Can I use this script??

Question:So I want to direct a small show and I want to have it be West Side Story. I'm going to edit out some parts and stuff and maybe change around the story a teensy little bit but it'll mostly be West Side story. I have a practice script I found on the internest and I was wondering if I could use that, or is that not allowed????

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: So I want to direct a small show and I want to have it be West Side Story. I'm going to edit out some parts and stuff and maybe change around the story a teensy little bit but it'll mostly be West Side story. I have a practice script I found on the internest and I was wondering if I could use that, or is that not allowed????

DO NOT edit, change, reshuffle or in any way alter West Side Story. It is copyrighted, and you cannot afford the legal fees once (notice I did not say "if") you are sued for Infringement of Copyright.

If your production is not for profit (i.e. a school project) you may, just may, get a waiver from the publisher. Write to the publisher (usually Tams-Witmark) and ask permission to use the script.

"Mostly" West Side Story is not West Side Story. Ask before you edit.

Change all the character names, all the place names, al the songs, or contact the owners and tell them it's a "benefit" performance. They'll usually waive royalties in that event. But do not just use it as that's risking a problem. ESPECIALLY if you change is significantly and still call it "West Side Story". It's OK to edit a bit-- I combined two scenes for my production of "Bye Bye Birdie". When in doubt, DON'T use.