Theatre and venue licences

A license is required for any public performance space to be used and is to be easily accessible any time the premises is in use. It shall be specified on the license the accommodation limit. The premises must have public liability insurance.
The premises may not be opened for public performance of plays before 0900 hours, and on Sundays, Good Friday or Christmas Day not before 1400 hours. The premises may not be kept open for music, music and dancing or indoor sports after 2300 hours, and not after midnight for plays or film exhibitions.

Public Performance spaces

Staff
A register of staff shall be maintained at all times.
Competent adult staff shall be on duty the whole time members of the public are present, and shall have been trained in the event of an emergency. Where required by the council, a competent member of staff shall be in charge of the electrical or other installation whilst the public are on the premises.

Maintenance
All fire warning systems, equipment, electrical installation and mechanical support shall be maintained.
All escape routes shall be unobstructed, immediately available and clearly identifiable at all times.

Copyright and Patents

Copyright in songs
There are two forms of copyright in songs. The first is the composition (music and lyrics), and the second is in the recording of the song, not the song itself.
The copyright of the song is automatic as soon as it is put down on paper or recorded in some way. In the UK this copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the composer, or if there’s more than one, the death of the last surviving composer. To protect your copyright all you need to do is send the song to yourself by recorded delivery. When it arrives don’t open it, put it somewhere safe.

Copyright in musicals

There are three main copyrights in musicals.
The first being the actual Songs. The next is the format of songs, how the songs are performed and what order they are performed in, and the last is the story of the musical.

Licensing bodies responsible for:
Venues
PRS (venue management) various licences including the Public Entertainment Licence

Music Royalty collection
All the societies below collect royalties for artists of record companies, or supply licences to radio stations etc to play the artists music.
PPL
AURA
PAMRA
PRS
MCPS (mechanical)

Film/Media Royalty collection
PRS (radio, TV broadcasts)
VPL (broadcast, public performance)
PPL (broadcast, public performance)
CPA
CMA

Health and Safety regulations (theatre and performance)

·Suitable notices indicating how the fire brigade can be called should be prominently  displayed.
·All escape routes shall be unobstructed, immediately available and clearly visible at all  times.
·All emergency exits should be clear and in good working order.
·At least one member of staff is to be trained in fire prevention/extinction by a recognised  authority, and will act as the fire officer.
·No smoking notices should be displayed throughout the premises.
·The premises shall be well ventilated when in public use.
·Dangerous materials shall be stored in a place approved by the council.
·ALL parts of the premises must be in a clean condition.