Performance and Licensing Fees
For your performance license, please email [email protected] the following:
- your school/group details
- audience size
- ticket price
- number and dates of performances
A standard license covers up to 5 performances of one production. Additional performances may be licensed at a cost of 1/4 of the standard license fee per additional performance.
You will receive an invoice (or you can just ask for a quote if you are unclear). Payment can be made by bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal. Cheques are accepted but must clear before the performance dates.
Professional theatres, please contact [email protected] for a quote.
For a Sound/Video/DVD recording licence, please email [email protected] the number of copies to be made and/or clips likely to be taken. An invoice will be sent according to the prices in the table below, or a quote will be sent if the number is above 500.
Fee price tables below or scroll down for Licence & Copyright Information and FAQs.
| Audience (up to) | Ticket Price (£/$) | Performance Fee (£/$) |
| 100 | 0 | 30 |
| 250 | 0 | 40 |
| 500 | 0 | 55 |
| 1000 | 0 | 100 |
| 1500 | 0 | 150 |
| 2000 | 0 | 200 |
| Audience (up to) | Ticket Price (£/$) | Performance Fee (£/$) |
| 100 | 5 | 45 |
| 250 | 5 | 85 |
| 500 | 5 | 175 |
| 1000 | 5 | 500 |
| 1500 | 5 | 750 |
| 2000 | 5 | 1000 |
| Audience (up to) | Ticket Price (£/$) | Performance Fee (£/$) |
| 100 | 10 | 80 |
| 250 | 10 | 240 |
| 500 | 10 | 480 |
| 1000 | 10 | 1000 |
| 1500 | 10 | 1500 |
| 2000 | 10 | 2000 |
| Audience (up to) | Ticket Price (£/$) | Performance Fee (£/$) |
| 100 | 15 | 90 |
| 250 | 15 | 350 |
| 500 | 15 | 650 |
| 1000 | 15 | 1500 |
| 1500 | 15 | 2000 |
| 2000 | 15 | 2500 |
Sound/Video/DVD recording licence fees
For video and sound recordings please add the number of copies to be made and/or the number of people likely to take video clips.
| Number of copies/clips (up to) | Fee (£/$) |
| 10 | 5 |
| 25 | 10 |
| 50 | 15 |
| 75 | 20 |
| 100 | 25 |
| 125 | 30 |
| 150 | 35 |
| 175 | 40 |
| 200 | 45 |
| 225 | 50 |
| 250 | 55 |
| 500 | 60 |
| 501+ | Contact: [email protected] |
Licence & Copyright Information
1 – Performing ‘I Am Margaret: The Play’
If you are planning to stage a production of ‘I Am Margaret: The Play’, whole or in part, or to record the performance, you need to apply directly to UnSeen Books for a Performing and/or Recording Licence. This play is covered by international copyright law known as ‘Grand Rights’. Performing ‘I Am Margaret: The Play’ without permission from UnSeen Books is illegal. Our licences are priced affordably with schools and amateur drama groups in mind. They start from as little as £30.00 and safeguard you from prosecution.
2 – Reproducing the text
All photocopying, reproduction, and file-storage of the text must be licensed. If you wish to do any of these things please purchase a Director’s Edition of the play which includes photocopying/printing rights for 1 production. These rights also allow file-sharing and uploading onto a school learning platform / intranet / VLE / private group file sharing platform for the duration of 1 production.
N.B. Unauthorised printing/photocopying/file sharing is illegal
3 – Uploading sound/video clips of your performances onto public websites and YouTube.
This is allowed on condition that the following is clearly stated: ‘I Am Margaret: The Play’ – Published by UnSeen Books – www.UnSeenBooks.com
4 – Intellectual copyright
The revenue (royalties) raised from Performing Licences is the main source of income for playwrights. If intellectual copyright, which is protected by law, is not respected and royalties not paid, then there is no incentive for writers to produce new materials.
5 – Sound/Video/DVD recording licence
If all or part(s) of the play are recorded – CD/video/DVD/smartphones etc – then a recording licence is required. This includes schools and organisations making multiple copies for parents.
For video and sound recordings please submit the number of copies to be made and/or the number of people likely to take video clips.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to pay a licence fee even if we allow free admission?
Yes. The writers are entitled to receive a fee for use of their work whether admission is charged or not. Performance fees are priced to be affordable and start at £30.
Do we have to pay a licence fee if we make a collection but donate it to a charity?
Yes. The writers are still entitled to receive a fee for use of their work even if a charitable donation is made—otherwise you are essentially donating some of the writers’ money without their permission. To be considered for a possible fee reduction, please submit details of your chosen charity and the percentage of takings you plan to donate.
Do we need a licence for our dress rehearsal?
No. UnSeen Books does not charge for dress rehearsals.
How do I find out how much a performing and/or a recording licence will cost?
Please see the tables above or if uncertain, email [email protected] for a quote.
How do I apply for a performing licence?
Email your group details, audience size, ticket price and number and dates of performances to [email protected] to receive your invoice (or ask for a quote if you are unclear). You can pay by bank transfer / credit card / PayPal. Cheques are accepted but must clear before the performance dates.
Professional theatres, please contact [email protected] for a quote.
Where can I find out more about copyright and licensing?
CLA – Copyright Licensing Agency – www.cla.co.uk/Licencesforeducation
The Copyright Hub – www.copyrighthub.co.uk/