408 Visas for Comedians, Theatre Casts and Touring Stage Productions

Stand up tours, touring musicals and theatre seasons bring overseas performers to Australian stages every year. The 408 Entertainment visa covers them, but the paperwork is different from a music tour in a few ways. This page explains what comedians, theatre producers and their crews need.

Which category applies

Person	Usual 408 category
Comedians, actors in live theatre, classical performers, singers	Performing in productions not related to film or television
Director, producer and technical crew for the stage production	Production roles other than as a performer
Dressers, voice coaches, hair and make up	Support staff for profit

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What the producer must provide

• a performing contract for specific engagements;
• an itinerary with the dates and venues of every performance;
• evidence of consultation with the relevant union, usually the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) for actors and comedians, and the union’s response, if any;
• an explanation of the net employment benefit to the Australian entertainment industry, such as local cast, crew and front of house staff;
• evidence the sponsor or supporter holds any licences needed for the production.

See union consultation for 408 entertainment visas for how consultation works.

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Short tours and long seasons

The length of the run and where you apply decide the sponsor type. For a short comedy tour of 3 months or less, with applications made outside Australia, the promoter can be a supporter. A longer theatre season needs an approved temporary activities sponsor. The visa can be granted for up to 2 years, aligned with the season. For engagements of 12 months or more, a few weeks either side may be allowed.

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Festivals and club shows

Paid comedy and fringe festival shows usually fit this category. Genuine charity or free shows may fit the non profit category instead. Ongoing shows in clubs, restaurants or hotels are different: policy only supports headline acts, featured shows or specific events over a short period, around 1 to 2 weeks. See performing in clubs, restaurants and hotels.

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Changes to the season

Condition 8109 applies, so adding cities, extending the season or moving venues needs the Department’s prior written permission. See changing a tour itinerary.

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Costs

From 1 July 2026, the 408 visa application charge is $535 for each applicant aged 18 or over and $135 for each child under 18. The temporary activities sponsorship fee is $420. See entertainment visa costs compared.