Frequent Asked Questions

Finding What You Need

What are my search options?
The YouthPLAYS site has multiple search options.
- At the top of every page, you'll see a Search the Site box, which allows you to search for a title or author. We recommend choosing one word (though you can enter more than one).
- On the home page, you'll find the Search Plays box, which gives you more search power by allowing you to search not just by title and author, but also to include running time and cast size ranges, the type of producing group and the genre(s).
- Detailed Search has all of these options, plus also searches by keywords, cast size ranges broken down by gender and a curated group of special interests.
Still stumped? You can always fill out the Help Me Find a Play form on the home page and get our help in finding the perfect play for you!
I could use some help choosing plays that will fit my needs. Can you help me?

Absolutely. Email us at [email protected] (please include as much information as you can) or call us at 424-703-5315 Monday through Friday between 10 AM-6 PM (Pacific time).
Do you have a play catalogue? Can you mail it to me?

Our play catalogue is available as a downloadable PDF file, or reach it by pulling down the Plays & Musicals menu, where you'll see the Download Our Catalogue option. We update it on a regular basis, but be aware that the website Browse Our Plays will always have the absolute latest listings.
We've chosen not to have a hard-copy version of our catalogue to keep our carbon footprint as small as we can.
Do you offer any play anthologies?

Yes, we offer a variety of anthologies, including a number of flexible "performable collections" of short plays. The performable collections are designed to be performed in any order, and producers have permission to leave out any plays necessary to fit their needs.

Ordering

How do I order a play?

Simple. Browse the site using the Plays & Musicals pulldown link, or search using either the basic search on the front page or the detailed search. Once something catches your eye, go to that play's page. You'll see a synopsis, a substantial free preview and a list of things you can order, with a question mark alongside each item. Float your cursor over the question mark for more information about each item.

Typically the best way to start is with a perusal copy (either a digital one or, when available, a printed acting edition). From there, once you're sure the play is for you, you'll order performance rights and either a Production Copy License (which allows you to make unlimited copies of a PDF file for your production) and/or enough hard copies for your cast and crew (when available). Just want to use the play in your classroom with no public performance? Order a Classroom Copy License. Add whatever you need to your shopping cart, and then you can either checkout or continue shopping. Once you finalize your order at checkout, you will receive an invoice/receipt in your email (you can also print one through the site if you misplace the email). Some orders (i.e., digital perusal scripts paid by credit/debit/PayPal) are auto-approved, while others are reviewed and approved manually, at which point digital scripts and performance licenses (where applicable) go out through our automated system. Hard copies will be physically shipped (you'll still get an email with a performance license when applicable). Professional theatres should email us directly at [email protected] to license performance rights.
I'm interested in a play, but I don't know if I want to produce it at this time. What do I do?

We recommend that you order a digital or printed (if available) perusal copy first. One may print a single copy of a digital script for evaluation purposes. Once you've read the play, if you decide you'd like to produce it, return to our website and pay royalties for the number of performances you'd like to stage and purchase either a copy license (comes with a PDF and permission to make copies), printed scripts (enough for your cast and crew), or some combination of the two.
I want to stage a production. What do I need to order?

To produce a play, order the following:
Scripts. Purchase either sufficient hard copies of the play for your cast and crew (they may not be copied), a production copy license (a PDF file with permission to make unlimited copies for the cast and crew) or some combination of the two.
Performance Royalties. Order one for each time the play will be produced in the presence of an audience outside of the cast and crew (or outside of your closed classroom).
A Streaming/Video Package (Optional). If you wish to record an archival video of your production, stream the show (either live or prerecorded and shown at a specific time) or make the performance(s) accessible on-demand, you'll need to purchase one of our packages. Full details about each of the packages are in our Streaming Guide.
Visit any play's individual page to find out pricing, as well as which streaming/video packages are available.
I'm ready to make a purchase. What are my payment options?

Please select the materials you need by going to the individual page of each play (or book) you'd like to order. When you're ready for checkout, you'll be asked to log into your account or to create a new one. You'll choose a shipping option (if you have ordered scripts or books that need to be physically shipped) and then will be asked to review and accept our Royalty Statement.

