FAQs: Performance Licences and Copyright
What is a performance licence?
A performance licence is required to cover the copyright fee and royalties associated with performing the musical. A licence is required for every performance whether or not you charge for admission. It will be issued for a fixed number of performances at a named venue and for a particular audience size. Please note that we will require the address of your organisation and details of your venue so that we can issue the licence.
What will a performance licence cost?
Some packs include the performance licence for ONE performance to no more than 150 people in a named school venue. This is worth at least £50. The fee for further performances depends on the size of your audience but we would expect to receive around 12% of nominal ticket revenue whether or not a charge is made.
When do I need to buy a performance licence?
- If a licence is included in your pack:
An additional licence is required if your audience is more than 150 people, or if more than one performance is undertaken, or your venue is not a school. Larger performances in commercial venues are not covered by the free licence. Please contact us for a quote. - If a licence is not included:
We will contact you prior to dispatching the resources to discuss your licence and will give you a very clear quotation of the costs involved.
Download a Performance Licence Application form here.
We don’t charge for admission to our production -
do I need to buy a performance licence?
Yes. All performances must be licensed.
What if our school has a 'block' licence (eg PRS or CCL)?
'Block' licences (such as PRS or CCL), which may be held by your school/ group/LEA, do not cover performances of our musicals. Performance licences for our musicals are only available from the publishers. Performing Firesticks and Song musicals without our permission is illegal.
Can I video the performance?
A licence is required for making a video of your performance and covers you for making 25 copies for sale. Additional copies, if required are charged at 16% of your sale price.
Download a Video Licence Application form here.
Can I photocopy cast scripts?
All our material is subject to copyright law. Master Cast Scripts are sold with a Licence to Reproduce and you may make up to 15 copies.
Can I photocopy lyrics for song sheets?
Yes - the Licence to Reproduce permits you to copy our lyrics.
Can I copy the CD?
No. It is strictly illegal to copy the CD without our permission.
Further questions
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us for friendly help and advice.