We are developing an amateur musical revue show at our local theatre and want to use a number of songs from other musicals/pop songs to place in around a story that we are developing. Would we need to gain copyright for each individual song (and if so how would we do this?), or is it ok to use one song from different musicals without obtaining the rights? Our local theatre is in the UK, so information on UK copyright laws would be appreciated!!!! (or good guesses!!). Thanks!
2006-07-12 22:24:20 · 6 answers · asked by Maureen 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Just a note, this would be performed for 3 days only (not trying to get it published) and it would be for local/community theatre, not professional. Thanks.
2006-07-12 22:25:37 · update #1
OK. In the UK (and the US, and most other nations), a copyright holder has the EXCLUSIVE right to use, display and publicly perform the copywritten work.
The short answer to your question, then, is that YES, you need to obtain a license to use EACH AND EVERY song you want to publicly perform. Which means you need to contact the copyright holder for each work (usually written on the top of the sheet music), and ask for license to use the work.
Sorry that this answer isn't going to be popular, but it's the fact of the matter.
Good luck!
2006-07-13 11:49:14 · answer #1 · answered by negotiator 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure that you can use the music as long as it's not performed as an entire show. Like, concert-esque is okay. Just don't tell the producers.
I know it's a rule in the US that a musical can not be produced within 80 mile radius of a currently running Broadway or National Touring company of a running Broadway show.
2006-07-13 16:20:41 · answer #2 · answered by ballerina_kim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might also want to consider the laws of the country that the music is from - as that is most likely where the artist had it copywrighted. Many times you can get permission for mulitple songs from one licensing agency (as opposed to going to each artist/company individually). Step one is figuring out who manages the song and then go from there. And no, it's not okay to use even one song without permission, although people do it all the time - your call.
2006-07-13 08:39:48 · answer #3 · answered by RhedDragon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you can do the show for free or to cover the cost ask for a donation. Contact your local council first to ask about performing rights at the venue. Any more help needed contact me.
2006-07-13 07:31:52 · answer #4 · answered by thecharleslloyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maureen the Making of The Band Girls name is Danity Kane based on an Anime character Dawn drew.
2006-07-18 07:31:06 · answer #5 · answered by Courtney 85 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to contact the performing right society
www.prs.co.uk
2006-07-13 08:47:10 · answer #6 · answered by marineboy63 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