Recommendation for lower fee limits

The Landesverband der Freien Theater in Sachsen e.V. (LFTS) represents the interests of all independent artists and cultural actors, independent groups, companies, production houses and theatres in the independent performing arts in Saxony.

As one of 16 state associations, it is a member of the Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V. (BFDK). Six other nationwide performing arts associations are also associated with this organisation. In total, the Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste represents more than 2,071 theatre companies, artistic collectives, companies in the cultural and creative industries, associations and solo freelancers.

By recommending lower fee limits, the Federal Association aims to improve the social situation of solo self-employed persons in the performing arts. Since 2015, the lower fee limits have provided guidance for negotiating one's own fee, calculating projects and for funding programmes. Due to the gradual tariff increase in the standard stage contract (NV) from the 2022/2023 season, the BFDK once again decided to increase the lower fee limits at the delegates' meeting on 12 October 2022. Many funding institutions have since recognised them as binding.

Based on this, the LFTS has compiled a paper that is intended to facilitate the application of the lower fee limits, illustrate the calculation of project fees and raise awareness of the additional costs and expenses that solo self-employed persons have to take into account compared to employees. The association is thus making a recommendation to both sponsors and the self-employed. Both sides must take responsibility in order to realise the lower fee limit - which should mark the lowest limit and not the middle.

Our guidelines were presented for the first time in November 2023 as part of the Fair Pay Workshop as a cooperation event between the LFTS, the Thuringian Theatre Association (TTV) and the Federal Association of Independent Performing Arts (BFDK).