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Reader's Theatre Adaptions Question

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Topic: Reader's Theatre Adaptions Question

Posted By: brianwolters
Subject: Reader's Theatre Adaptions Question
Date Posted: 5/27/09 at 1:29pm

Hi! If we were to do a public (but non-profit) performance of a Reader's Theatre adaptation of an original work, do we need to secure rights? It will be for a kids theatre program.

Thanks!
Brian

Replies:

Posted By: DWolfman
Date Posted: 5/28/09 at 3:39pm

In short: Yes.

Not sure what you mean by original work or how you acquired it, but I'm sure the writer (or agent) would appreciate acknowledgment of its use. Even if you don't receive anything for the show, permission to perform those words needs to be secured. Who knows, the writer may allow a free performance just to give the work recognition (but not necessarily)

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Even a man who is pure of heart...

Posted By: brianwolters
Date Posted: 5/28/09 at 3:47pm

Oddly enough, it is from a pretty much forgotten but underrated movie: Popeye. I want to adapt the music and narrate the story for kids to perform.

Posted By: DWolfman
Date Posted: 5/29/09 at 9:03am

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but it seems you would be seriously running afoul of copyright law with that project, unpaid performance or not.

However, I do like the concept and (being the Popeye fan I am) if you pursue the proper avenues for creating such a production, it would be wonderful to see it onstage.

Best of luck,

-DW-

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Even a man who is pure of heart...

Posted By: brianwolters
Date Posted: 5/29/09 at 9:06am

Well, I could at least try for some kind of "rights"...maybe contact Disney (who are the worst with rights) or the estate of Harry Nillson...worth a shot! :)