The Association of Community Theatre and Marsh Insurance’s Public Liability, Volunteer Accident and Money Insurance Policies can be found here.
Background
In 1997, ACT set up an umbrella Public Liability insurance and Volunteer Workers Personal Accident cover for amateur theatre. In 2000 we added a ‘Money’ policy.
The scheme has helped amateur theatre companies in all States and Territories in Australia save thousands of dollars over the years.
To take out any of these insurance policies, your group, if based in NSW, ACT, SA, TAS or NT, must be a financial member of the Association of Community Theatre.
Groups based in QLD, VIC or WA are exempt form joining ACT if they are a member of either the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria, Victorian Drama League, Independent Theatre Association WA, or the Gold Coast Theatre Alliance.
To join ACT, complete the membership application form here.
At the Annual General Meeting of ACT in October 2019 it was resolved to appoint Marsh Pty Ltd, specialist Entertainment Insurance brokers, as the endorsed broker for the Association’s insurance program for 2020 and beyond.
In addition to the stability of insurers, Marsh negotiated a significant premium reduction for the main insurance policies purchased by community theatres, whilst improving the levels of coverage.
DETAILS OF THE 3 POLICIES FOR 2026 CAN BE FOUND here.
Don’t Break a Leg
To assist member companies keep their performances and rehearsals as safe as possible, we share an outstanding presentation by Tim Cramsie from the 2024 Stagecraft onference on stage safety. Click here to read.
Recent Accident Claims
Here are some examples of claims that have made to the ACT endorsed insurance policies over the years to inform members of what to look out for. PA (Personal Accident) PL (Public Liability)
2021
1/04/2021 PA Costume rack fell over onto a person’s right shoulder sustaining strain injury. Rack had several heavy costumes on at the time $700.00 was awarded in compensation.
2019
19/05/2019 PL Claimant leaned on an exit door and fell out injuring her wrist. No compensation was awarded. Finalised.
2018
12/02/2018 PL – Set fell on the claimant injuring his shoulder $192.75 was awarded. Finalised
22/07/2018 PL – A claimant fell whilst dancing and injured her ankle. No compensation was awarded.
9/9/2018 PL – The claimant’s parquet floor was damaged by improperly seated screws
in a dancer’s tap shoes $2,640.70 was awarded. Finalised.
7/10/2018 PL – The claimant slipped over some poles laid on the theatre floor and fractured his elbow. $780.70 was awarded. Finalised.
24/10/2018 PL – Art works at Gallery damaged by water. Insured left a door open and storm water penetrated the gallery $355.32 was awarded. Finalised.
2017
25/02/2017 PL – Choir member fell onto an orchestra member’s trombone, damaging it. $670.00 was awarded. Finalised.
17/05/2017 PL – A member of the insured theatre troupe splashed fake blood on a white theatre curtain during a rehearsal of the performance ‘Sweeney Todd’. Owner demanded replacement and associated costs. $1,854.40 was awarded. Finalised.
27/08/2017 PL – 2 pieces of the set fell from the wall onto the claimant’s car $1,641.13 was awarded. Finalised.
2016
20/08/2016 PL – Claimant fell down the stairs at the theatre. $30,327.50 was awarded. Finalised.
21/11/2016 PL – Claimant slipped down some stairs. $29,540.12 was awarded. Finalised.
2015
12/07/2015 PL – Patron of the production fell on stairs whilst moving to seating area. Venue was a hired theatre belonging to the XXXXX School. $69,337.95 was awarded. Finalised.
2013
17/11/2013 PL – The claimant alleges that the Insured’s stage crew damaged a ‘cyclorama’ stage curtain whilst moving furniture during the Insured’s performance a musical at XXXXXX. $800.00 was awarded. Finalised.