Open Forum

Hi, All, 

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.  

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.    

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------

Hi Kimberly,

These are really great questions-- thank you for sharing! Film/streaming rights are not held or controlled by Concord Theatricals, and we will have to send your proposal to the author's representatives for approval on a case-by-case basis. Please do not move forward with any plans to film or stream without specific confirmation from Concord Theatricals, as we're unable to guarantee approval. However, please know that everyone involved understands how much this means to you and your students, and we're doing all we can to get you a timely (and hopefully affirmative!) answer. 

At the moment, we advise submitting your application through our website as you usually would, and email us at K12@concordtheatricals.com with this information:

• License Request Number
• What is the estimated number of participants in the livestream or copies of the recording?
• What qualifies a patron to participate in this livestream (current ticketholder, theatre subscriber, etc.) or receive a recording?
• How is your organization's infrastructure set up to handle this distribution (password-protected link, hard copy DVD, etc.)?
• How do you plan to protect this livestream or recording from public release?
• Would there be any additional income or revenue generated from this livestream or recording?
• How many performances would be captured?

If this process changes (and in these crazy times, I expect it will!), we'll be sure to update all of you here and on our website (click here to access our COVID-19 FAQ). You're also welcome to reach out to us at any time at K12@concordtheatricals.com.


------------------------------
Rosemary Bucher
Educational Theatre Licensing Coordinator
Concord Theatricals
New York, NY
------------------------------

Hi Kimberly,

Thanks for the questions! It's always better to figure licensing out further ahead of time.

For Dramatic Publishing's titles, livestreaming/video rights are handled on a case-by-case basis. The best course of action would be to send an email to our customer service email address, customerservice@dpcplays.com, and inquire directly about a title when you have one selected. Be sure to explain any special circumstances, such as the ones you have described.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any additional questions!

Thanks again,

Ivy

------------------------------
Ivy Neufeld
Dramatic Publishing Company
311 Washington Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
800.448.7469
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2020 15:02
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

Hi, All,

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------

We are working to provide information on live streaming options for your productions. Each title and license will be considered on a case-by-case basis. On your application, please include your request for live streaming. Otherwise, if you have any questions you can contact me directly at licensing@stagerights.com.

Stay safe.

------------------------------
Melody Fernandez
Director of Licensing
Stage Rights
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2020 15:02
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

Hi, All,

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------

Hi Kimberly,

These are fantastic questions. It's great to hear that teachers like yourself are planning ahead.

Playscripts has a list of about 350+ titles with streaming rights available. This list is growing every day. In short order, you will be able to license the streaming rights alongside the traditional performance rights on our website. We will also have lists and sections of the site that show you exactly which titles have these rights available. In other words, for hundreds of titles in our catalog, you will be able to license the performance rights and the streaming rights in a matter of minutes. For more information on this list, please contact info@playscripts.com or check back on our website (www.playscripts.com)

For titles that do not have immediate streaming rights available, we are able to pass requests along to authors and/or agents and hopefully facilitate you obtaining a streaming license from the rightsholders in short order. When requesting these rights, be prepared to provide specific information on what exactly you hope to do in terms of streaming - the platform, the expected viewers, dates, if you are charging, etc.

Additionally, Playscripts/Broadway Licensing will be launching Broadway On Demand -  a streaming platform where you will be able stream your production to a wide audience (including your invited audience). You can sign up to be notified about Broadway On Demand here - https://www.broadwayondemand.com/

------------------------------
Brendan Conheady
Vice President of Operations
New York NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2020 15:02
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

Hi, All,

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------

​Hi Kimberly,

Thanks for your questions. We're happy to help you try and get the play you want, and will try to work out whatever we can rights-wise.  Play publishing houses don't usually have any rights to or control of video recording, film or electronic transmission.  Those rights remain with our authors, unless a studio or production company has purchased the film or TV rights.  So, in the past questions about video streaming a play over the internet would have usually been turned down out of hand by the authors' representatives.  But of course, Covid-19 has changed things.

