Royalties, Copyrights, and Permissions for Drama

Are performance royalties required? How do I know when a play script demands a royalty payment?

The catalogue and this web site indicate royalty plays by including the payment as $35/$25, $30/$20, $15/$10, $10/$5 and sometimes one flat rate such as $30 or $15. The first number indicates the fee for the first performance while the second number is for subsequent performances within the same run. If there is only one fee listed, it is the fee for every performance.

What if I don't charge admission? Do I still have to pay a royalty fee?

Royalty fees are not dependent upon admission charges. Any time a royalty script is performed in front of an audience, a royalty payment needs to be made.

When do I pay my royalty or performance fee, and whom should I send it to?

Royalty or performance fees should be sent two weeks before your performances. Mail the payment to: PERFORMANCE ROYALTY OFFICE; Lillenas Drama Resources; P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City, MO 64141.

What about music products that are available on your web site? Where can I find copyright and permission information about them?

You can click here to find answers to copyright questions about music products.

Does a professional company pay the same royalty as an amateur group?

No. All royalty fees quoted are for amateur performances. Contact us about professional use and other media presentations.

Do I have to give Lillenas a credit line and if so what do I use?

Yes. Please be sure to include the following line in the program or on any other advertising pieces: Produced with special arrangements of Lillenas Publishing Company.

When can I photocopy a script and not break the copyright law? Do I always need to request permission?

Lillenas' current policy is as follows: the price of sketch books, including The Worship Drama Library Series, include the right to photocopy. Plays can not be photocopied. If you plan to produce the play you must purchase a production pack which includes the scripts for the play at a reduced rate. Certain photocopying rights are outlined in the production packs for minor characters and staff. Our policy on program builders gives you the right to make copies once three books of the same title have been purchased. Copies cannot be loaned, sold, or stored in a retrieval system. Every copy you make must have the following statement on it: "Copied from [book title] by [author's name] copyright (c) [year]."

Why would I need to purchase a Production Pack?

When one copy of a playbook is purchased, it is understood that it is for reading purposes only. Permission to perform is granted when a production pack containing scripts for the cast and director is purchased and the royalty is paid two weeks prior to the performance(s). Besides being a required purchase in order to perform the play, the pack gives you the scripts your cast needs at a discounted price and sometimes contains production helps such as promo material and music cues.