What is a PRS form and why is it important to fill it out?
The Performing Rights Society (PRS) in the UK has a special arrangement with the Fringe to allow performance groups to use copyrighted music without submitting theatre companies to the rigorous and often exhausting process of tracking down rights and paying for them. Every production company performing at the Fringe is required to fill in a PRS form and submit it to the Fringe Office, and on it you indicate whether or not your production uses any copyrighted music. If you don’t use copyrighted music, you need not concern yourself any further. If you did use copyrighted music, then the Fringe will deduct 3% (plus 17.5% VAT on top of the 3%) from your Fringe sales. Whether or not you use copyrighted music, it is important for your group to submit this form to the Fringe. If you you forget or fail to send in your PRS form, the Fringe Office will automatically assume that you have used copyrighted music, and you will be charged the fee.