Individuals or organizations outside of the United States will then have a choice of paying either by check, credit/debit card or PayPal. Organizations in the United States may also use a purchase order. If you select purchase order, you will be prompted to upload a PDF file of the purchase order and enter the purchase order number. If you don't have the purchase order in hand, there will be an option to upload it or email it to us later (your order won't be processed until you do, though).

Credit/debit, PayPal and purchase orders (once we've reviewed a copy of the PO) are processed right away, whereas payments by check must be received before orders will be processed.

Keep in mind that all checks must be in US dollars, and orders paid by check may be held until the funds clear. To expedite this process, we recommend obtaining a bank/cashier's check or a money order. Or just log back into our website and use credit/debit or PayPal to pay your check order. Once we receive your payment, we'll authorize the order, and your materials will be on their way shortly. Just let us know how we can help!
Do you accept purchase orders?

We accept purchase orders from US-based educational institutions. We also accept them from US-based theatre companies and bookstores, subject to approval. Select Purchase Order from the payment options and upload a PDF copy of the purchase order from your business office or purchasing department.
My district requires that I get an official quote before ordering; how do I do that?

To generate a quote through our system, go through the process of placing an order. When you get to payment, select the Quote payment option. You will receive a quote via email (you can always log into the website and click on My Account>My Orders to see it there as well).
Because the quote system is automated, your quote is not reviewed prior to your receiving it via email. However, rest assured that we will review it promptly and reach out to you if we see any issues (e.g., if you've not requested all of the necessary materials).

Once your business office/purchasing department is ready with a purchase order, there are two ways to transmit it to us and turn your quote into an actual order:
1. Log in to our website and click on My Account>My Orders, and then click on the Order Number. You'll see a place to upload the purchase order and input the purchase order number. (Preferred Method)
2. Email your purchase order as a PDF file to [email protected]. Please make sure that the associated order number is included in your email.
Once we receive the purchase order file, your order will be considered complete and ready to be reviewed.
Important Note: At any point during this process, you have the option to switch to Credit/Debit or PayPal as your method of payment. Click on My Account>My Orders and then click on the Order Number. You'll see buttons to choose one of these alternate payment methods.
I want to live-stream my production. What do I need to do that?

Go here for our complete Streaming Guide. Note that we consider live-streaming to include shows that are actually streamed live, as well as shows that are pre-recorded and aired at a specific time. You'll find many more answers to Frequently Asked Questions about live-streaming, on-demand viewing and video in the FAQ under the heading Live-Streaming, On-Demand Video & Recording.
Can I get a printable digital copy of a play?

Absolutely. Just select the play you'd like to order and then add the Digital Perusal Script to your shopping cart. Please keep in mind that these are for perusal/individual use only and may not be copied for classroom or production use. To use a play in performance or the classroom, please purchase Performance Royalties and a Production Copy License, or a Classroom Copy License, respectively; these copy licenses come with a PDF file and permission to make copies for your cast/crew or classroom.
How long does it take to receive plays once I place my order?

Digital perusal scripts (no more than one copy per play and not ordered together with printed scripts or other items) paid by credit/debit or PayPal are automatically emailed.

Other orders are processed as quickly as possible (within one business day), but please note that they are reviewed by a human first. (This includes multiple copies of a digital perusal script or digital perusals ordered with other items.)

Don't see your email? Just log into the website (using the email address and password you created when you registered) and click on My Orders under the Customer Menu. Click on the order number of any approved order to download your script files or performance license(s), and to print an invoice (though again, you should automatically receive an invoice in your email when you complete an order). If you choose to pay by check, your order will not ship until we receive your payment.

