Our definition of a performance requiring legal authorisation and payment of author royalties (licensing fees) is any performance in front of an audience:
- Regardless of whether or not admission is charged;
- Whether the performance is public or private;
- Whether or not it is for charity or gain.
If an audience is present, then a licensing fee must be paid, and legal authorisation for performance must be obtained. This applies to the performance of any part of any copyrighted work as well as the whole. It applies to “readings” as well as “performances”.