FAQ

Licensing

Essentially, a performance license is your permission to bring a story to life onstage! Any time a copyrighted piece of theatrical work is presented in front of an audience, a performance license and royalty fees are required, regardless of the size of the audience or whether or not an admission fee is charged. Performances that take place without a performance license violate Federal Copyright Law and are subject to penalties.

Click here to apply for a Performance License online

As soon as possible! If you are thinking about producing the show, we suggest applying for a quote which will give you all the information you need to make an informed choice about your season planning. Don't have all the final information about performance dates and number of performances? No problem! Apply with the information you currently have available and let us know in the comment box that you are still in the planning process. Remember that you need to have your license secured prior to selling tickets or announcing the show so plan ahead! 

We will respond to your request as soon as possible, however, it may take up to 14 days to process your application. If your request is time sensitive, please mention that in the Notes section of your application. You will receive an email confirming your application and giving you a royalty quote. If you haven't received an email within 14 days of your application, please contact us.

Accredited schools can order a performance license immediately and without any hassle by purchasing a K12 PlayKit which includes an Opening Act performance license. 

Some performances or locations may be restricted. Do not assume that you have the rights to the production until your performance license has been confirmed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at pna@childrenstheatre.org.

Not at all. Submitting a license application simply starts the process. A PNA representative will review your request and provide a quote. If you decide to move forward, you can confirm via email, and we’ll send you an official invoice and contract. You’re not obligated to perform until you give your confirmation.

Yes. A license is required under the law for every performance, even if admission isn’t charged. This includes invited dress rehearsals, benefit performances, pay-what-you-can shows, and similar events. A valid performance license ensures that the playwright’s work is properly credited and protected.

Yes, if you are performing a copyrighted adaptation of a public domain story, a license is still required. Even though the original story may be free to use, the playwright’s version is protected by copyright, and a valid performance license ensures their work is properly credited and legally authorized.

Yes! Performance dates can be updated at any time. However, if the average ticket price, capacity of theatre, or number of performances change from your request, this may impact the quoted cost.

Licensing fees vary by script. In general, plays are less expensive than musicals, and titles based on well-known stories may cost a bit more than original works. Your specific quote is based on the title you choose and your anticipated gross box office, which we calculate from the average ticket price and seating capacity you provide in your application. This way, fees are scaled fairly for productions of all sizes.

Not always. Some titles have restrictions based on location, production size, or other factors that may affect availability. Each script’s webpage includes the most up-to-date information, but the best way to know for sure is to submit a performance license application. That way, we can confirm availability and provide accurate pricing for your production.

Scripts and Materials

Your licensing agreement will include permission to copy the PDF electronic perusal for your cast & crew. Unfortunately, Plays for New Audiences does not currently offer hard-bound copies of scripts available for purchase. 

Any script edits must be approved by Plays for New Audiences and the artistic team in charge of the script. The only exception are the select scripts that allow cutting only for educational competitions. Refer to your licensing agreement for specific requirements. 

Each show is designed to accommodate a certain number of characters and ensemble members. Feel free to add cast members as long as your script permits. However, keep in mind that you cannot alter the script or split existing roles without permission from PNA and/or the playwright. 

The answer to this question varies based on which title you are looking at. For more information, look at the 'Available Resources' section of each show page.

Payment

As a non-profit licensing company, our first priority is ensuring that producing theatre for multigenerational audiences is financially accessible for organizations. We are happy to set up personalized payment plans for royalty fees. Additionally, we are happy to work with your fundraising and development teams to ensure they have what they need if your production is dependent upon grant funding. 

Yes! Send purchase order to pna@childrenstheatre.org. Once we receive a copy of the official purchase order, all electronic materials will be sent. Performance licenses need to be paid prior to the first performance even when paid via purchase order.

Yes! Click here to download PNA's W-9 or email pna@childrenstheatre.org with your request. We will respond within 1-3 business days.

As a non-profit licensing company, PNA's mission is to ensure artists such as playwrights and composers are compensated for their work as well as ensuring that plays created by some of the leading theatres for young audiences and actors continue to reach new audiences. Therefore, the income generated from all licenses is funneled directly into supporting the artists who wrote your show as well as creating new work. Stay tuned for new titles! 

Performances

Whether you are adding a performance for competition or to accommodate more audience members, we are happy to help! Email pna@childrenstheatre.org and include your license/order number. As long as the added performance is within your approved performance license dates, we will send you an invoice for the added performance(s).

While you can film the show for archival purposes, PNA titles are not authorized to be shared publicly on social media, sold on DVD, or electronically distributed to online audiences. However, you are welcome to film up to 30-second clips for use in marketing and advertisement.

Yes! A valid performance license is required under law for all performances, whether or not admission is charged. These can include "invited" dress rehearsals, benefit performances, pay-what-you-can performances, etc. Performances held without a license violates Copyright laws, prevents the writers from being paid, and may result in hefty fines or lawsuits under the federal law. In the age of the internet, it is relatively easy to find unauthorized productions so please make sure you have obtained your performance license prior to starting rehearsal, advertising, or selling tickets to your production.

No problem! Simply email pna@childrenstheatre.org with your invoice/license number and your updated performance dates. Once we have this information, we can update your license accordingly.