California Use of Song in Grand Rights First Class, Stock, and Amateur Performances The state of California has specific regulations governing the use of songs in various performance settings. Whether it's a grand right first-class production, stock performance, or amateur show, this detailed description will provide you with valuable insights into how song usage is managed and the different categories involved. 1. Grand Rights First-Class Performances: In California, grand rights first-class performances refer to professional musical productions held in large and prestigious venues. These shows typically feature well-known songs and are performed by established artists. Obtaining licenses for song usage in such performances is crucial to comply with copyright laws. To secure the necessary licenses, production companies or event organizers must reach out to the respective copyright holders or music licensing companies. The usage of songs in grand rights first-class performances may involve live performances, synchronization with visuals, or the creation of sound recordings. License fees are usually negotiated between the parties involved. 2. Stock Performances: Stock performances usually take place in smaller theaters, community playhouses, or local venues. They involve the use of pre-existing scripts and familiar songs within specific productions. These shows are often long-running, with the same production presented for multiple seasons or occasions. When it comes to song usage in stock performances, the licensing requirements are slightly different. Production companies typically acquire blanket licenses or permission from Performing Rights Organizations (Pros) like ASCAP, BMI, or SEAC. These organizations represent a vast array of songwriters and copyright holders, streamlining the licensing process for multiple songs within a production. 3. Amateur Performances: Amateur performances encompass a range of productions, including school plays, community theater shows, or small-scale independent productions. These performances are typical of non-profit nature and involve minimal budgets. The emphasis is on providing opportunities for aspiring performers and fostering artistic growth. For amateur performances, licensing requirements are a bit more flexible but still important. Amateur rights organizations like Music Theater International (MTV) or Tams-Witmark often handle the licensing process for specific shows or musicals. They offer simplified licensing packages tailored for educational or community groups, granting access to a selected catalog of songs and scripts suited for amateur performances. In summary, California regulates the use of songs in diverse performance contexts, including grand rights first-class, stock, and amateur performances. The licensing procedures for each type may vary, with grand rights first-class requiring direct negotiation with copyright holders, stock performances obtaining blanket licenses from Pros, and amateur performances often relying on specialized organizations for simplified licensing. Complying with these regulations ensures a legally sound and ethically responsible approach to utilizing copyrighted songs in these different performance settings.