LICENSING FOR STAGE PRODUCTIONS

Are performance licences required for stage productions?

Yes. Some licences for stage productions are obtained from the performance collection society (APRA); while for Grand Rights works or Dramatic Context productions, licences are obtained directly from Wise Music.

What is a Grand Rights work?

Grand Rights works (also known as a dramatico-musical works) are works for which the music has been composed to be performed on stage with dramatic elements such as characters, dancing or narration. Examples include:

• - Opera
• - Operetta
• - Ballet
• - Musical play
• - Revue
• - Pantomime
•  

Choral works and oratorios composed to exceed 20 minutes are also Grand Rights works.

When do I need a Grand Rights licence?

A Grand Rights licence is required when:

• - Performing a Grand Rights work in its entirety
• - Performing an extract or extracts from Grand Rights works on stage together with dramatic elements (such as costumes, narrators, characters etc)
• - Performing complete oratorios and choral works that are composed to exceed 20 minutes in duration
• - Performing any musical work together with ballet or dancing on stage

What is a Dramatic Context production?

A Dramatic Context production is the use of any music in an on-stage performance together with dramatic elements (such as one or more characters, one or more narrators, costumes etc).

When do I need a Dramatic Context licence?

A Dramatic Context licence is required whenever music is being used as a part of a live stage performance which includes dramatic elements such as one or more characters, one or more narrators, or costumes.

How do I obtain a Grand Rights or Dramatic Context licence?

For all works represented by Wise Music, Grand Rights and Dramatic Context licences are obtained directly from Wise Music.

For more information, or to apply for a Grand Rights performance licence, please contact
Catherine Gerrard: catherine.gerrard@wisemusic.com 

If your public performance fits into the above definition of Dramatic Context, please contact
Natalie Unwalla: natalie.unwalla@wisemusic.com