For those ordering printed scripts, our scripts print on demand and ship through our drop-shipper. Delivery is typically took 6-10 business days within the US, but delivery can be slower (or quicker) at certain times of year (it is significantly slower around the December holidays). For those ordering from outside of the US, Canada, UK, the EU or Australia, standard shipping can take some weeks, and we recommend using expedited/priority shipping instead. Note that priority and expedited shipping are not always available from our drop-shipper; if you pay for one of those but we're only able to send via a slower speed, we'll refund the difference to your credit card. Wherever you are, if time is an issue, we highly recommend ordering digital scripts (or supplementing your cast set with a production photocopy license).
I am outside the United States. Can I still place an order?

Absolutely! We have many customers in Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America, and even Africa and Asia. Everything you need to mount a production is available digitally, and we also ship printed scripts and books worldwide. While shipping to certain international destinations can sometimes take several weeks, in addition to printing and shipping from the United States, we also print and ship from the UK, Australia and several EU countries, thus allowing for particularly quick and reasonably priced shipping to customers in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and much of Scandinavia.
I placed an order for digital scripts and it's been more than 24 hours, but they haven't arrived. What do I do?

If you ordered only digital perusal scripts (and no more than a single copy of an individual title) and you paid with credit/debit/PayPal, the digital portion of your order should have been auto-approved and gone out through our automated system. Other digital orders should be processed within one business day. First, check your spam filter, and be sure to add [email protected] to your whitelist so that mail from us gets through to you. Also, please make sure you are able to emails with links--some systems, particularly school or government email addresses, may block them, sometimes even before they reach your spam filter at all.
But if your email isn't cooperating, have no fear. Just log into the website (using the email address with which you signed up and the password you created when ordering) and go to My Account>My Orders. Click on the order number of any approved order to download your script files or performance licenses, and/or to print an invoice.
Can I have a play physically mailed to me?

Almost all of our plays are available in both digital and printed form. Just visit the play's individual page and see if a Printed Script is one of the purchase options. For customers outside of the US, Canada, Australia, the UK or the western EU (e.g., France, Germany, Ireland, etc.), we recommend digital or expedited/priority delivery, as international shipping may add several weeks to your delivery time.
What happens if we apply for a price quote (e.g. to obtain a purchase order) or place an order with "check" as our method of payment and the price changes in the meantime?
If you apply for a quote to obtain a purchase order from your school or other institution (see the FAQ question above on how to do this) or place an order and select "check" as your method of payment, if there's a price increase, we will honor your original price for 30 days from the date of the quote or order (in the case of a check order). After this time, you will be responsible for paying the current price.
If you're sending me an electronic copy, why do you need a street address and a phone number?

Even if we're not mailing something to you, we need it as part of our efforts to safeguard our authors' intellectual property and verify where (and to whom) their material is being sent, as well as to protect against credit card fraud. Please be sure to review your information carefully, as any errors (e.g., missing digits or a misspelled email address) can hold up processing of your order. While we understand that typos happen, deliberately providing false information in an attempt to gain access to copyrighted material is fraud.
What is your refund policy?

Printed and digital scripts, textbooks, copy licenses and musical tracks are non-refundable. In the case of performance royalties and video/streaming packages, these are refundable (minus any processing fees) up to the day before the scheduled production date. There are no refunds after the scheduled date of the first performance.

Performances & Royalties

How many performances do I need to order? What constitutes a performance?

You must order one performance royalty for each time the play is produced in the presence of an audience outside of the cast and crew. It doesn't matter whether admission is being charged, whether the actors (or anyone else) are being paid, or whether it's part of a school assembly or other program. Therefore, an "invited" dress rehearsal at which friends, family or staff view the show still counts as one performance.
Why is paying royalties so important?

Writing plays is an author's job, and royalties are how they get paid for that job. It's no different than in any other job, and playwrights have the same expenses as everyone else: rent, food, medical bills, etc. Being able to earn money through the licensing of their plays allows playwrights to have time to create new work (as a profession and not simply a hobby) for schools and theatres to perform. On a philosophical level, the payment of a royalty is a statement that a play is something of value, and acknowledges the time and effort that went into it. The bottom line: a play is wholly owned by its author(s), and failure to license your performance in advance and pay royalties (and purchase sufficient copies for the cast and crew) is copyright infringement, which is against the law both in the United States and abroad.
Do I have to pay for scripts for my production?

