Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions, where you will find answers to most of the questions you'll typically have about ordering and our website. Still can't find the answer? Email us, and we'll be happy to help!
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.