Frequently Asked Questions

Licences

Our Licence Agreement expressly states that the show you licence must be performed as written. Changing the show – including altering the music, lyrics, book, and/or switching the gender of a character or changing the period setting – is a serious violation of the authors’ rights and is strictly prohibited. Unauthorised alteration of material may result in losing your performance licence.

Questions about any proposed change, addition, omission, interpolation, or alteration in the music, lyrics, or book of the Play shall first be submitted in writing to Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW). If permission is granted by the Authors, TRW will advise you in writing.

Yes. Subject to approval, TRW can grant you permission for the use of individual songs and scene cuttings for participation in theatre competitions, festivals and individual performance contests.

Yes. As copyrighted works, every musical represented by TRW requires a performance licence agreement each and every time it is presented whether charging entry or not or even if the show is a remounting of a previous production.

Once you’ve decided on the show(s) you’d like to present, complete and submit our on-line licence application (you may do so on-line using our “apply for a license” icon or print it out and fax or mail it) which asks for the following information:

  • The account number, name, address and phone numbers of your organisation; the contact person’s name and email address to whom all correspondence should be forwarded; and the delivery address to which all materials should be delivered.
  • The title of the musical(s) you wish to present.
  • The scheduled opening and closing dates, the total number of performances scheduled, and the number of performances in each month of your run.
  • The name and address of the venue in which the musical will be presented. The seating capacity and the average attendance at each performance.
  • The top and lowest ticket prices being charged for entry to the production.

Sometimes restrictions are put in place on when and where shows can be performed, due to existing exclusive licences and other factors. Before you apply we recommend getting in touch with the team at london@theatricalrights.com or Live Chat us now to see if a title is restricted.

Upon receipt of a fully completed application, we will issue a Licence Agreement to you setting forth the royalty and performance materials fees. When you receive the Licence Agreement, check the information carefully, fill out all sections on the Production Terms Order Form, sign it, and return it to TRW along with payment of all fees. It is only upon receipt by TRW of the executed Production Terms Order Form along with payment that your performance rights are secured. The Licence Agreement is only valid for three months from the date of issue. Should you decide not to present the musical, you are under no obligation to proceed.

Unfortunately no. Licensing is a legal process, so everyone involved needs to be over the age of 18 and a legal representative of the group. As a student, you don’t apply. Please have a teacher or member of staff apply for you.

Yes. Perusal Packs can be ordered through our digital download service, PerusalsNOW, which provides immediate access.

Perusal Packs can be ordered with a School Purchase Order by scanning and e-mailing the purchase order to london@theatricalrights.com.

A Perusal Pack consists of the libretto, vocal range sheet and piano score sampler. In many instances, audio recordings of the scores are available to assist you (many are on iTunes). If you have questions, email london@theatricalrights.com or call 020 7101 9596.

For most TRW titles, we can offer you permission to create a video of your production. A Video License Agreement, outlining special conditions and usage limitations must be completed and returned with the required fees. For more information on creating this wonderful personal keepsake and archival record, please contact your licensing representative.

Royalty Fee
Royalties are monies authors collect for the performance of their work. A royalty is due whenever the show is presented, regardless of audience size or whether entry is being charged. Therefore, even if the show is performed for competitions, festivals, benefits, or classroom presentation, a Licence Agreement is always required. However, TRW will review your particular information to determine applicable royalty fees for your production.

Performance materials
Performance materials usage fees are charged for scripts, scores, and other materials we supply to you for your rehearsals and production. The performance materials include director’s scripts, libretti, vocal books, piano-vocal scores and orchestral parts, and are the only authorised performance materials for each musical. You can also choose to receive digital performance materials at a lower cost.

Perusals

No! The Perusal Pack is yours to keep and consult when you’re choosing your NEXT musical.

PerusalsNow are easy to download PDFs of the script, vocal ranges & partial score. Anyone that has the ability to open a PDF document, can open the perusal.

To access your downloads, click on the “My Account” link, then under the heading “Orders & Downloads” select “View Available Digital Downloads” to start perusing!

Yes. Perusal Packs can be ordered through our digital download service, PerusalsNOW, which provides immediate access.

