Lazy Bee Scripts - Licensing...
Performance Royalties for Music Used with a Stage Show
	If music has been composed specifically for a play, and sheet music is supplied with the play script, then the rights to use that music are included in the rights to perform the play. Example from Lazy Bee Scripts A Load of Rubbish - Musical (by Sue Gordon) Lazy Bee Scripts supplies piano and vocal scores for eight original songs  (with the Producer's copy of the script) The right to use that music is part of the right to use the script. Music which is not composed specifically for a play (even if it is specified in the stage directions for the play) is not covered by the rights to perform the play.  This applies to Songs sung during the course of a play Music played live during the course of a play Background music played during a play Background music played whilst the public are in the "theatre" Consequently, you have to apply for the right to use the music (and pay a royalty for the use of music). This is generally done through a collection agency.  In the UK this is either the Performing Right Society (PRS) or (for schools only) The Centre for Education and Finance Management Ltd (CEFM) which operates on behalf of the PRS. It is good practice (and cheaper!) to call the PRS and arrange licences before you stage a show (generally as soon as you are sure that the show is going ahead and you know the music you are going to use). Example from Lazy Bee Scripts: Girls' Night (by Louise Roche) Set in a karaoke bar, the script calls for the cast to perform a number of Pop songs during the show. Lazy Bee Scripts does not supply any sheet music for this show (none of the songs were written for it). Groups performing the show would need to approach the PRS for licences.
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