Recording, Live-Streaming & On-Demand Video

1. What are my recording, live-streaming and on-demand options?

   At YouthPLAYS, there are many options for recording, live-streaming and on-demand broadcast to fit your needs. Our Streaming Guide will walk you through choosing the right package for you.

2. Which of your plays are available for live-streamed and virtual production?

   Almost our entire catalogue is available for secure live-streamed performance or secure on-demand performance, and most titles are available for non-secure options (unmonetized school websites and unmonetized social media sites) as well. To see exactly which options are available for a particular play, visit its dedicated page (you'll see all available options in its pricing area). Our Streaming Guide is a great starting point to learn about the different streaming options, and visit our Detailed Search, where you can search for plays that are particularly virtual-friendly.

3. What may I do with an archival recording (included with all streaming/video packages)?

   The Bronze Package (and all higher streaming/video packages) allows you to record the show and give a free copy (DVD or download) to each cast and crew member for their individual, non-commercial use. You may also use your copy for face-to-face or virtual instruction in your classroom. To sell your archival recording, you must purchase the Fundraising Add-On. Details in our Streaming Guide.

4. Can we sell our recordings?

   If you'd like to record the production and sell copies, you must purchase the Fundraising Add-On, in addition to a Bronze or higher video and streaming package. See our Streaming Guide for details.

5. Can we stream our show on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or a similar social media site?

   With a Platinum or Diamond streaming package, you may stream your show on an unmonetized school website or unmonetized social media website and leave the performance up for two weeks (Platinum) or indefinitely (Diamond), respectively. Silver and Gold packages allow for secure streaming/on-demand only. Please note that not all packages are available for every play (it depends on what the author will allow).

6. What companies do you recommend for broadcasting shows securely and selling tickets?

   We have four Preferred Streaming Partners: AnywhereSeat by Ludus, BookTix, CUR8 and On the Stage. All of them can help you stream your production securely, make it available on demand, and, of course, sell tickets to it.

7. How do I produce a play virtually?

   Click here to read the YouthPLAYS Streaming Guide for a step-by-step through the process. But in case you want the short version, here are the steps:

   • Pick the play you'd like to produce and go to its page on the website.
   • Order scripts (either enough physical copies for your cast and crew, or a production copy license).
   • Order performance royalties (one for each time you plan to perform the play—so if you want to show the play online at two different times, buy two performance royalties).
   • Order your streaming/video package. Want to live-stream? Order Silver or higher. Need on-demand? Go Gold or higher. (All of the packages are described in detail in the Guide.)
   • Before you checkout, assuming you plan to stream, you will be asked to give us the name of the company/platform that you will be using to stream your performances (for now, place it in the Note to the Publisher). We have five companies (they're in the Guide) that we recommend because their technology and security meet our standards. Having said that, we don't require you to use them as long as you can demonstrate that the platform you will be using is secure (unless you have purchased the Platinum or Diamond packages, which allow you to broadcast on non-secure platforms).
8. If I'm doing multiple performances, do I need more than one streaming/video package?

   No. You just need one streaming/video package to cover your production.

9. What does "unmonetized" mean when it comes to the Platinum and Diamond packages?

   While this is unlikely to be an issue with school websites, some social media sites (notably YouTube) allow certain accounts to monetize their videos; they get paid every time someone watches a video, indicated by the presence of banner or other advertising. While you are welcome to sell tickets to your performance (Silver or higher) or to sell on-demand viewing of your show (Gold or higher), you may not monetize a video on social media (or a school site) with any of our packages.