What is the copyright situation with creating an abridged version of a musical?

Question:We're considering creating a school version of a musical by taking a few songs and some of the dialogue, and presenting it as a 'broadway revue.' Is this a violation of copyrighting still?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: We're considering creating a school version of a musical by taking a few songs and some of the dialogue, and presenting it as a 'broadway revue.' Is this a violation of copyrighting still?

People do it and sometimes get away with it but is far from legal.

Are you planning to charge admission? If any money is to be made the playwrights and composers deserve a share for all their labor.

You have to get rights from the licensing entities just as you would to do a full length play you will also have to submit a proposal of your changes, if it is anything represented by the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization they are very strict. The answer is probably NO!

What show are you doing some licensing organizations have abridged versions for schools Check MTI's junior series.

If no money is to be gained from this you MIGHT be able to get some sort low rate provisional license but it is highly unlikely.

Yes. Technically, you still should pay the publisher to use the individual songs. You can contact them with your question, they may be able to help you. Many times they carry a cut-down version of the play you can use, search their site.

Any show done for educational purposes (you said school show, right?) is generally not subject to copyright laws, as long as you don't charge money for it. Call your ticket price a "suggested donation" and you'll be fine. That means, though, that people don't have to pay it, and you can't make them!