You have a choice of either purchasing a sufficient number of hard copy scripts (when available) for your cast and crew, or a Production Copy License, which comes with a PDF file and permission to make as many copies as you need for your production.
We've paid for royalties electronically. Does that mean we have permission to perform?

No. Your order has to be reviewed first. Once we've done so, assuming there are no issues that need to be addressed first, we will approve your order and issue you a performance license. Only when your performance license has been issued may you go forward with your production.
Can I change my performance dates once I've paid royalties?

Yes. As long as your original performance dates haven't passed yet, just send an email to [email protected] with the revised dates.
I've already paid royalties for one or more performances. I'd like to license additional performances. What's the best way to do that?

This is a common occurrence when a group has licensed a play for competition and advances, for example, or when there is stronger than expected demand for tickets. Just go to the play's page and place an order for the additional performances. Easy as pie.
Can I make changes to a play?

No cuts, additions or changes of any kind may be made to the script (dialogue or stage directions) without prior written permission from YouthPLAYS. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions or requests regarding a particular script. Please be specific. Because we must confirm any requests with the play's author, be sure to contact us sufficiently in advance.
May we record our production?

Almost all of our plays may be recorded with the proper permissions. To get them, purchase the Bronze Package, which allows you to make an archival recording for your school or organization, as well as to provide one copy (as a digital download, DVD or equivalent) for free to each actor and crew member. To sell your archival copies, you will need to purchase the Fundraising Add-On (in addition to the Bronze Package). To place a recording of your performance on your organization's website or a social media site, purchase a Platinum (two-week limit) or Diamond (no time limit) package. Full details on our streaming packages, go here.
We've had to cancel our production. What is your refund policy?

Printed and digital scripts, textbooks, copy licenses and musical tracks are non-refundable. In the case of performance royalties and video/streaming packages, these are refundable (minus any processing fees) up to the day before the scheduled production date. There are no refunds after the scheduled date of the first performance.
How do I properly credit the author(s) of the play I'm producing?

Whenever you produce a play, not only do you have to pay royalties, but you have to give credit to the author(s). It's required by your performance license. Here's what you must do:
1. In any publicity you control (posters, program, ads, websites, etc.), list the name of the author(s) immediately after the title in a font size that is at least 50% of the size of the title. Nobody else's name may be larger. After all, the playwright is the creator and owner of the play.
2. On your posters and programs (including digital programs), include the following: "Produced by special arrangement with YouthPLAYS (www.youthplays.com)."
3. If you're streaming a play, please make sure that the title and author of the play are credited as part of the stream or in an accompanying digital program (or both). Please make sure the credit to YouthPLAYS noted above is similarly included.
I want to perform a scene or monologue as part of a showcase. How do I do that?

To perform a scene or monologue as part of a showcase (e.g., a group of scenes performed for parents or other students), purchase a copy of the play from which the scene/monologue comes for each participant, and purchase one Single Scene-Monologue Showcase Royalty for each performance in front of an audience outside of a closed classroom.
You may make the requisite purchases on the page of each individual play you're using. For example, if you wish to perform "We're on a Mission" from Me, My Selfie & I, as part of a one-night showcase, go to the Me, My Selfie & I page and purchase 2 copies of the script (one for each performer) and 1 Single Scene-Monologue Showcase Royalty. Be sure to specify this usage in the Note to the Publisher as part of your order. Repeat for each title you'll be using, and if you don't see the Single Scene-Monologue Showcase Royalty option, please contact us.
Please note that a showcase is different from an adjudicated competition like Thespys or forensics (etc.). Performing a cutting of under 10 minutes in an adjudicated competition requires a script purchase but no royalties.
Why do we have to pay royalties and buy scripts if we're just performing scenes and/or monologues and not a full play?

