APRA: Dramatic Context Application Form (2026)

  • Dramatic Context Licence Application

  • This licence applies to Dramatic Context (or “DC”) performances using pre-existing musical works (i.e. songs that weren’t written specifically for the show in which they are being performed) to tell a dramatic story or ballet. 

    If you are not putting on a Dramatic Context production, please visit the OneMusic Australia website for information about our other event licences. 

    To complete this form, you will require Song ID codes which can be found using the APRA AMCOS Song Catalogue search.

    If you are applying less than two (2) weeks prior to the first performance date or your application includes more than 15 works for clearance, please submit this form and then follow up by emailing theatre@apra.com.au. This will help our team review your application promptly and assist with next steps as soon as possible.

  • Grand Rights
    Grand Rights refers to ‘dramatico-musical’ works that include music intentionally composed and created to be performed together (for example, operas, operettas or musicals such as Cats or Wicked).

  • APRA cannot license the performance of Grand Right Works in their full context

    Performing the music from a Grand Right Work alongside theatrical elements from the production such as costumes, characters and choreography, always requires licensing directly from rightsholders who control the rights in AU or NZ.

    If you are unsure of who the rights holder is, please email theatre@apra.com.au with details of your production and our Theatrical Licensing team can assist.

  • Ballet
    A Ballet is defined as a choreographic work having a story, plot or abstract idea devised or used for the purpose of interpretation by dancing and/or miming. 

    Contemporary dance performances generally fall under this category and require a Dramatic Context licence to use copyright music in their production.


    Ballet does not include country or folk dancing, tap dancing or precision dancing sequences.

  • Storyline
    A storyline is a chain of events (whether factual, fictional or a combination), told in an interrelated sequence or narrative arc.

    A storyline can be presented in or out of chronological order, and it is not a requirement that it be written down or scripted.

  • Dramatic Context may not apply 

    As you have indicated your production has no storyline or character/narrator, and it is not a Ballet, it is unlikely that Dramatic Context will apply. 

    Please complete a OneMusic event application here.

    If you are unsure whether your production has a storyline, please contact us theatre@apra.com.au

  • Production Details

    Please note: if the start date of your show is in less than 2 weeks, please email theatre@apra.com.au
  •  - -
  •  - -

  • Extra Considerations:

    • Venue Capacity over 500
    • Biographical Production tells the story of the life or work of a particular composer, artist or other music figure or event.
    • Controversial Themes means any theme that APRA AMCOS reasonably believes to be controversial including themes depicting strong violence or sexual abuse, political themes or any theme that is derogatory to the work or the artist.
    • Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) refers to the rights of Indigenous peoples to protect their cultural heritage. This includes stories, songs, dances, ceremonies, sites, and traditional knowledge.

    Please contact theatre@apra.com.au if you have any questions.

  • Rows

  • Gross Box Office means the total amount paid for admission, excluding booking fees and credit card fees. Please provide an estimate of your Gross Box Office (GBO) based on 100% capacity.

    Shows which do not fall under the minimum fee threshold will be required to submit their actual GBO within 30 days of the conclusion of the show to calculate the final licence fee.

  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Format: (00) 0000-0000.

  • Song List
    Please list all songs to be used in your Dramatic Context production.

    Song ID codes which can be found searching song name and artist using the APRA AMCOS Song Catalogue search.

    If you are unable to locate the song in the search, please provide as much information as possible and put an x in the fields you cannot yet fill in.

    Please be aware that the results from using the APRA AMCOS song search tool may include green ticks next to APRA and AMCOS. These ticks do not indicate whether a work is available for licensing. Licensing availability for Dramatic Context use will be assessed by the team after your form has been submitted.

    If you are using more than 15 songs, please complete the form and contact us with the song details at theatre@apra.com.au 

  • Rows

  • Please Note: APRA AMCOS does not control rights for Dramatic Context use in our music and only acts as agent for its members. A DC licence is therefore different to most other licences you may have obtained from us.

    Copyright ownership in a song may also change from time to time. This means previous approval for the same or a similar show does not guarantee that approval will be given again for any new application.

    You can also refer to our Go-Direct list which identifies artists, composers and catalogues that require direct approval from the copyright owner.

    By submitting this application, you agree that APRA may disclose the information to its licensing partners and the copyright owner/s of the Musical Works, and otherwise in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

  • Should be Empty: