Most shows that I see at community theaters have recorded music playing during pre-show and intermission. Some shows also have music DURING the show (similar to a soundtrack in a movie). Do you have to pay rights to play music during a show, and if so - where do you go to find out who owns the rights to a piece of music?

Thanks, all! This website is a fantastic resource, by the way!

I just recently directed "Blithe
Spirit" which I set in the 60's as opposed to the 40's/  I used everthing from Dean Martin to The Beatles to Elves to Petulia Clark.  I just burned and used the music.  Quit frankly, I suppose you should get the rights but who does that?  I guess it is a gray area when it comes to pre-show, scene break, intermission and post-show music.  I believe the only time you have to worry is when the music is part of the play (i.e., a musical)  Didn't relly answer your question but this is what I did and what we've alawys done.  Same goes for a radio playing music.

I do not know what the laws require but I can share some horror stories.  If you want to sing a song from a musical, you contact the royalty house and for a reasonable fee, they will grant you rights.  For any other music, you contact ASCAP (and/or BMI I assume) and you can get the rights for one song or a group of songs quite easily.

For recorded music I have been told that I have to get the rights from both the publisher (ASCAP/BMI) AND the performer!!!  (it is called synchronization.)  Several years ago, I tried to get the rights to a couple of C/W songs and after weeks and weeks of searching out who to contact, I got in touch and never heard back from them so I gave up.

I know our theatre company just pays $ to SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Auhtors and Music Publishers of Canada) every year.  I don't know that the American version of this is or what they laws are there.