Competition & Classroom Use

1. How do you I use a cutting (a scene or monologue) from a play—or a short play—for forensics, speech, Thespys, Irene Ryan or a similar competition?

   Royalties are waived for the use of excerpts/cuttings/short plays lasting less than ten minutes for forensics, speech, Irene Ryan or similar adjudicated competitions where the plays are not substantially produced (i.e., no sets, lighting, costumes, etc). Permission for this use only is automatically granted so long as each participant has purchased a digital perusal copy or printed copy of the full play through YouthPLAYS. 

   To use a scene or monologue in Thespys, you are not required to purchase a copy (or copies) of the script, but we strongly encourage you to do so. Reading a play in its entirety helps you better understand your chosen scene or monologue and the characters in it, and  and your purchase supports the playwright who created the material. Please email us at [email protected] with any specific questions about the usage of materials.

2. If we have to submit a video of our performance for Thespys or a similar competition, what do we need to do?

   For cuttings of under 10 minutes being used in an adjudicated competition, as long as your video is being uploaded to a secure site where it will only be viewed for purposes of adjudication, there are no additional requirements beyond the original requirements to perform the competition piece.

3. If I want to study a play in the classroom but not stage it for an audience, what do I need to purchase?

   If you wish to use a play in the classroom (i.e., your class will be studying it as a group), you may either purchase a classroom set (if hard copies are available) or a Classroom PDF + Copy License, which includes a PDF file that may be copied to create a classroom set. If you need a limited number of copies for small group work, you may purchase the requisite number of printed or digital copies. Please keep in mind that scripts may not be copied unless you've purchased the Classroom PDF + Copy License. As long as the play is not performed in front of an audience (i.e., people who are not enrolled in your class), you do not need to purchase royalties.