Examples include performances of musicals, compilation shows, plays, operas and ballet*. A concert with narration could also be construed as a dramatic presentation in some instances by virtue of the story being narrated.
*Ballet: a choreographic work having a story, plot or abstract idea, devised or used for the purpose of interpretation by dancing and/or miming, but does not include country or fold dancing, tap dancing or precision dance sequences.
Under what circumstances does PRS not licence dramatic presentations?
There are two types of rights concerned with dramatic presentations:
- Small Rights apply when the music has not been specially written for the presentation. We control small rights and will issue a licence to the production company except when a member has indicated that they would like to license direct. In this case the member will request a 7(f) notice from Member Services, in response to which we agree not to license the performance(s) in question. Contact Theatre Clearances on telephone number 020 7306 4883 if you require more information about the Article 7(f) procedure
- Grand Rights apply when the music has been specially written for the presentation. We do not control grand rights except in a few specific circumstances. The rights owner or administrator (usually the writer member, their publisher or another representative) with whom the promoter will negotiate a fee.
Who licenses incidental and scene change music?
We automatically license this form of usage via licences issued to venues, provided that the music is subject to small rights.
Who licenses dramatic presentations on cable programme services?
Original Cable Programmes:
Most cable programmes originated by the cable operator and excluding UK simulcasts are licensed by us.
Simultaneous Retransmission of a Broadcast:
If the retransmission stays within the area covered by the original broadcast there is no need for a further licence. If, however, it reaches beyond this area, we will issue an additional licence to the cable operator.
We do not control the right to include words written for a commercial advert unless they are sung to music that has been specially written for the advert or to non-copyright music.
Are there any grand right performances that PRS does control?
Yes. There are three instances where PRS will license the performance of a work that is subject to grand rights:
Film Performances - All film performances of dramatic presentations are always controlled by us, whether the performance takes place in public at a cinema, by video projection or on television, and whether or not small or grand rights apply.
Television Performances of Ballet - we will license presentations of ballet on television for up to 5 minutes in durations
Documentary Programmes - Members may ask us to license dramatic excerpts from a ballet or dramatic work broadcast in a documentary that have a total duration of 20 minutes or less, as long as the excerpts are all from the same work.
It is possible to have a small rights performance of a work from a grand right presentation, for example a song from a musical may be performed on the radio or in a live concert with no visual reference to the original show. This would be a small rights performance and is therefore controlled by us.
Are non-dramatic presentations of grand right works controlled by PRS?
Sometimes PRS will license excerpts of works specially written for dramatic presentations (as long as all the excerpts are from the same grand right work) as follows:
- Live performances up to 25 minutes in length*
- Radio performances up to 25 minutes or 25% of the total duration* (whichever is shorter)
- Television performances up to 20 minutes in length*
*In all cases, only if the presentation is in concert fashion with no visual reference to the parent musical work/show, and as long as it is not a potted version or complete act.
Does PRS license Traditional Pantomime?
Yes. Although pantomime contains a dramatic story, it is an exception to the general rule as outlined in this leaflet. Pantomime is automatically licensed by us and is not eligible for the 7(f) procedure.
Need further information?
If you require more specific information regarding dramatic presentations, please contact us.