Sounds about right. There's only four types of performance venues - coffeehouse, live show, private, and big show. I believe you can see which one is which by clicking on the lot in edit town mode.
Personally I've taken sims up to level 10 in their career by performing for tips, simfests, and celebration sing-a-grams. As long as the job shows up in the paper or on the computer they can start their career, and they can practice their skills or perform for the locals to rise through the ranks. Having the various venues makes it go faster, for sure, but the performance park is enough by itself if you'd rather not have the others taking up space in town.
