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Hard to Find Performance Rights

by John Kenrick

(Copyright 2004)

If the musical you want is not listed in our Stage Rights Index, that means the rights (as well as the script & score) are not available through any standard channels. Some reasons for this might be --

You may still be able to get the rights to such a project. First, you will have to locate the current rights holders, and then make your case directly to them. There are several professional organizations that may be able to help you.

To find older or deceased writers, contact --

Authors League of America
330 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 564-8350

For current writers --

Dramatists Guild, Inc.
234 West 44th Street
New York, NY, 10036
(212) 398-9366
Website: www.dramaguild.com

To locate Broadway composers, lyricists or their estates, there are two organizations --

ASCAP
American Society of Composers and Publishers

One Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023
(212) 621-6000
Website: www.ascap.com

BMI
Broadcast Music International

320 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019-3790
(212) 586-2000
Website: www.bmi.com

Some rights holders will be delighted to hear from you -- others may not even be willing to give you so much as a moment of their time. But if you really want hard to find rights, its worth a try. Good luck in your search!

Back to: Stage Rights Index