Licensing Rights Question

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Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/17/18 at 7:47pm

Hello! So a friend of mine asked me this and I had no answer. They know a kid who wants to direct their own musical theater production in their backyard. They saw an article about a kid who did something similar. Any idea how much something like this would realistically cost? With licensing rights? do they even need to get the rights if it’s a one night show for a >40 group of people? I’m sorry for my ignorance on this stuff, any help would be appreciated! (keep in mind these will be like 13/14 year old kids)

“6 AM. The sky glows. Somewhere a bird chirps. I want to shoot it.” ~ Jonathan Larson, Tick...Tick..BOOM

Updated On: 4/17/18 at 07:47 PM

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/17/18 at 7:56pm

Technically, yes they have to pay royalties, whtaher or not they charge admission. Depending on the show, it would probably be a couple hundred bucks plus the fee to license the orchestra parts (mandatory whether they use them or not).

They should apply for the rights and get a quote- same as any other amateur group.

it would be a good learning experience and a good ego booster for the kids to do it “right”. Let them create a budget and feel good that they acquired the royalties and put the show on legitimately.

Updated On: 4/17/18 at 07:56 PM

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/17/18 at 8:24pm

Look at the jr musicals on mti for a cheaper cost. You can also do the TYA shows for cheaper. Look at pioneer drama service for cheap shows and broadway licensing's jv collection (I really recommend Emma a pop musical, it is a very fun show and has songs that all the kids would know!) Even if you aren't paying for admission you have to pay because you could get sued. When they come to a decision you should tell us lol

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/18/18 at 1:12pm

Thank you QueenAlice and santeFEEE, it really helps! Any suggestions on a show that they should do? It has to be recognizable enough so people will want to come. They want something with a smaller cast since they don’t think they’ll have too many people audtion. Any ideas?

“6 AM. The sky glows. Somewhere a bird chirps. I want to shoot it.” ~ Jonathan Larson, Tick...Tick..BOOM

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 7:25am

Stuff with a recognizable name will be more expensive. You also haven't mentioned ages of those involved thatc would make a big difference as to suggestions. Does he have someone to play keyboard? Not all shows have performance tracks.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 11:59am

dramamama611 said: "Stuff with a recognizable name will be more expensive. You also haven't mentioned ages of those involved thatc would make a big difference as to suggestions. Does he have someone to play keyboard? Not all shows have performance tracks."

I think I did say but, the kids will be around 13-15. They are interested in doing 13 or the 25th annual Putnam county spelling bee. Not sure if these are good choices? Or if anyone knows any shows similar that would be appreciated.

“6 AM. The sky glows. Somewhere a bird chirps. I want to shoot it.” ~ Jonathan Larson, Tick...Tick..BOOM

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 1:04pm

Putnam says it would be between $544 - $736 to license for 1 show with 40 people and no ticket charge.

Go here: https://www.mtishows.com/shows/all

Click on a show and then there's a cost estimator on the right to get an idea for the price.

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 8:14pm

Okay, so I have a few more questions that I would greatly appreciate your help on. Since these kids don't have an organization, how must they go about getting the rights? Also the MTI website says that the materials won't come until 2 months before the production? I think they would like to start rehearsing a lot earlier than that, is there a way they can? It seems odd to me since most productions i've been involved with have had much longer to rehearse. Final thing, if they plan on doing the production somewhere in their neighborhood but they don't have an exact location yet. Can they request the rights without deciding a location?

“6 AM. The sky glows. Somewhere a bird chirps. I want to shoot it.” ~ Jonathan Larson, Tick...Tick..BOOM

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 8:39pm

2 months is pretty standard, to get it earlier usually incurs more cost. (that might be different for the jrs, if you are looking at those.)

Usually the venue is necessary. If you are using a HS, for example, the licensing company isn't likely going to believe "only" 40 seats would be sold...in an auditiorium seating 500.

My best advice? Give them a call, there is a contact person by region. I'm sure they'd be happy to talk to you. (I've only had "issues" with questions from one fairly remote company) MTI's reps are particularly wonderful.

Lastly, since R&R ARE a contract, the kids will need an adult willing to sign the agreements/be responsible.

BTW....sorry that I missed your id of the kids ages in your original post.

Updated On: 4/19/18 at 08:39 PM

#10

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 8:53pm

Dramamama, thank you so much! Still lost on how they could apply for the rights without being an organization? They will have a parent sign off.

“6 AM. The sky glows. Somewhere a bird chirps. I want to shoot it.” ~ Jonathan Larson, Tick...Tick..BOOM

#11

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 9:35pm

They will not license to individuals. It MUST be an organization. Rights/Royalties/Rental are going to be pricey, no matter what.

I did one performance of Into The Woods a couple years ago. No admission price. We still paid close to $1,100 to MTI.

#12

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 10:16pm

Slightly unrelated to the OP's question, but since we're on the topic of licensing costs:

How is the money being divided up? How much of it goes to the artists vs. the licensing company? Are the licensing companies for-profit, or do they just take a cut to keep their services running?

#13

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/19/18 at 10:23pm

I would again check with the Junior catalogue which might be less expensive and echo the sentiment to just call and speak with an amateur rep. They will be able to guide you best.

#14

Licensing Rights Question

Posted: 4/20/18 at 5:36pm

Here are some smaller cast shows

Emma: A Pop Musical! (Has songs like brave, girls just wanna have fun, roar, etc.) (Broadway Licensing)

Polkadots the cool kids musical!- Cast of 4-5, based off little rock nine. (Broadway Licensing)

Addams Family Young@part- Basically a jr version (cheaper) (TRW)

Freaky Friday- Probably more expensive and you need extreme talent. (MTI)

Honk! Jr.- Smaller cast, simpler show. (MTI)

Singin' in the Rain jr.- Smaller cast, recongnizable. (MTI)

Dear Edwina Jr- Kids can double many roles, fun show. (MTI)

*I really recommend Emma, the kids will love the well known music and it has a modern story. You need at least 4 guys to pull it off though. It is on Broadway Licensing Hope this list helped :)

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