Hal Leonard - Welcome

FAQ'S

So you have found your perfect musical... it might be an old favourite, or it might be something new, exciting and challenging. Before you go to the next step, if the process of applying for a performance licence is unfamiliar to you, there are a few things you should know: Remember - if you are not sure, ASK.

Deciding on a show?

If you don't know what show you want to present, HLA can provide you with perusal copies of the libretto/vocal book and highlights from the Piano/Vocal score (if available). Please fill out our online Perusal Request form, or contact us to request a form. Please note that perusal scripts are available only to registered theatre companies and educational institutions.
  

How do I apply to produce a show?

Request an Application for Rights form or fill out one of our online forms. When filling in an application form, make sure you have met with ALL your creative team. Make sure you know:

a) Your performance dates
b) The dates you would like to obtain your scripts and scores.
c) The correct venue, address and maximum seating capacity.
d) Make sure that one person and ONE PERSON only is nominated to be the contact with the licensing agent. This eliminates confusion and errors when many different people gather information from the same source.
  

How long does it take to process my application?

Processing can take one to three weeks, depending on the time of year, the show you picked, and certain geographical restrictions. If you are a school, try to decide on your show the year before and avoid the 'February rush'. You must always obtain written confirmation of availability from HLA before planning a production or announcing a season.
  

What happens if I need to change my information?

Having the right information at this stage is IMPERATIVE. While in some cases, changes can be made down the track, it will often cause you and the agent unnecessary time, administrative fees, and paperwork. There is nothing worse than deciding months later that yes you WOULD like to use an orchestra, only to have the material booked out. Believe me, it does happen, so decide NOW rather than later. Remember, this information will also form the basis of a legal document, your Licence Agreement, so make sure it is ACCURATE.
  

What happens once I've put my application in?

You will be sent a confirmation letter and usually an invoice for a security bond. Approximately six to eight weeks before you are due to receive your material you will receive the Licence Agreement and invoice for advance royalties and hire fees. Remember to return these on time. Shows are often heavily booked and cancellations can happen if you don't pay promptly.
  

What materials will I receive?

Rehearsal material: usually consists of a set of libretto/vocal books, and piano/conductor or piano/vocal scores (may vary).
Orchestral material: orchestra/band parts only.
More information about rehearsal and orchestral sets can be found on the individual show pages. HLA provides the acting or current authorized edition. This edition, provided by the creators of the work, clearly outlines how they wish their show to be performed.
  

When in rehearsal, can I make changes to the script if I feel that my company has good input?

When you are granted a performance licence, by law the show for which you have been licensed must be performed "as is." You should not make any changes unless you have obtained prior written permission from us to do so. Otherwise, any changes violate the authors' rights under copyright law. Contact us - it's always safest to ask.
  

Can I videotape or audio tape my production?

The short answer is "No". The long answer is: Copyright law gives authors the exclusive right to control the reproduction of their work. When HLA grants a licence for a live stage production of a show, that licence does not include the right to tape it because the authors retain the sole right to decide when or if their work is recorded in any way.
  

What guidelines must I follow when advertising my show?

Billing information is sent with your Licence Agreement. Don't forget that you have been given the right to perform a work that belongs to someone else - be it a composer, writer, lyricist, or his or her estate. It is essential that these people are credited correctly. They are the creators of what you are about to perform. It's just as important as crediting your director, choreographer or music director, and it is part of what your company agrees to when they sign a Licence Agreement. Don't forget that your posters and program drafts MUST be sent to the licensing agent for approval BEFORE you print them. If you can, send hard copies as well once they have been printed. We love to see the great design and artwork that is out there, and we'll often send them on to the owners of the works in London or New York. Writers and composers love to hear about their international successes! Remember also that HLA can supply you with Official Broadway Logos for selected shows. Using the original logo without obtaining permission is prohibited.