Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Illinois

royalties for performing a book, non-commercial

When doing reader's theater/oral interpretation at a local library, I would like to let my students choose the literature that we use for our scripts. We will have free performances in the library. Can we use anything or only public domain work? If we use an author's work in one of our scripts, do we need to pay royalties on the performances (and how do we do so), or is it enough that I buy the book? And/Or can I put together a contract letter between myself and the author that allows me to use his/her work in my workshops?


Asked on 9/01/05, 8:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: royalties for performing a book, non-commercial

Hello. If you use the literature or artistic

work of another in your readings, performances, etc., to be safe you should seek the permission

of the author/creator. You do not want to be the subject of a lawsuit. This can be worked out conveniently without a whole lot of fuss as long as you take the proper steps. If you have more

questions, I will be happy to answer them.

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Answered on 9/02/05, 6:20 pm


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