Hi, all:

First, I'm SO excited to have found this web site and discussion board. As the founder and ED/AD/everything-else-D of Big Moves (the nation's only production and training organization dedicated to increasing size diversity in the world of dance), I can feel really alone. We're definitely outside of the mainstream of most dance companies, not only because of our focus on supporting plus-sized performers but also owing to our use of mixed genres (hip hop, jazz, musical theater, burlesque, belly dance, modern) in the musical theater and revue format. (for more details about us, visit http://www.bigmoves.org - http://www.bigmoves.org )

Anyway, it's about the revue format that I have some questions. I was wondering how people go about acquiring performance rights to songs from musicals for use in revues. A couple of places I contacted for songs said they only offer performance rights to the entire musical, but I'm SURE I've seen individual songs from those musicals presented in cabaret nights, etc. Besides performance rights, I also need to lay my hands on scores for these numbers. Are those scores purchased separately?

Owing to budget constraints and logistics, Big Moves is probably never going to mount a "straight" musical, that is, as is, with no parody or content altered. We're either performing individual pieces "straight" as part of a larger revue, or else we're performing with parody lyrics as part of a musical with an original script. i.e., our recent sci-fi dance odyssey GARGANTUA: Fear of a Fat Planet, or our forthcoming LARD (a mash-up of GREASE, HAIRSPRAY, and an after-school special). We are getting more exposure these days, so my New Year's Resolution is to start acquiring _legal_ access to the performance rights and scores of the pieces that we do.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Yours in motion,

Marina Wolf Ahmad

Check out this link for good information on music copyright issues:

http://lecatr.people.wm.edu/copy.htm#COPYRIGHT%20FOR%20SOUND - http://lecatr.people.wm.edu/copy.htm#COPYRIGHT%20FOR%20SOUND

Dan

Fair use isn't exactly a regulation or even a rule.    Fair use is defense that one might claim in court for an accusation of copyright infringement.   However, your assesment of use as a parody is essentially correct.

I did a review a few years ago. http://www.bmi.com/licensing/ - http://www.bmi.com/licensing/  I dealt with BMI, and they were very helpful. We got permission to use all of the music we wanted for about $125.

Linda

I would suggest making phone calls and talking to live human beings at some of the organizations referenced.   Copyright and performance licensing can be a minefield.   The people at these organizations should be fairly helpful in guiding you in the right direction.

Good luck!