Concert Version of Musicals Performance Rights

[bwayintokyo]

Posted: 6/14/16 at 10:22pm

Hello!

Question on the performance rights for concert version of musicals. I am trying to organise a fundraiser for a community theatre group, and wanted to do a concert version of a musical ("In The Heights in Concert" for example).

In instances like these, do you apply for the performance rights like you would when applying for when you are actually putting up the production? I have been trying to find as much information on this topic and haven't been able to find any real answer for it...some say that it is the "loop hole" and you don't need to apply for rights at all, some say that if you purchase the sheet music (like the ones that get performed by choir groups), you don't need to "apply" for anything. 

I want to make sure that I am following the right protocol, and will also need to rethink the idea in the first place if it is going to cost us a fortune to put up a fundraiser in the first place. If anyone has any experience on events like these (or familiar with performance rights for these settings) I would really appreciate any kind of advice!!

Thank you in advance.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/14/16 at 10:30pm

You absolutely have to apply for the rights. MTI has specially prepared concert scripts for some of their titles but not all. As far as I know you can perform any show in concert but you still have to acquire a license and pay royalty fees.

[bwayintokyo]

Posted: 6/15/16 at 12:41am

Thank you so much, CATSNYrevival :)