childrens school MusicalsCopyright and licensing is rather complex but it is a legal requirement for schools to comply with copyright law. We recognise that teachers are extremely busy, so we try to make the process of compliance as simple as possible. The guidelines below explain the most common issues, and further helpful information can be found at www.copyrightandschools.org/
We are always happy to help so call us for advice on +44 (0) 1803 814318 or email info@firesticksandsong.com
Performing A Musical
The performance of a musical to an audience (other than pupils and staff) requires a performance licence, even if it’s a ‘free’ performance. ‘Block’ licences (such as PRS or CCL), which may be held by your school/ group/ LEA, do not cover performances of our musicals, licences for which are only available from Firesticks and Song.
Bespoke Packages.
The precise terms of these licences will be totally specific to your production and will be negotiated with you. The resources for these musicals are supplied on hire and must be returned to us after your performance.
Performance licences will permit the holder to:
- Perform the musical on the dates applied for
- Reproduce the song lyrics on printed paper, e.g. for programmes, to make transparencies for overhead projection and to display the lyrics on an interactive whiteboard or other type of screen. The following credit should be included with the lyrics: ‘© Firesticks and Song – Reproduced with permission’
- Photocopy the Master Cast Script for learning purposes. Copies must be destroyed after the performance
- Play the CD (either backing or vocal tracks) at the performance
Downloaded Packages.
The included licences will be specific to the information you give us during the download process.
Performance licences will permit the holder to:
- Perform the musical on the dates applied for
- Print the song lyrics; make transparencies for overhead projection; and to display the lyrics on an interactive whiteboard or other type of screen. The following credit should be included with the lyrics: ‘© Firesticks and Song – Reproduced with permission’
- Photocopy the Master Cast Script for learning purposes. Copies must be destroyed after the performance
- Transfer the music to another device (eg. iPod or CD) ONCE ONLY for practice or performance.
- Print the Director’s Script once only. This copy must be destroyed after the performance.
- Print the musical score once only. This copy must be destroyed after thye performance.
Performance licences are time specific. Repeat performances must be re-licenced.
Copying, File-sharing & Uploading
Copying Firesticks and Song audio CDs is not permitted without obtaining a specific licence from the publisher. Installation of audio CD tracks on to a computer is strictly forbidden without a licence.
You are permitted to upload to a public website up to 30 seconds of your school’s audio or video recording of any of our songs.
File-sharing of any of our audio/backing tracks, CD files, mp3 files, digital scripts or Director’s Scripts, is strictly prohibited .
Musicals are sold to schools or organisations (rather than to individuals) who are responsible for compliance with copyright law. It is not permitted to transfer any Firesticks and Song material to any other school or organisation for any reason without our express permission. Materials must remain with the school or organisation who purchased them.
Putting On A Concert
If you are not staging a musical but are performing any of our songs for the public on school premises (i.e. to anyone other than pupils or staff) then royalty payments become due.
Contact Firesticks and Song directly to obtain a licence.
‘Block’ licences (such as PRS or CCL), which may be held by your school/ group/ LEA, do not cover performances of our songs, licences for which are only available from Firesticks and Song. .
Video/DVD Recordings (Downloaded Packages)
If you wish to make an video recording of your performance of any of our works please contact us for a Film Licence. The licence will cost £50 and will enable you to make and sell 50 copies at a price of your choosing. If you wish to make further copies, please contact us.
Further Information
Further information on licensing for any Firestick and Song product is available from us on
+44 (0) 1803 813977 or by e-mail info@firesticksandsong.com
The revenue (royalties) raised from Performing Licences is the main source of income for writers. If intellectual copyright, which is protected by law, is not respected and royalties not paid, then there is no incentive for writers to produce new materials. Performing Firesticks and Song musicals without our permission is illegal.