Because when you put them together, performing those scenes and/or monologues—regardless of whether it's called a "scene night" or a "showcase" (etc.)—is equivalent to performing a play. The only real difference between a 90-minute showcase with 15 different scenes and a full-length play is that there may be multiple authors; it's still copyrighted work being performed in the presence of an audience. Purchasing a script for each participant (just as you'd do for any play production) along with the Single Scene-Monologue Showcase Royalty (i.e., a pro-rated royalty) ensures that authors are properly compensated for the hard work that went into creating the material you're performing.

Live-Streaming, On-Demand Video & Recording

What is live-streaming?

Live-streaming is when you broadcast (i.e. stream) a performance of a play. At YouthPLAYS, as long as live-streaming is permitted for a particular play, we allow productions that are both live or recorded earlier and then broadcast at a specific time. The performers may be on stage, with or without audience, or they may be in their own homes or other remote/virtual locations.
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 complete Live-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.
I want to produce a play virtually. What do I do?
Click here to read our YouthPLAYS Live-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).
What companies do you recommend for broadcasting shows securely and selling tickets?

We have five Preferred Live-Streaming Partners: AnywhereSeat by Ludus, BookTix, Broadway on Demand, On the Stage and ShowTix4U. All of them can help you live-stream your production securely, make it available on demand, and, of course, sell tickets to it.
I know that the Bronze Package allows me to make an archival recording. What may I do with that archival recording?

You may 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. The archival recording may not be sold or used for a commercial purpose.
Can we sell our archival recordings?

If you'd like to sell copies of the archival recording, please purchase the Fundraising Add-On, in addition to a Bronze or higher video and streaming package.
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).
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.
We want to show our production at a conference. What video and streaming package do we need?

If there will be a specific showtime, then you need the Silver package (and to purchase a performance royalty for that specific performance) or higher. However, if the conference would like to make the performance available throughout the conference period, then you'd want at least the Gold package, which allows for on-demand viewing (along with one performance royalty).
However, let's say you want to produce the play at a specific day/time at your school (for example, Thursday at 8 PM as a preview performance) and then make a recording of that same performance available for on-demand viewing at a conference on Friday and Saturday. In that case, purchase the Gold package along with a single performance royalty. Your Thursday 8 PM show would be the licensed performance, and then the conference would be considered on-demand streaming (you get up to two weeks of on-demand with the Gold package).
If you have already used up your on-demand time, then please purchase one royalty for each day your play would stream at the conference. So if you conference is Friday and Saturday, that would be two performance royalties.
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.

Competition & Classroom Use

I'd like to use a cutting from a play (a scene or monologue) or a short play for Thespys, Irene Ryan, forensics, speech or a similar competition.

Royalties are waived for the use of excerpts/cuttings/short plays lasting less than ten minutes in Thespys, Irene Ryan, forensics, speech 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. Please email us at [email protected] with any specific questions about the usage of materials.
For Thespian (or similar) competition, we are required to submit a video of our performance. What do we need to do?

For cuttings of under 10 minutes being used in an adjudicated competition (like the Thespys or forensics), 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 our standard that each participant must have a legally purchased copy of the full script.
I want to use a play in the classroom, but I don't want to stage a production at this time.

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 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 no scripts may be copied unless you've purchased the Classroom Copy License.

Submissions

Do you accept play submissions? If so, how do I submit?

We are always interested in submissions of plays and musicals that are appropriate for young actors/audiences. Please go to our submissions page (Main Menu>Authors>Submit a Play) and read the guidelines carefully. Note that we only accept plays from authors 19 and under as part of our New Voices competition.

Miscellaneous

Our organization needs your W-9 form before we can go ahead with our order. Can you send it to us?

We have a W-9 ready to send in PDF form. Please email us at [email protected] (use [email protected] if you're writing in reference to an existing order) and we'll get it to you right away.
Do your plays have ISBN numbers?

Yes, they do. You'll find the ISBN listed on the play's copyright information page.

Help / FAQ

Finding What You Need

Ordering

Performances & Royalties

Live-Streaming, On-Demand Video & Recording

Competition & Classroom Use

Submissions

Miscellaneous

Contact Us

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