APRA can act as an Agent for copyright owners whose works may be used in a dramatic context. As a result, fees for dramatic context performances can vary depending upon the musical work you wish to use. Fees generally range between 0.55% to 6.6% of gross box office takings. However, fees can sometimes be higher depending on the value the copyright owner places on his or her musical work. There is a minimum licence fee of $55.00. The music publishers advise APRA of works and catalogues that have restricted use, and all requests must be cleared by the publishers before a licence is granted. This list may be amended from time to time after consultation with the publisher
APRA can help you obtain permission to use music in dramatic performances if the music is used:
- in a dramatic context : “A performance that uses acting, costumes, scenic accessories and scripted dialogue or other dramatic effects.” or
- as part of a ballet : “A ballet is a choreographic work that interprets a story, plot or abstract idea through the use of dancing and/or miming. It does not include country or folk dancing or precision dancing sequences.”
Dramatic Context Licence applications must be submitted as early as possible with a minimum of at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to your first performance.
Download, print and complete the application form
APRA does NOT licence grand right performances.
“Includes operas, operettas, musical plays (for example, “Phantom of the Opera”), revues, ballets for which the music was originally written, oratorios and large choral works (exceeding 20 minutes)”
In these cases you will need permission directly from the music publisher. We can help you identify the appropriate music publisher.
Here is a list of productions that would qualify as grand right performances and for which you would need to contact the music publisher directly - Musicals – Grand Rights Ownership.
Need help? Contact us & read the FAQs:
If you are not sure which category your performance falls into, please contact us via email OR call 03 9426 5231 and ask for Dramatic Context Licensing.
Music in Theatre FAQ
The venue where the performance is taking place already has an APRA licence. Why do we need another licence?
The annual APRA licence that the venue may hold excludes dramatic context performances.
Can we change the lyrics or arrange the music?
Any change to the musical work requires the authority of the copyright owner who holds the exclusive right to adapt the work. If you adapt the words or arrange the musical work without permission you may infringe copyright and the copyright owner may take legal action against you.
Can we videotape the performance?
Generally. you need permission from all of the copyright owners of the music and lyrics before you can videotape your performance. The relevant copyright owners will be listed on the licence provided to you by APRA and we can help you get in contact with them if required.
Do I need any other licences?
If you are playing recorded music (eg CDs, tapes) as part of your performance, you will need to obtain two licences:
- an APRA licence for the musical compositions, and
- a licence from the owner of the copyright in the artists' performances contained in the sound recording.
This is because the Copyright Act creates separate copyright in the sound recordings on one hand and the underlying musical works contained on those sound recordings, on the other. That is, a song may be written by one person and performed by someone else. The rights are licensed separately because they belong to different people.
Copyright in the sound recordings is licensed by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) on behalf of record companies and recording artists. PPCA is completely independent of APRA. Further information about PPCA is available on 02 8569 1111 or via their website.
If you wish to make a recording for your performance, you will need to receive permission from the relevant copyright owner of the musical work(s) and of the sound recording (if you are using one) or the collecting society.
Education and print music
Copyright in a musical work includes the right to reproduce the work in a printed form. Accordingly, you will need to obtain the relevant copyright owner's authority before you can photocopy any copyright material. See also Schools and Universities.