Perusal Packs can be ordered with a School Purchase Order by scanning and e-mailing the purchase order to london@theatricalrights.com.

A Perusal Pack consists of the libretto, vocal range sheet and piano score sampler. In many instances, audio recordings of the scores are available to assist you (many are on iTunes). If you have questions, email london@theatricalrights.com or call 020 7101 9596.

General

Our Licence Agreement expressly states that the show you licence must be performed as written. Changing the show – including altering the music, lyrics, book, and/or switching the gender of a character or changing the period setting – is a serious violation of the authors’ rights and is strictly prohibited. Unauthorised alteration of material may result in losing your performance licence.

Questions about any proposed change, addition, omission, interpolation, or alteration in the music, lyrics, or book of the Play shall first be submitted in writing to Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW). If permission is granted by the Authors, TRW will advise you in writing.

You are not required to return any part of your performance materials – mark them up and personalise them as you see fit! We also offer digital performance materials for convenience.

Upon receipt of a fully completed application, we will issue a Licence Agreement to you setting forth the royalty and performance materials fees. When you receive the Licence Agreement, check the information carefully, fill out all sections on the Production Terms Order Form, sign it, and return it to TRW along with payment of all fees. It is only upon receipt by TRW of the executed Production Terms Order Form along with payment that your performance rights are secured. The Licence Agreement is only valid for three months from the date of issue. Should you decide not to present the musical, you are under no obligation to proceed.

For Professional customers from the UK and Ireland, our contact information is as follows:

Theatrical Rights Worldwide
Third Floor
122-124 Regent Street

Phone: 020 7101 9596
prouk@theatricalrights.com

For customers outside these regions, please see the Contact Us page for your regional office.

To obtain licensing rights, click on “Apply For A Licence” at the top of our homepage, select “Professional” and fill out your corresponding information. Most requests will be responded to within about 2 business days. Requests that need to be submitted for approval may take longer.

You can order both digital and paper perusals through the website. Simply click on “PerusalsNOW” at the top of the homepage and select the show that you are interested in to place your order.

AMATEUR CUSTOMERS: To contact TRW with any questions, our contact information is as follows:

Phone: 020 7101 9596
London@theatricalrights.com

To obtain licensing rights, click on “Apply For A Licence” at the top of our homepage, select “Amateur” and fill out your corresponding information. Most requests will be responded to within about 2 business days. Requests that need to be submitted for approval may take longer.

You can order both digital and paper perusals through the website. Simply click on “PerusalsNOW” at the top of the homepage and select the show that you are interested in to place your order.

Yes. Perusal Packs can be ordered through our digital download service, PerusalsNOW, which provides immediate access.

Perusal Packs can be ordered with a School Purchase Order by faxing the Purchase Order and requested titles to 212-643-1322, or scanning and e-mailing them to licensing@theatricalrights.com.

A Perusal Pack consists of the libretto, vocal range sheet and piano score sampler. In many instances, audio recordings of the scores are available to assist you (many are on iTunes). If you have questions, email licensing@theatricalrights.com or call 646-736-3232.

A TRW School Edition is a slightly reworked version of the full original Broadway/West End script. The School Edition has been carefully edited, with additional director’s notes throughout, to make the show more producible for secondary school groups. In some cases problematic language has been changed, while in others an alternate choice is offered at the discretion of the director. Each School Edition has been field tested at numerous secondary schools under the supervision of a teacher/director with forty years’ experience in educational theatre. Every effort has been made to provide more opportunities for female actors. Reference is made to this in both the CHARACTERS list as well as in the director’s notes throughout the script.

Young@Part™ is the authorised 65-70 minute edition of the Broadway/West End musical for primary schools, and youth theatres. Through a series of workshops with industry professionals and actual kids, the Young@Part™ musicals are tailor-made for younger actors. Song keys are changed where needed, songs and scenes are edited for time and content, while keeping the spirit of the original Broadway/West End show intact. There are great parts for girls, boys and can feature any size ensemble/chorus, who are featured throughout the show.

Submissions

Yes! If you feel your musical is ready for production, please send a copy of your script and samples of your music (for example: piano-vocal music), as well as any production history (regional theatre, new work festival, or educational environment) to TRW at submissions@theatricalrights.com.