We've found that the majority of our authors and their agents are far more willing to be flexible, and they have allowed us to license these rights for them.  There's more information on our website - www.Dramatists.com - and please feel free to contact us and we'll do everything we can to help you out.

Stay safe and healthy everyone,

------------------------------
Craig Pospisil
Director of Nonprofessional Licensing
DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE
New York NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2020 15:02
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

Hi, All,

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------

Hello all,

Thanks for raising this issue! We're hearing this request more & more often - it seems to be the most logical recourse across a wide swath of North America.

When the pandemic threatened March/April productions, TRW was able to offer - through the courtesy and generosity of our authors - emergency digital streaming for all of our Broadway titles (except Spamalot).

Rest assured that we are working to creatively answer what is a very fluid question. One innovation we have implemented is to offer all-digital materials for self-printing, allowing for clean scripts & orchestrations which are kept by your cast & musicians as mementos. Highlight at will!

To shed a little light on these issues, have a peak at this video. It's long, but the streaming issue is discussed at the top - and includes reps from TRW, MTI, DPS, and Concord. Courtesy of AACT (American Association of Community Theatre).

Publishers Webinar 4 17 2020

Please keep in mind that this discussion is ongoing and the answers expressed in that webinar may become outdated in the near future!

I encourage you to apply for a license and in the final field before hitting that 'submit' button to explain your interest in 'streaming in conjunction with a live audience.' As others have expressed: we must consider each request on a case-by-case basis.  https://www.theatricalrights.com/apply-for-a-license/

Be well.

------------------------------
Michael McDonough
TRW Asst VP Amateur Licensing
New York
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-28-2020 21:44
From: Craig Pospisil
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

​Hi Kimberly,

Thanks for your questions. We're happy to help you try and get the play you want, and will try to work out whatever we can rights-wise.  Play publishing houses don't usually have any rights to or control of video recording, film or electronic transmission.  Those rights remain with our authors, unless a studio or production company has purchased the film or TV rights.  So, in the past questions about video streaming a play over the internet would have usually been turned down out of hand by the authors' representatives.  But of course, Covid-19 has changed things.

We've found that the majority of our authors and their agents are far more willing to be flexible, and they have allowed us to license these rights for them.  There's more information on our website - www.Dramatists.com - and please feel free to contact us and we'll do everything we can to help you out.

Stay safe and healthy everyone,

------------------------------
Craig Pospisil
Director of Nonprofessional Licensing
DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE
New York NY

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2020 15:02
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

Hi, All,

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------

Writing with a quick update! New license applications on our website now include questions about Virtual Performances (e.g. online only, with no performances in a theater for a live audience) and digital rights (e.g. livestreaming of performances, recording for digital distribution to audiences). 

------------------------------
Rosemary Bucher
Educational Theatre Licensing Coordinator
Concord Theatricals
New York, NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2020 15:02
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

Hi, All,

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------

MTI is starting a streaming service in a few weeks that will give you the opportunity that you are asking for above.

------------------------------
Crit Fisher
Lighting/Sound Designer
New Albany High School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2020 15:02
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Next Year License Requests Including Video Links?

Hi, All,

As I'm starting to think of producing plays next year, it sounds like, in California at least, business will not be usual for schools, which means that our productions will have to look different in rehearsal and production next year.

When I send in my licensing request for the upcoming season, I want to request the option to perform shows next year to an audience of fewer than 20 in a live format, but film that production to be available to be watched by an online audience for a fee for a specific period of time (like Berkeley Rep and ACT and many other theaters have been doing with their productions).  This way, I'm ready for whatever restrictions are still on us for live fall shows.

Is that sort of agreement available for us as a general rule now, or is it completely play specific?  Should we wait to send in requests until all of that is ironed out, or should we just send in everything we're contemplating now to companies like Dramatists and Concord, etc.?  I would imagine that those companies, too, want help with navigating this new reality the best we can so that we can all be more prepared for all possibilities until all restrictions are lifted, which may not fully happen for a year.

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.


------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
------------------------------