue, dates, number of performances and running time.
Money: fee or percentage formula, currency, deposit, payment dates and agreed deductions.
Responsibilities: production costs, hospitality, marketing and merchandise arrangements.
Next steps: outstanding terms, who issues the contract and when revisions are due.
A hypothetical memo review
Suppose an offer says '$2,000 versus 80% net; production included.' Before treating that as complete, ask what 'net' deducts and what 'production included' covers.
Does the venue provide the required backline, or only the house sound system? Are equipment rentals deducted before the percentage? Who approves a cost increase? A short phrase can leave several expensive decisions unresolved.
Keep a record of the open terms
Term: additional keyboard rental. Status: not agreed. Next action: venue supplies price and artist representative approves responsibility.
Term: deposit. Status: amount agreed, due date open. Next action: contracting parties confirm the date in writing.
Term: final contract. Status: pending. Next action: named issuer sends a document that reflects the resolved terms.
Check the final paperwork against the memo
Compare the contract and incorporated riders against the latest agreed commercial terms. Resolve contradictions before relying on a summary to make payments or approve expenses. This page is a review aid, not a contract template or legal opinion.
Examples and sample wording on this page are original, fictional teaching aids, not records of actual shows or agreements.
Related guides: Guarantee vs Percentage Deal: How Artist Pay Changes; What Is a Technical Rider? What to Include; How Tour Settlements Work.