Copying Scripts

[lieperjp]

Does everyone do this? Since tech scripts usually are wanted/needed with the blank page on the left, how does one reconcile this with Copyright Laws?

Obviously, there is always requesting permission for copying from the publisher.

Also, I've heard that (at least for music) if you have the originals, copies can be made and used (no more than the number of originals) and they must be destroyed after the performance. Does that apply to theatre too?

Just wondering.

[achstechdirector]

At my theatre, we copy them in their entirety and place them in a black binder. Then, we take a label maker and put the title, author, publisher, and a number on the spine and use this binder as needed. When the show is over, the crew is required to check in their binder with their number on it. I place them on a bookcase and that's where they sit. We have never had a copyright problem with the scripts because they are so strictly controlled. I don't believe that the publisher will have a problem with it because its not being distributed. As for music, in the band where I play 1st Trumpet, we copy to our hearts content. When you purchase music you also purchase the right to copy it for purposes that are within band. Also, I know that our director exchanges scores with other schools. I don't see a problem with copying a script as long as it does not get distributed and after the show is destroyed or kept in the theatre for educational/informational purposes. DO NOT SELL THE SCRIPTS. There was a community theatre in the region that had a yardsale to get rid of some old props and costumes, they sold old tech scripts for .50 per script and they got into a lot of trouble over it. If the scripts are in the way box them up or throw them away. By the way, I wouldn't flaunt the fact that I had the script. There is always going to be some butthole out there that is just trying to find something to do, and that something might be turn you in for copying scripts. In my opinion, the publisher knows that crews will copy it. So, make your own decision, but I don't think too much of copying a script for tech purposes. Some companies offer the script in a binder, but this is usually rental and you have to return it erased. I know that MTI offers this on some shows. Depending on the show, and your budget, that might be the easist way to go about getting what you need without violating copyright laws.

[cprted]

Originally Posted by lieperjp

Also, I've heard that (at least for music) if you have the originals, copies can be made and used (no more than the number of originals) and they must be destroyed after the performance. Does that apply to theatre too?

While I can't claim to actually know what the law is, this is the rule of thumb I follow (hold over from my days as a musician). As an SM, one of the first things I do during my prep week is copy the script into prompt script form. I'm not sure how I would function if I couldn't photocopy a script.

[icewolf08]

As has been mentioned, the publishers and licensing companies know that there are people who need to make copies of the script. Probably every stage manager in the country does for one, and designers and such. Also, consider that you can just buy scripts from companies like Samuel French and Dramatists Play Services right on Amazon. This of course does not give you performance rights.

There are also shows (mostly musicals) where the scripts that you are given are just for each character with cue lines. Many actors and theatre companies find this to be quite annoying and so they just make copies of the prompt script and give it to the cast. You should still collect it back when the production is over, though not all do.

You start to run into problems if you start selling copies of scripts or even just distributing them for free. You also will be in a world of hurt if you perform a show without first obtaining performance rights, even if you have purchased a script off Amazon.

[Sayen]

Check with the publisher - some of the new, small internet publishers will let you copy the entire script, just to get the playwright's words out, and that comes with the performance rights. On the other hand, I'm not sure I'd even want to think about copying a Disney script.

I'm shaky on this part of copyright law, but I will admit to copying my own legal purchased edition of a script, so I can put it neatly in a binder when SMing or directing. With most publishers you need to order one copy of every required script, acting and tech, and cannot distribute any free copies.

[Footer]

To me this falls into the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" type of thing. We all do it, we all have to do it, just don't ask to do it. As long as you are not re-selling the script after the show, I see no issue. Also, if an SM or most designers actually used real scripts they would not be legible after being erased.

[willbb123]

Originally Posted by Footer

To me this falls into the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" type of thing. We all do it, we all have to do it, just don't ask to do it. As long as you are not re-selling the script after the show, I see no issue. Also, if an SM or most designers actually used real scripts they would not be legible after being erased.

I dont remember where I first heard this quote, but I've always liked it. "Sometimes its better to beg for forgiveness then ask for permission."

[jwl868]

The holder of a copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce the work (along with other rights).

Check with the publisher what you can do. Read the fine print. One author may allow broad use, while another is very narrow. Is an SM's copy "fair use"? Maybe. Certainly it would be expected in the industry.

And try begging forgiveness to a copyright lawyer and the judge.

See:
U.S. Copyright Office


Joe

[Sayen]

That was my thought too. Asking for forgiveness later is great with, say, policy, but doesn't work so well with the law. I know the music companies will nail musicians over copies, although I've never heard of an audit over script copies.

[cprted]

Originally Posted by Sayen

That was my thought too. Asking for forgiveness later is great with, say, policy, but doesn't work so well with the law. I know the music companies will nail musicians over copies, although I've never heard of an audit over script copies.

I have. A band teacher I know was doing his student teacher practicum at a school that had their music library audited. It was pretty bad apparently. I don't know if there was a fine, but they lost about a third of their library. Which made most of their music useless as many of the copies were made to fill in the gap from missing parts.