Contracts & Riders
Student Performers
Alcohol Policy
Party Policy
Party Host Training
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Contracts & Riders

If you are planning an event that involves the services of another group (musicians, concert sound, DJs) then you will need to have a contract. A contract is an agreement between Colby (not you personally) and the group providing the service which says that Colby will pay a set fee (and often provide other items - riders) for a specified service at Colby. Many performers will furnish their own contracts, which must be reviewed by the Student Activities Office and signed by Richard Nale, Associate Director of Personnel. Many performers do not have their own contract, in which case a standard Colby Contract must be used. All club, organization or SPB contracts must be approved by the Student Activities Office. You, as a student, are not empowered with the ability to sign contracts on behalf of the College. All contracts with Colby, whatever the purpose, must be signed by Richard Nale, Associate Director of Personnel. If you sign a contract, you may be held personally responsible for the contents, including payment, services and any penalties.

Many performers, large and small, attach a separate "rider" to the contract specifying other items that the College is responsible for. Riders usually involve catering and other food requests as well as specifications on staging, sound equipment, overnight lodging, travel, dressing areas as well as other miscellaneous and often random items. It is important to understand that no contract or rider is official until both parties have signed it. By no means will every performer receive everything that their contract asks for. Many stipulations, hospitality items (such as alcohol) and others things may and will be crossed off the contract before the College agrees to uphold it. Riders will generally increase the overall cost of an act, don't forget to budget this in when making event plans.

• Do NOT make verbal agreements with agents or performers
• Process all contracts with Kelly Wharton in the Student Activities Office
• DO NOT sign any contract
• KEEP IN MIND that travel, lodging, sound requirements and catering will add to the cost of your event
• Do not request a contract unless you have obtained all funding and have a space reserved for your performer
• Stop by the student activities office for contract/rider questions
• Standard Colby College contracts can be obtained in the Student Activities Office

DEADLINE: The deadline for processing completed contracts and riders is 2 weeks prior to the date of the scheduled event.

REMEMBER: DON'T EVER SIGN A CONTRACT. EVER!