Amateur Stage Magazine

Common Misnomers

Over the years many schools and youth groups have operated under the impression that special rules apply to them when it comes to performing rights. Sadly many of these pre-conceptions are wrong. Amateur Stage looks at some of those pre-conceptions to set the record straight.

With the recent release of “Schools Editions” of major shows schools need to be aware of the law pertaining to performing rights now more than ever. Unfortunately, ignorance is no longer an acceptable excuse so it’s best to know where you stand when it comes to staging a show for your school or youth group.

WE ARE A SCHOOL WE DON’T NEED TO GET PERMISSION?

Wrong, if you are looking to stage any work be it play or musical chances are you will need a contract with the rights holder.  Most of the major shows are represented in the UK and it is your responsibility to locate the rights holder and negotiate a contract. Rightsholders usually want you to perform their shows so they’ll be more than happy to guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible for you.

WE DON’T NEED TO PAY ROYALTIES IF WE AREN’T CHARGING FOR TICKETS.

Wrong, there are very few circumstances in which you would not be liable to pay royalties.  People wrongly believe that audiences at dress rehearsals, free performances and outdoor performances are exempt. Usually they aren’t. Just because your show is free you will still need permission and a royalty contract.

WE CAN’T FIND THE RIGHTSHOLDER THEREFORE WE CAN STAGE THE SHOW WITHOUT PAYING.

Most shows in the UK are represented by Josef Weinberger, Samuel French or Really Useful Group or any number of smaller rightsholders. If the show isn’t on their books in most cases they can refer you to the correct person. Most can usually be found by Googling the show you are looking for.  If after extensive research rights still cannot be found proceeding comes with its own risks. If you do decide to proceed you may be hit with a request for payment after the show has finished or worse still you may be asked to cease the production in the middle of the run or before you open. Any money spent in pre-production would then be lost and you might still find yourself the subject of legal action. Be careful!!

WE DON’T NEED TO BUY SCRIPTS OR SCORES WE CAN PHOTOCOPY THEM.

Absolutely not. Unless you have specific approval from the rightsholder this is a definite no no.  Scripts and scores are copyright material.

IT’S OK TO MAKE AN ARCHIVE VIDEO RECORDING OF THE SHOW FOR OUR RECORDS.

This is another no no. That said certain rightsholders can grant you permission but 90% of the time any recording is not permitted. Again, if illegal copies fall into the hands of rightholders you may find yourself in a spot of bother.

BUT OUR PARENTS LIKE TO VIDEO THEIR CHILDREN IN OUR SHOWS

Regardless, unless you have specific permission any video footage taken violates the terms of most licenses. It is your responsibility to ensure that parents leave their video cameras at the door. This also includes footage taken on mobile phones. We know its difficult to police but like with most professional shows you are wise to issue a warning prior to the start of the show asking that no videos or photos be taken.

WE ARE A CHARITY OR PERFORM FOR CHARITY

Again, this makes no difference. If you are performing a show you are liable to get a license for performance.

DO WE HAVE TO PAY IF WE ARE ONLY DOING SOME OF THE SHOW

Unfortunately, cutting s how down may be more problematic than you think. Certain rules apply for concerts where you are performing one or two songs from a show but you would need to clear this with the relevant rightsholders.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN A SHOW IS RESTRICTED

It’s pretty self explanatory. Sometimes shows are not available for performance. This could be because a professional tour is pending or perhaps a new version of the show is about to be released.  Don’t assume you will be able to get rights. Always secure rights before you start!! If a show is restricted don’t touch it!!

I’VE SEEN SHOWS LABELLED AS “SCHOOLS EDITIONS”. WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY?

We spoke to Ryan Macauley at Josef Weinbergers who license a large number of “Schools Editions” in the UK to get some feedback. “Designed with educators in mind, School Edition™ musicals embody a bold new idea in creating and licensing adaptations of grand scale, symphonic musicals in versions adapted for performance by high schools and youth groups. These adaptations, while smaller in size, retain all of the scope and glory of the originals. The first School Edition Musical, Les Misérables School Edition™, was released in 2002 to great fanfare and has already become a huge success around the world. Many schools that thought they would never be able to mount a production of Les Misérables found that this new adaptation of the great Broadway show provided them the ability to stage a production that was a triumph in their district. For Les Misérables School Edition™, the show was edited so that its total running time is just over two hours, songs are offered in alternate keys that allow younger voices to shine, and a detailed Director’s Script offers technical advice that makes the sets, lights, sound and props a manageable proposition. The result: An emotionally rewarding experience that is bringing students and communities together wherever it plays. “

Other school editions currently available include: RAGTIME SCHOOL EDITION, RENT SCHOOL EDITION, SWEENEY TODD SCHOOL EDITION. AVENUE Q SCHOOL EDITION and MISS SAIGON SCHOOL EDITION are currently being developed for future release.

NOTE: Some School Editions have certain restrictions, please check the Josef Weinberger website for current restrictions.

IF IN DOUBT ASK!

What comes out loud and clear when you speak to rightsholders is that they are there to help not hinder.  If you have problems and questions just ask. Chances are they have heard the question many, many times before and will know the answer.  Rightsholders can be a major resource to groups staging shows and it’s in their best interests for your show to be a success. Don’t be afraid – they don’t bite (usually!!).

Reprinted from the October 2011 Issue of Amateur Stage

Photo Credit: Martin Ogden. Mossley AODS - High School Musical