Hurrah! Looks like things are moving in the right direction. We used R&H last year for 'Evita', and for my part, they were pretty good in handling all our questions and any other issues we had. It was sad to read how it wasn't just one isolated incident, but several. We used Tams W several years ago for Wizard of Oz, and found them to be decent, plus it was my first ever encounter with licensing, and they were although a little brusque fairly patient with me after I explained I was a noob.
Haven't had the joy of TRW yet, but yes, MTI has been on the whole positive. One thing to think about here that I'm glad was brought up: for whatever reason, sometimes the orchestration box of scores is never opened or used. First time I did this, I didn't bother to check the box and its contents, and the scripts themselves. When I returned them, we were hit up for a missing couple of books. The company in question was extremely gracious, after a couple of emails back and forth, and let me off the 'missing' books. One thing I learned was to make sure I pay for decent postage (if the books were indeed lost, it would have been in the mail), and the other was to take everything out of the box, photograph it, meticulously log every single item, double check for pencil markings in the books, and double check the small print regarding rentals. I wish there was an option for us to purchase rights for a photocopy license, rather than having to deal with bulky boxes and returns and all that. I am so grateful that it's starting to move in that direction, with companies such as Theatrefolk who give you the option of buying physical copies or a photocopy license.
Does Tam W insist still that you have to have live accompaniment or its a no-go? I was super lucky to have an exceptionally talented pianist accompany us for Wizard of Oz, but otherwise it is very difficult for us to have live orchestration.
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Phillip Goodchild
Theatre Arts Instructor/Assistant Department Head of English
Ruskin FL
Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2016 07:19
From: Mark A. Zimmerman
Subject: R and H
Yesterday I had a friendly and Frank telephone conversation with the amateur leasing director at R&H. She asked questions about how they can better serve high school theatre directors and seemed sincere in making changes for the better. She said she intended to reach out to everyone else who also expressed concerns. Finally, she told me she was glad I posted my concern on this board. Now I am, too, even though I was hesitant at first.
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Mark A. Zimmerman,
Theatre Director
Akron School for the Arts
Firestone High School
333 Rampart Avenue,
Akron, Ohio 44313
Troupe 5570
Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2016 08:46
From: Mark A. Zimmerman
Subject: R and H
I have been having a little trouble working the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization on some rights related issues. They so far have not been especially customer-friendly. This is my first time working with them since the ownership change. I am wondering if I am an outlier of if some other high school directors have experienced this.
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Mark A. Zimmerman,
Theatre Director
Akron School for the Arts
Firestone High School
333 Rampart Avenue,
Akron, Ohio 44313
Troupe 5570
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