Amateur Performance Rights

PGC’s Guide for Amateur Performance Rights

Are you a Canadian playwright in need of amateur rights assistance? Or, are you a producer or educator looking to acquire performance rights for a Canadian play?

Playwrights Guild of Canada facilitates both types of requests. Our Amateur Rights Program is centred on the playwright’s/estate’s ownership of their work(s) and the protections afforded them under copyright law. Copyright extends for 70 years after the death of the creator(s). 

Rights, royalties and contracts are important issues. As with most legal matters, ignorance is no defence, so please read them carefully, understand the material and ask questions as necessary. 

Rights refers to permission from the playwright (or via a representative) to produce the play, in whole or in part.

Royalties refer to the payment for the usage of the play (in whole or in part) and are applicable even if entrance to the performance is free.

Amateur refers to an organization whose participants (particularly actors) work without pay. It includes schools and educational clubs. If you are inquiring about professional rights, please email membership@playwrightsguild.ca.

Contracts will be issued, containing all stipulations under which you are licensed to produce the play. It is illegal to proceed with any aspect of the production or promotion prior to signing a contract.

Exceptions: Some playwrights have provided advanced approval for usage of limited excerpts at no charge for educational purposes. Please contact us for details.

Amateur Rights Information for Producers

Playwrights Guild of Canada should be your first stop when searching out amateur rights for Canadian plays! It can sometimes be tricky locating performance rights and finding the right contact person, so PGC is here to help producers navigate their way to successfully submitting a rights request. 

When PGC receives such requests, we review it and do one of the following:

  1. Forward the request to the agent to facilitate the rights and royalties and inform the producer.
  2. Forward the request to the playwright/executor to facilitate the rights and royalties and inform the producer.
  3. Act on behalf of the playwright/executor to facilitate the rights and royalties and provide the producer with confirmation and contract.
  4. Search for agent, playwright or executor contact to ascertain the a path forward and inform the producer. Sometimes searches do not yield results.

In cases where the playwright, their agent, or Executor cannot be reached, there can be no production. Please note, staging a play without a valid contract will result in a penalty fee for the producer.

If you are seeking a quote, and still require approval for a production from a board or other deciding body, please contact orders@playwrightsguild.ca before completing this form.

If you have any questions or need to talk to someone about your request, please email orders@playwrightsguild.ca before completing the form.

PGC Amateur Rights Policies and Procedures (Producers)

To secure amateur rights through PGC, the program operates with the following overall policies and procedures:

General:

  • Producer/educator will inquire about a specific play.
  • PGC sets standard minimum rates (both flat rates and box office percentage) as guidelines for the program, reviewing them every 3 years.
  • PGC always verifies with the playwright/executor.
  • All communications will be with PGC.
  • PGC will issue a contract which must be read, signed and returned by the producer/educator.
  • Producer/educator must credit the playwright when promoting the production.
  • Producer/educator must submit an example of marketing material, and may be required to submit a box office report.
  • Producer/educator must purchase, or show proof of purchase, of the required number of scripts. (e.g. 4 person cast requires minimum 6 script purchases to include director and stage manager).

Payment:

  • PGC will issue an invoice.
  • Fees may be quoted and paid in either Canadian dollars or US dollars.
  • PGC will charge the sales tax applicable to the location in Canada in which the activity takes place. 
  • Producer/educator is required to pay the fees according to the schedule.
  • Fees may be paid by e-transfer, direct deposit, credit card, wire transfer, ACH or cheque.
  • Late fees and penalties may be assessed as per contract clauses.
  • PGC is responsible for paying the playwright their royalties.

Requests require:

  • Title of play
  • Playwright’s name
  • Producer/educator’s name
  • Organization (if applicable)
  • Contact info of applicant
  • Dates (opening, closing)
  • Number of performances
  • Location of production
  • Seating capacity
  • Ticket pricing

Producer Intake

Ready to apply? Please complete this form.

If you have any questions, please contact the program manager at orders@playwrightsguild.ca

Amateur Rights Information for Playwrights

Playwrights Guild of Canada offers an Amateur Rights service to Canadian playwrights. When producers or teachers want to stage a Canadian play, they often contact PGC to find out how to proceed. Such requests are received from Canadian and international producers and educators.

When PGC receives such requests we start by contacting the playwright or agent. Playwrights may direct us in a variety of ways: 

  1. Provide an agent’s information and PGC will forward the request to them to facilitate the rights and royalties; or
  2. Forward the request to the playwright to allow them to handle the arrangements themselves; or
  3. Allow PGC to act as their representative to facilitate the request for the rights and royalties.

Some playwrights don’t enjoy the contract work and don’t have agents, so PGC is here to fill in that gap and handle your Amateur Rights contracts for you. If you are interested in signing up, please read about our policies and procedures, and the standard rates for amateur rights. 

PGC manages incoming requests. The intent of the program is to facilitate contracts for the sake of copyright protection and fair dealings. PGC does not promote or actively seek out production opportunities for playwrights. PGC does not recommend specific plays or playwrights, but does provide information to producers to allow them to make their own informed decisions.

PGC Amateur Rights Policies and Procedures (Playwrights)

If a playwright opts to participate in the Amateur Rights program, the program operates with the following overall policies and procedures:

General:

  • Playwright/executor will indicate which scripts they would like as part of the program, with the ability to add, delete, or change the list.
  • Participation in the Amateur Rights does not have to include a playwright’s entire catalogue of plays.
  • PGC sets standard minimum rates (both flat rates and box office percentage) as guidelines for the program, reviewing them every 3 years.
  • Once details are approved by a playwright/executor, the ensuing Amateur Rights Contract and any necessary rider(s) will be executed between PGC and the producer.
  • All communications with the producer will be with PGC.
  • PGC will be fully responsible for the collection of all elements as laid out in the contract.
  • Playwright/executor is entitled to request a copy of the completed, signed contract.
  • PGC will contact the playwright/executor if changes are requested or issues arise.
  • PGC will retain 10% of the contractual fee when the playwright/estate is a current member of PGC.
  • PGC will retain 15% of the contractual fee when the playwright/estate is not a current member of PGC.

Playwright Intake

Membership & Submissions on our Membership Resources Page.

If you have any questions prior to applying, please contact the program manager at orders@playwrightsguild.ca.

If you are inquiring about professional rights, please email membership@playwrightsguild.ca.

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