Les Misérables

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April 18, 2016
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I would like to know, how much do we have to pay if we perform the songs of the musical. We would do it in colleges, because the show has a pedagogical purpose and it would be free entrance, only at the end of the show we ask for the will. How we should proceed to do the things good and get more information? Thanks
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Staff Answer
April 18, 2016

Unfortunately, the rights to this show are completely restricted right now and the rights to present only the songs in concert are are not available.

MTI exclusively controls the ‘grand rights’ for the titles in our catalog.   Concerts, revues and showcases of your own creation that include songs from various shows generally fall outside of our jurisdiction into the category known as ‘small rights.’  

In order to present such productions, you must obtain the appropriate ‘small rights’ license.   For your convenience, we have developed the Guidelines below to give you a sense of what is involved, but these Guidelines do not constitute legal advice. 

Please note that exceeding or disregarding the Guidelines could result in your production violating the rights of MTI and/or our authors under federal copyright law.

·         No ‘dramatic’ performances of any songs from MTI shows are permitted.  The songs can be performed only in cabaret style.  While it is sometimes difficult to draw a distinction between dramatic and non-dramatic performances, a dramatic performance usually involves using a song to tell a story or as part of a story or plot.

·         No dialogue may be used.

·         No sets, costumes or choreography that evoke the original show may be used.

·         MTI materials, which are licensed only for grand rights uses, cannot be used.  You must legally obtain the rights to any sheet music or other music materials used from an authorized source.

·         As a rule of thumb, no more than three songs should be used from any one title or any one composer.

·         The revue must be the work of multiple composers.

·         Composer name(s) should not be used as part of the title of the program.

·         The venue must obtain a blanket license to use the songs from ASCAP/BMI/SESAC.  For more information about blanket licenses, see the respective websites of ASCAP (www.ascap.com), BMI (www.bmi.com) or SESAC (www.sesac.com). 

Thank you for your cooperation on these matters.