If you are planning to stage a musical, you will need to apply for a performing licence from the publisher. Licences safeguard you from prosecution and the revenue raised from them is the main source of income for writers.
A licence is required for all performances (excluding dress rehearsals), whether an entry fee is charged or not. A Song Chest licence, currently priced at £16, entitles you to as many performances as required, within one year from the date of issue. Performances must be staged by one company / school only. (Please note licenses for ‘Diwali’ are purchased from Music Sales Ltd. and you can apply online following the link from this site, by clicking on the ‘Diwali’ cover.)
Licence application forms can be found in the back of each Song Chest musical, otherwise please click below to download the form.
Click Here to Download form
RECORDING RIGHTS LICENCE
You can record a performance which uses any Song Chest musical at any time FREE of charge provided it is for PERSONAL use only.
If you are a school or organization that would like to record your performance in order to re-sell that performance on CD / video / DVD, then a small fee may be due. The following table will enable you to work out the cost. Please let us know if you are planning to use a commercial company to record the show, as a separate licence is required between Song Chest and the company. A recording licence can be applied for pre or post performance. Click the above link to print out a form.
