Are you ready to put on a show? Whether you want to do theater on or off Broadway, it takes more than a great venue, cast and creative team to create a quality theatrical production. Before any of those pieces come together, you first have to license to make the show.

What is a theater license?

Licensing is a crucial step in the production of any copyrighted play or musical. While it might seem like just a bureaucratic hoop to jump through, licensing not only ensures compliance with copyright laws, but also respects the work of creators.

Why do I need to license a show?

The world of theater is built on the creativity and hard work of playwrights, composers and other artists who bring stories to life on stage. Licensing ensures that these creative works are protected and fairly compensated. The process supports the sustainability of the arts, honors the original creators, and maintains the integrity of the work.

Is the license optional?

Not. Any performance of a copyrighted work, whether for a public or private audience, requires a license. This applies whether tickets are sold, whether the event is for charity or for profit, or even if no money changes hands. Making a copyrighted work without a performance license means your production could face serious legal and ethical consequences, stopping your dreams before the curtain goes up. Make sure you get a license agreement before auditions, casting and rehearsals.

NOTE: Not all tracks are copyright restricted. Those in the public domain are free to perform without license or fee.

How do I license a show?

The process of licensing a show can vary depending on the title and the licensing agency that holds the rights to it. While rights to some performances can be granted quickly, others may take more time and may be restricted depending on where the play is performed, whether the theater is amateur or professional, and various other limitations set by the creator of the performance. The license cost can also vary greatly from show to show.

How do I start?

Most shows are available for license from one main group of agencies: Music Theater International (MTI), Concord Theatres, Broadway Licensing and Worldwide theatrical rights. Start by reading their catalogs and follow their instructions to obtain a license agreement for your next production.

New shows available to license:

Need more help? The shows below became available for license most recently. Check back regularly for updates on new releases.

One more time

Fueled by the chart-topping hits of the undisputed pop princess, Once Upon a One More Time turns our favorite fairy tales with a clever twist: When a fairy godmother goes rogue and drops children from The Feminine Mystique into the laps of classic heroines. , the young ladies embark on a quest to rewrite their stories and redefine “happily ever after.” Available from MTI.

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Play mother

Set over 40 years and after five evictions, Mother Play begins in 1962 in the suburbs of DC, when matriarch Phyllis, a new working single mother, moves into a new apartment with her teenage children, Carl and Martha. Fortified by gin and cigarettes, the family endures – or survives – the changing world around them. Blending bursts of imaginative theatricality, surreal farce and deep tenderness, this beautiful roller coaster ride reveals timeless truths about love, family and forgiveness. Available from Concord Theatricals.

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An Enemy of the People (Adapted by Amy Herzog)

Amy Herzog’s straightforward adaptation of the Ibsen classic is a vibrant and compelling theatrical experience. A small town doctor considers himself a proud and honest member of his close community. When he discovers a catastrophe that endangers the lives of everyone in town, he raises the alarm. But he is shaken to his core when those in power, including his own brother, seek not only to silence him, but to destroy him. Available from Concord Theatricals.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (School Edition)

It’s time to believe in magic again. When Harry Potter’s powerful son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sets off an incredible new journey for all—with the power to change the past and the future forever. Get ready for a breathtaking race through time, spectacular spells and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most amazing theatrical magic ever seen on stage. Available from Broadway Licensing.

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The Great British Musical Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off Musical follows the journey of a group of contestants as they beat, knead and bake their way to glory, all under the watchful eyes of the judges and hosts who have become household names. With a mix of original songs that capture the spirit of the Bake Off marquee – from tense technical challenges to joyous performances – The Musical is a true celebration of community, resilience and the joy of doing what you love. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as friendships are formed, cakes are crumbled and dreams come true. Available in the UK and Ireland from MTI.

