This licence covers the use of pre-existing musical works (songs and compositions) in a theatrical performance – in plays, ballets and performances with storylines.
Dramatic Context performances use pre-existing musical works to tell a story (songs or compositions that weren’t written specifically for the show in which they are being performed). If a show meets the Dramatic Context definition a standard ‘blanket licence’ that provides access to all songs in our repertoire is not available.
For regular concerts and non-dramatic performances, we can usually issue a ‘blanket licence’ to perform any or all of our music on behalf of our members (composers and music publishers) and affiliates (societies like ours that operate in other countries, e.g. PRS in the UK).
However, if your show is Dramatic Context, special rules apply because we only act as an agent.
Some music publishers allow us to license Dramatic Context performances, and even then, there are restrictions on works and/or usage. Some other members prefer to license Dramatic Context use of their songs directly to theatrical producers, rather than through us.
APRA AMCOS does not control rights for the use of music in a Dramatic Context and only acts as agent for its members – and then only for some works and for some uses. Arrangements are therefore different to most other licences you may have obtained from us. It is important that you are aware that copyright ownership in a song and/or the position of the songwriter may change from time to time. This means previous approval for the same or a similar show does NOT guarantee that approval will be given again for any new application. Accordingly, APRA AMCOS notes that any financial or other investment in your show, including the booking of venues, ahead of you obtaining a licence for all the works is entirely at your own risk.
When we receive your event enquiry, we assess whether the performance meets the Dramatic Context definition, and if so, we’ll review the availability of each individual musical work. Depending on the choice of music, you may need to speak to many copyright owners. Our Theatrical Licensing team will assist with referring you to copyright owners when we cannot provide you with a licence for a particular song.
Complete the application form ideally 6-8 weeks before opening night.
Our staff will research your song list and advise which songs are available for use in your production.
We’ll ask you to confirm your song list, including the duration of each song.
You’ll receive a licence agreement to sign and return.
APRA AMCOS can provide a Dramatic Context licence for millions of songs, including for some of Australia and the world’s leading music publishers. When a copyright owner (usually a music publisher) permits us to license their songs for Dramatic Context, there may still be limitations on which of their songs we can license.
There is a publicly available list to help navigate restricted songs and compositions:
Additionally, copyright owners may elect to directly license their songs for productions over a certain size, or of a certain type. Refer to our Dramatic Context information guide for the limitations of an APRA Dramatic Context licence.
Some copyright owners choose to do all Dramatic Context licensing directly.
Licence Fee is the greater of (excl GST):
- 6% of Gross Box Office pro-rated*;
- $15 per work; or
- minimum fee per show season or tour licence.
| Gross Box Office | Minimum show season or Tour Fee excluding GST** |
|---|---|
| Less than $100,000 | $90 |
| $100,000 - $499,999 | $250 |
| $500,000 -$999,999 | $500 |
| $1,000,000 and above | $1,000 |
| Refer to our Dramatic Context information guide for Gross Box Office definition, and an example of how the fees apply to a production. *6% of Gross Box Office fees are pro-rated using percentage of music use against total show duration (Music Use Percentage, or MUP). **The conditions and licence fees are the same for both Australia and New Zealand, subject only to the different GST rates of 10% for Australia and 15% for New Zealand. The rates quoted above are in each territory’s local currency and exclude GST. | |
If you are playing music from a commercially released sound recording (as opposed to the music being performed live or in a recording you have made), in addition to you APRA AMCOS licence, you will require direct permission (or a licence) from the relevant record label or rights holder for each sound recording.
In some instances, Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) may be able to assist, depending on the circumstances.
Contact PPCA via email [email protected]
What is Dramatic Context?
Dramatic Context means the performance of musical works:
A) in conjunction with a presentation on the live stage that has:
B) as a Ballet.
What about music used at the end of the show, or during curtain calls or bows?
Music used pre-show, intermission or post-show while the house lights are on is generally not considered to be Dramatic Context and may already be covered under a venue’s OneMusic licence for background music.
Music used during an encore or curtain call is always Dramatic Context.
If music is expected to draw an audience’s attention to the stage as a segue to or from the dramatic world of the presentation, it will generally be considered Dramatic Context. Contact us if unsure.
Can I alter the lyrics or write arrangements of a song?
Making lyric changes and arrangements of musical works are not covered by an APRA AMCOS licence. If you plan to alter lyrics or make new musical arrangements, you must obtain permission from the relevant copyright owner (usually a music publisher) or the songwriter, if the musical work is unpublished.
APRA AMCOS will supply you with publisher contact details to obtain permission direct.
Want to print out this information?
Download your copy of the licence information guide (PDF 772 KB).
This webpage is a guide only. Refer to the licence for full terms and conditions.
APRA AMCOS alternatives
There are a couple of ways to get permission to use music in your video.
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Disputes
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