Why Licensing Matters (and How We Make It Easy)
At Lighthouse Plays, we believe deeply in the integrity of theatre — not just as art, but as an educational and community experience that teaches responsibility, collaboration, and respect for creativity.
Recently, Christopher Peterson from OnStage Blog wrote a powerful piece titled “To the Teacher Whose Show Got Canceled Because They Didn’t Pay for Licensing…” that serves as a pointed reminder of why licensing matters in school and community productions. In his article, Peterson underscores that licensing isn’t optional — it’s a fundamental part of honoring the creators behind the work you want to bring to life onstage. He reflects on a hypothetical cancellation that crushed students’ hopes when rights hadn’t been secured, and stresses that producing a show without permission isn’t just a technical issue — it’s about respecting the art and the people who made it.
We appreciate this candid warning. The last thing any teacher, director, or student should face is the heartbreak of preparing a production only to have it fall apart at the last minute. And beyond disappointment, unlicensed production can send the wrong message about how art and creative work should be treated.
Licensing doesn’t have to be hard.
The great news? It doesn’t have to be complicated — or scary. At Lighthouse Plays, we’re committed to making licensing as simple, flexible, and supportive as possible for schools, theatres, and educators of all kinds.
Here’s how we help:
Clear and Flexible Options
We offer licensing for a wide range of plays — from classics to contemporary works — with terms that fit the size and needs of your program.
Easy Communication
No confusing forms or cryptic contracts. Our team is here to answer questions and guide you through the process step-by-step.
Planning Support
We understand production timelines. That’s why we work with you to ensure licensing clearances are in place well before rehearsals begin.
Theatre Should Be a Celebration, Not a Last-Minute Crisis
Theatre is about teaching, growing, and building community — not paperwork headaches. Licensing protects the art and the artists, and it ensures your students’ hard work ends with a performance everyone can be proud of.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by licensing requirements, don’t worry — you’re not alone. We’ll walk you through it so you can focus on what really matters: bringing your show to life.
Want help securing rights or exploring flexible licensing options for your production? Let’s talk. Because great theatre shouldn’t be stopped by preventable details — it should be supported, celebrated, and shared.