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Olympians

THE OLYMPIENS brings to life an unforgettable story of triumph, resilience and the pursuit of greatness. It is Ancient Greece and for Artemis, Athena and Aphrodite it is enough. As female gods, how can they enjoy immortal life when they rule over a society that does not have equal rights for women? What they need is a hero – a female one – to inspire women around the world. Available from Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

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We are the tigers

We Are the Tigers is a high-energy pop/rock musical that follows a high school cheerleading squad whose annual slumber party turns deadly. With a mix of dark humor and catchy tunes, the girls must navigate their own personal struggles while their lives are on the line. The musical skillfully combines elements of horror and comedy, resulting in an outrageously entertaining theatrical experience. Available from Broadway Licensing.

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Good night, Oscar

It’s 1958 and Jack Paar hosts the hottest talk show on TV. His favorite guest? Character actor, pianist and wild card Oscar Levant. Famous for his witty lyrics, Oscar has a favorite: “There’s a fine line between genius and madness; I deleted this line.” Tonight, Oscar will prove just that when he appears live on national TV in an episode that Paar’s audience – and the rest of America – won’t soon forget. GOODNIGHT OSCAR explores the connection between humor and heartbreak, the ever-shrinking distinction between exploitation and entertainment, and the high cost of baring one’s soul for public consumption. Available from Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

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Downstate

In the state of Illinois, four men convicted of sex crimes against minors share a group home where they live out their lives in the shadow of the crimes they committed. A man comes forward to confront his childhood abuser – but does he want closure or revenge? This gripping and provocative new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Bruce Norris focuses on the limits of our compassion as it questions what happens when society deems someone beyond forgiveness. Available from Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

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Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide for School JR.

Next is the musical THE the saga of Junie B., the wise-cracking first grader determined to write the ultimate guide – “Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide for School.” As she struggles with writer’s block and constantly gets into trouble, Junie B. quickly realizes that she still has a lot to learn. Available from MTI.

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Elephant & Piggie’s: “We’re in a Play!” Jr.

Elephant & Piggie’s: “We’re in a Play!” Jr. is the perfect musical to introduce young audiences to the vast world of theatre, while teaching them the value of friendship, family and community. An elephant named Gerald and a pig named Piggie are best friends, but Gerald worries that something could go wrong that would end their friendship. Piggie is not worried at all. She is even happier and more excited than usual. That’s because she and Gerald are invited to a party hosted by the Squirrels, three singing squirrels who love to have fun. And so begins a day where anything is possible. Available from MTI.

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Unsinkable Molly Brown (Revised Version)

The Unsinkable Molly Brown is the love story of Molly and James Joseph “JJ” Brown, owners of one of the richest mines in the US at the turn of the 20th century. The show features music and lyrics by the incomparable Meredith Willson, and additional book and lyrics by Tony-nominated author Dick Scanlan, based on the original book by Richard Henry Morris. This revitalized version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown shows Molly as she truly was: vibrant, progressive, and ready to fight for the underdog as a champion of women’s rights, labor rights, and immigration reform. Available from MTI.

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What a wonderful world

Set in mid-century New York City (and the North Pole), What A Wonderful World is the magical story of how Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus try to retire, but in doing so must hand over the baton to the new Santa Claus. . When the magic bells choose a young advertising executive from New York for the iconic position, he turns down the offer, putting the North Pole and the fate of Christmas in danger of disappearing forever. Available from MTI.

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Hadestown (Teen Edition)

Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice and that of the immortal King Hades and Lady Persephone – Hadestown invites audiences on a hellish journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by the traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s enticing music industry confronts nature, doubt versus faith, and fear versus love. Available from Concord Theatricals

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Chalet

Sylvia and Beau find themselves in an English country cottage for their annual date, and Sylvia knows that this time will be the beginning of their new life together. But when Beau balks at a shared future and their husbands arrive at the cabin, she realizes that this home away from home is a haven to determine a new path forward. With a tip of the hat to Noël Coward and the sex comedies of yesteryear, THE COTTAGE provides a perfect showcase for six actors with endless laughs, hilarious twists, daring physical comedy and a happy ending for lovers everywhere. Available from Broadway Licensing.

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Coming soon:

Kimberly Akimbo
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Titianique
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Water for elephants
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Some people like it hot
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Operation Minced Meat
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The shark is broken
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