SIA's policies can include coverage for audience participation, but not athletic participation. But what's the difference between the two? Let's break it down.
What is audience participation?
Audience participation is when spectators get involved in a fun, light, and non-physical way during a show or event. They're not performing; they're just adding to the experience. Think of it as interactive moments that make the show more memorable without putting anyone at risk.
Examples of audience participation:
- Picking a card during a magic trick
- Singing a song on your own or with a performer
- Joining a mentalism act on stage
- High-fiving a stilt walker as they pass you in a parade
- Handing a prop to a performer (no fire involved!)
- Sitting for a caricature drawing
In all these situations, the audience member stays a spectator, not a performer. Please note that audience participation with fire, whip cracking, or knife throwing is never covered.
Side note: when inviting someone on stage, be sure to help them on/off the stage. This is a very common spot where spectators get injured and claims are filed! Assisting spectators is the perfect job for a performer's assistant.
What is athletic participation?
Athletic participation, on the other hand, involves physical performance or risk. Here, the audience member stops being just a spectator and starts acting like a performer. These activities are more demanding, potentially dangerous, and not covered under SIA's audience participation coverage.
Examples of athletic participation:
- Having and audience member do a strength test
- Lifting or carrying an audience member as part of an act
- Letting someone climb onto your aerial rig
- Doing balance or acrobatic tricks using an audience member
The key difference is that audience participation is safe, interactive, and fun, whereas athletic participation is risky and more of a physical performance. When in doubt, you can ask yourself, "Is the audience member still a spectator, or have they become part of the act?"
If you have any questions about what is or isn't covered, or if you want to confirm if your audience participation would be eligible for coverage, send us an email (info@specialtyinsuranceagency.com) or give our office a call (715-246-8908).
