Do small theater productions also have to pay for music licensing fees?

by elawgrrl

Question by joejoepumpkin: Do small theater productions also have to pay for music licensing fees?
I’m trying to produce a small play in Los Angeles (at a 64 seat theater.) I am wondering if need rights to play music in between scenes– obviously I know this isn’t okay for even indie films, but I wonder if that’s because it’s a recording. Do dance clubs have to pay for rights? Would this be any different?

Best answer:

Answer by Slightly Dark Francis
By rights, you should, especially if that music is in the script. In my time doing local theatre, though, no-one ever paid for music pre-show or between scenes.

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