Resources and support

POR 9.1 and 9.5 must be followed and the below guidance is advised. The relevance of this will be determined by the kind of staged performance group being run. They can be found at POR 9. Activities.

The Scout Association, through a Body of Persons Approval (BOPA), has been granted an exemption in England from having to acquire such licences provided the general law applicable to children's performance is followed. In other locations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or Overseas) performance groups should apply to the relevant local authority for a BOPA. When travelling or operating abroad you must follow the legal regulations of the country that you are attending.

The local authority may still require further detail about the children in accordance with their own policies. Where this is requested it is important to ensure the request for data is justified and appropriate. To find out more, contact your local authority.

The Performing Right Society protects the value of copyright and helps to provide an income for composers, songwriters and music publishers.

PRS for Music (PRSfM) is a royalty collection and distribution society. Its members are songwriters, composers and music publishers. Its customers are music users. PRSfM issues licences to its customers which allow them to use its members’ music. Monies raised from issuing these licences are paid as royalties to the members whose works have been used.

Usually the organisation or the venue that you're performing at will be able to tell you more about the payment process. 

More information can be found at the PRSfM website and the Unsigned Guide.

To use Disney music or songs, contact them directly, as they aren't covered by PRS. It can often take longer for permission to be granted (more than three months) than through PRS, so apply in plenty of time. Learn more about who to contact regarding licensing Disney music.

The LM licence is quick, affordable and grants you ‘blanket’ permission to legally use any music in your own CDs, DVDs or videos (and other formats). That includes any music, from any genre, by any artist including names such as Elvis, The Beatles, Adele and Ed Sheeran.

The LM licence covers MCPS Rates Only:

• The copyright in the musical work (MCPS)
• The copyright in the sound recording (PPL)

The LM licence is:

• Ideal for signed or unsigned band, choir and orchestra CDs
• Suitable for DVDs of school plays, amateur dramatics, voluntary or non-registered charities and community projects

The extract above is lifted from the PRS website.

Learn more about copyright on Copyrightservice.co.uk.

There are bodies that can help you with queries that you may have in setting up a performance. The main support can be found at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

NODA is a national body that represents amateur theatre. They support and inspire amateur theatre making it successful, sustainable and inclusive. However, you do need to be a member.

If you are working with members from Girlguiding you will need to liaise with relevant local leaders or commissioners. There must be at least one Girlguiding leader present. You should follow the guidance for joint activities.

The Girlguiding volunteers involved are responsible for making sure that their rules and procedures are followed, including branding.

• General programme guidance
• Creative activity guidance
• The National Performing Arts SASU (Scout Active Support Unit) supports musical ensembles and staged performances around the UK. This group can connect you to other shows all around the UK. 
• The Musical Performance Toolkit