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 (DC) performances use pre-existing musical works (songs or compositions that weren’t written specifically for the show in which they are being performed) to tell a dramatic story. If a show meets the Dramatic Context definition a special type of licensing applies.
For regular concerts and non-dramatic performances, APRA AMCOS can usually issue a licence to perform music on behalf of its members (songwriters, composers and music publishers).
However, if your show is Dramatic Context, special rules apply.
Only some songwriters, composers and music publishers allow APRA AMCOS to license Dramatic Context performances, and even then, there are restrictions. Other music publishers prefer to issue Dramatic Context licences directly to theatrical producers, rather than through APRA AMCOS.
APRA AMCOS does not control rights for dramatic context use in our music and only acts as agent for its members. 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 (minimum of 4 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.
When a copyright owner (usually a music publisher) allows APRA AMCOS to license their songs for Dramatic Context, there may still be limitations on which of their songs we can license.
There are two public lists to help navigate restricted songs and compositions:
Owner Restricted list – songs and compositions not available for use in Dramatic Context performances.
Go Direct list – songs and compositions that might be available and that the copyright owner will consider licensing directly with the show’s producer.
Additionally, copyright owners may choose 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 manage 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 wish to play music from a commercially released sound recording (as opposed to the music being performed live or in a recording you have made), you’ll need to contact the sound recording copyright owners (generally record labels) directly for permission (or a licence). 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 Australia 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 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.
Comments and complaints
We care about the service we give you and we welcome your feedback.
Disputes
If you do not agree with how we apply this licence to your business, with our fees, or with any of our services, you can raise a dispute.
9am – 5pm, weekdays (AEST)
Call (02) 9935 7681
Email [email protected]