Q. I've got a Dramatic Context Licence, what else do I need?
A. Another collecting society, Phonographic Performance New Zealand Ltd represents the owners of copyright in sound recordings, namely record companies and their recording artists. So in addition to your APRA licence, you may be required to take out a PPNZ licence where CDs, tapes or video clips are used in your production. Further information is available from PPNZ on (09) 360 5085.
Q. How many songs from any one musical am I allowed to do?
A. Show-tunes are a popular addition to many stage plays. Most show-tunes require permission from local and overseas publishers before they can be included in a stage production. Theoretically, there is no limit to the number of show-tunes that can be included in a production, as long as they are not performed in the same way as they appear if you were doing the entire musical that the song comes from. In practice, however, publishers are reluctant to allow more than three songs from any one musical.
Q. When should I let APRA know that I am using music in my stage production?
A. The sooner the better. APRA recommends that music selections are submitted around six to eight weeks prior to opening night. Most songs can be cleared and licensed in much less time. However, some songs require overseas clearance. The eight week 'buffer' also means that if any song is denied usage there is plenty of time to select an alternative. There's nothing worse than trying to teach a song to a cast the night before opening!
Q. One of the songs I've requested has been denied usage. Why?
A. There are many reasons why a song is denied usage. The most common reason is that the composer has requested that his/her work not be performed in certain contexts (eg. excessive swearing, drug use etc) as it may demean the work in question. APRA will let you know if a work is not available as soon as an application form is received, in order to provide maximum time to select a replacement. A work may also not be available if it is in ownership dispute.
Q. I want to sing 'Phantom Of The Opera' as part of a cabaret show and I want to wear the Phantom Mask and cape. Is this OK?
A. Probably not. A grand right may be infringed if you perform a song from a grand right musical, as it would appear if you were doing the entire musical. This applies even if you are doing only one song. If in doubt, contact the copyright owner of the grand right. This will usually be a publisher and they will advise how far you can go before the grand right is infringed.