I am working sound with a small local non-profit religious organization
volunteer theatre group that will be performing Bye Bye Birdie.

I would like to create a soundtrack CD performed by the cast for sale
at the performances.

What are the copyright issues that I need to address and how do I
address them.

thanks

Mark

Mark wrote:
What are the copyright issues that I need to address and how do I
address them.

The songs probably fall under mechanical license; check with the Harry
Fox Agency.

"Mark" wrote ...
I am working sound with a small local non-profit religious organization
volunteer theatre group that will be performing Bye Bye Birdie.

I would like to create a soundtrack CD performed by the cast for sale
at the performances.

What are the copyright issues that I need to address and how do I
address them.

Start by going back to the place where they rented the sheet
music, scripts, etc. Lots of Broadway plays have significantly
more strict controls on recording, photography, video/film,
etc.

If there are no special requirements from the publisher, likely the
standard method(s) of purchasing mechanical license apply.

Easiest way is to go to http://www.harryfox.com/index.jsp
but they have a 500-copy minimum. So if you were planning on
smaller distribution, back to the copyright owner (not necessarily
the rental place?) to see if they would cut you a deal?

Religious/non-profit are not exempt from the requirements for
licensing any distribution of copyright-protected materials (even
if given away for free).

Borrow or buy a copy of "This Business of Music" by Krasilovsky and Shemel
(and John Gross). Krasilovsky is a copyright lawyer and this book, now in
its ninth edition, is "the bible" for all things legal in the music world.

Via Amazon I was able to buy a remaindered copy of the *eighth* edition for
three dollars (!) plus shipping. I have been told that the only major
difference between the eighth and ninth editions is that the latter adds
material about internet music distribution.

To echo an earlier response, you will need a "mechanical license." The Harry
Fox Agency is the easiest way to get one but if you need less than 500
licenses you can go directly to the copyright owner. See TBOM for more
details.



"Mark" wrote in message
ups.com...
I am working sound with a small local non-profit religious organization
volunteer theatre group that will be performing Bye Bye Birdie.

I would like to create a soundtrack CD performed by the cast for sale
at the performances.

What are the copyright issues that I need to address and how do I
address them.

thanks

Mark