CREATIVE ENSEMBLE COMPANY, INC.

Theatrical Licensing FAQ

Our Story. Your Stage.

This FAQ provides general guidance for organizations interested in producing a Creative Ensemble Company work. Licensing availability, fees, royalties, materials, territories, recording permissions, and other conditions may vary by title and production. Submitting an inquiry does not grant performance rights. Written authorization and any required licensing agreement must be completed before a production proceeds.

What is a performance license?

A performance license is written authorization from the applicable rights holder allowing an organization to publicly present a copyrighted theatrical work under specified conditions. The license may identify the approved venue, production dates, number of performances, territory, fees or royalties, and other requirements. Possessing or purchasing a script does not, by itself, grant the right to perform the work publicly.

Who do I contact to get started?

Begin by submitting a theatrical licensing inquiry through Creative Ensemble Company. Tell us which title you are interested in, who is producing it, where the production would take place, and your proposed dates. Creative Ensemble Company will review the request and advise you regarding availability and the appropriate next steps. If a particular title is administered by another authorized licensing representative, you will be directed accordingly.

When do I need a performance license?

A performance license is generally required when a copyrighted Creative Ensemble Company work is presented publicly before an audience. This may include ticketed performances, free performances, benefit presentations, educational productions, festival presentations, and other public performances. Because rights can differ by title and use, contact Creative Ensemble Company before announcing, advertising, rehearsing for public presentation, or presenting a work.

Do we still need performance rights if admission is free?

Yes. Whether admission is charged does not determine whether performance rights are required. A free, charitable, educational, or benefit performance may still require authorization. Any applicable fees or royalties will be determined according to the specific title, organization, venue, performance plan, and licensing arrangement.

Can we license only part of a play or musical?

Requests to present excerpts, scenes, songs, readings, or other portions of a work must be reviewed separately. A standard performance license should not be assumed to authorize excerpts or altered versions. Contact Creative Ensemble Company with the exact material and intended use so the appropriate rights can be determined.

What is included with a performance license?

The specific rights and materials included with a license vary by production. An approved agreement may include authorization for a defined number of performances during a specified period and at an approved venue. Depending on the title, authorized scripts, scores, production materials, or other resources may also be available. The licensing agreement will identify what is included and any applicable fees, royalties, restrictions, and requirements.

Can I read the script before committing to a production?

Selected titles may have perusal or review materials available for qualified producers, theatres, schools, colleges, universities, festivals, or presenting organizations. Availability will vary by title. Receiving a script or other review material does not constitute permission to produce the work and does not guarantee that performance rights will be available for your proposed dates or territory.

How far in advance should I apply for a license?

Apply as early as possible. Rights availability can depend on the title, territory, venue, dates, and other productions that may already be planned or licensed. Creative Ensemble Company does not guarantee a specific approval timeline, so organizations should obtain written authorization before making public announcements, selling tickets, committing production expenses, or representing that rights have been secured.

Can we change the script, characters, dialogue, music, lyrics, or structure?

Not without prior written authorization. A license to produce a work does not automatically grant permission to rewrite, cut, add to, translate, adapt, rearrange, or otherwise alter the copyrighted material. If your production requires a proposed change, submit the request to Creative Ensemble Company before implementing it. Approval, when available, must be provided in writing.

What if our dates, venue, number of performances, or ticketing plans change?

Notify Creative Ensemble Company before making material changes to information supplied in your licensing request or agreement. Changes to dates, venue, number of performances, ticket prices, seating capacity, producing organization, or other production details may affect rights availability, fees, royalties, or the conditions of the license. Written approval may be required.

What if the licensed work requires music and we do not have live musicians?

Available musical resources, orchestration options, accompaniment materials, and performance requirements vary by title. Do not assume that prerecorded accompaniment, altered instrumentation, or substituted music is authorized. Contact Creative Ensemble Company to determine what materials and options, if any, are approved for the work you wish to produce.

Can we use the official Creative Ensemble Company production logo, poster, or artwork?

Not automatically. Performance rights and artwork rights are separate. Official logos, production artwork, photographs, key art, trademarks, and other promotional assets may be subject to separate permissions and usage guidelines. If approved marketing materials are available for a licensed production, Creative Ensemble Company will explain the permitted uses and any applicable requirements.

What if I have never directed or produced a licensed theatrical work before?

You are welcome to inquire. Creative Ensemble Company wants licensed productions to begin with a clear understanding of the work and the licensing process. Available production resources will vary by title, and no specific handbook, rehearsal package, design package, or production support should be assumed unless it is identified in your licensing materials. If you have questions about what is available, include them in your inquiry.

Can I film, livestream, broadcast, or post my production online?

Not unless those rights have been expressly granted in writing. A standard stage performance license should not be assumed to include video recording, livestreaming, broadcasting, on-demand distribution, social-media posting of substantial performance footage, or other audiovisual uses. If you need recording, archival, streaming, promotional-video, or other media rights, request them separately before recording or distributing any part of the production.

IMPORTANT

This FAQ is general informational guidance and is not itself a license or grant of rights. The executed licensing agreement for a specific production controls if its terms differ from this FAQ.

READY TO BRING A CREATIVE ENSEMBLE PRODUCTION TO YOUR STAGE?

Submit a Theatrical Licensing inquiry.
Creative Ensemble Company, Inc. • Manhattan, New York

Call our Admin Office: 844.525.0710 | Inquiries@CreativeEnsemble.org