Looking for information about licensing plays and musicals for performance? Below are answers to common questions about performance rights, royalties, scripts, digital perusals, and production materials. Whether you’re a professional producer, community theatre, or amateur group, we’re here to make the licensing process clear and straightforward.
If you don’t see your question listed, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
General inquiries: [email protected]
Amateur Licensing: [email protected]
Professional Licensing: [email protected]
Phone: +1-646-408-6939
- Licensing
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Do we need a performance license even if we’re not charging admission—or if we’ve produced the show before?
Yes. Every performance of a copyrighted play or musical requires a performance license, regardless of whether tickets are sold, admission is free, or the production is a remount of a previously licensed show. Each new performance run needs its own agreement.
Can we perform excerpts at festivals, showcases, or competitions?
Often, yes. With prior approval, TLH may grant permission to use individual songs, scenes, or cuttings for theatre festivals, competitions, and similar events. Approval is required in advance.
Can we make changes to the script, music, lyrics, or characters?
All TLH titles must be performed as written. This includes the book, music, lyrics, character genders, and setting. Any changes require prior written approval.
Requests for cuts, additions, interpolations, re-orchestrations, or other alterations must be submitted in writing to TLH (either by email or during the application process). If permission is granted by the authors, we’ll confirm it in writing. Unauthorized changes may result in the loss of your performance license.
How do I apply for performance rights?
Once you’ve chosen your show, simply visit www.tlhshows.com, navigate to the title you’re interested in, and click “Apply for License.” The application will guide you through all required information. After submission, you’ll receive an email confirming that we’ve received your request.
When are our performance rights officially secured?
After we receive your completed application, we’ll issue a License Agreement outlining royalties and performance material fees. Review the agreement carefully, complete any remaining details, sign it, and return it to TLH along with payment.
Performance rights are secured only after we receive both the signed agreement and full payment. License Agreements are valid for three months from the date of issue. If you decide not to proceed, please let us know and we will cancel your application.
How do I know if a title is available in my country or region?
Availability can vary due to existing exclusive licenses or other restrictions. Once you submit your application, we’ll review your request and let you know if there are any limitations affecting your proposed performances.
I’m a student, can I apply for a license on behalf of my school?
Because licensing is a legal agreement, applicants must be over 18 and authorized to represent the producing organization. Students should ask a teacher, professor, or school administrator to submit the application.
Can I read the script or review the music before deciding?
Yes. TLH Digital Perusals are available on each show’s webpage.
For musicals, a Digital Perusal typically includes the libretto, vocal range information, and a piano score sampler. Many titles also have cast recordings or audio samples available through streaming platforms.
If you have questions, contact us at [email protected].
May we videotape our production?
Video recording requires an enhancement to your license. If video rights are available for your title, your licensing representative will provide a Production Video License outlining usage restrictions and fees.
What fees are associated with licensing a show?
Digital Perusals:
Digital Perusals are one-time purchases and are delivered as downloadable PDFs through your online account.Performance License Fees (Royalties):
Royalties are paid to the authors for each performance, regardless of audience size or ticket price. Even free performances, festivals, classroom presentations, or competitions require a license. Royalty rates vary by production and will be confirmed after we review your application.Performance Materials:
Performance material fees cover the authorized scripts, scores, and parts used in rehearsal and performance. These may include director’s scripts, libretti, vocal books, piano-vocal scores, and orchestral parts.What is a Digital Perusal?
A Digital Perusal is an advance copy of a play or musical libretto that helps you determine whether a title is right for your group.
Perusals are a one-time purchase and may be copied freely for educational purposes, including script analysis, classroom use, auditions, and dramatic readings without an audience. A perusal does not grant production rights.
Does a musical perusal include the full score?
No. Musical perusals include a selection of the score and orchestration details, not the complete score.
Can we print as many scripts as we need?
Yes. Whether you’ve purchased a Digital Perusal or licensed a production, you may print unlimited copies for your cast, crew, and creative team at no additional charge.
What materials come with a licensed show?
Depending on the title, materials may include director and actor scripts, logo packs, marketing assets, sound effects, and prop lists. All available materials will be accessible through your online account.
Are scripts and scores available digitally?
Yes. All perusals and licensed materials are provided as downloadable PDFs for easy access.
Do performance materials need to be returned after the show?
No returns are required. Feel free to mark up and personalize your materials as needed.
How do professional producers best get in touch?
Professional customers worldwide may contact us at [email protected]
To request performance rights, click “Apply for License” on the show’s page. Most inquiries receive a response within 24 hours, though approvals may take longer.
How do educational or civic groups best get in touch?
Amateur customers may contact us at [email protected]
To request rights, click “Apply for License” on the show’s page and submit your details. Most requests are answered within 24 hours, pending approvals.
What’s the difference between TLH and Dramallama?
TLH licenses plays and musicals for professional, amateur, and commercial productions around the world, including community theatres, independent producers, and professional companies.
Dramallama is dedicated exclusively to educational theatre, serving schools, universities, and civic or youth organizations. Its catalogue and licensing model are designed specifically for classroom learning, student performers, and school-based productions. Through Dramallama U, they offer full classroom curriculum for teaching theatre in the middle school and high school grade levels
Dramallama offers flexible licensing plans that accommodate the unique needs of educational groups, including curriculum use, classroom performance, and student productions.
If you are producing theatre in an educational setting, we recommend visiting Dramallama to explore titles and licensing options tailored for schools and educators: https://www.dramallama.com
- Submissions
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Can I submit my play or musical to TLH?
Most works we represent come to us following successful professional productions, often in New York, London, or major regional theatres. If your work hasn’t yet been produced at this level, we encourage you to focus on securing professional productions first.
Our team regularly attends productions, receives industry recommendations, and tracks new work nationwide. We typically reach out directly to writers or their representatives when a project aligns with our catalogue.
