{"id":62,"date":"2021-07-29T04:39:34","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T04:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mississippitheatre.org\/?page_id=62"},"modified":"2026-08-02T16:05:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T21:05:16","slug":"high-school-division","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mississippitheatre.org\/?page_id=62","title":{"rendered":"Secondary Theatre"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Quick Links<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Regional DramaFest<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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MTA State Festival<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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MTA State Festival Schedule<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Dates For Consideration <\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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10-Minute Festival<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Individual Events Festival<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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College & University Auditions<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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2025 Handbook<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Secondary Division is one of the most active divisions within MTA. Each year, two regional one-act festivals (DramaFest<\/strong><\/span>)<\/a> pre-qualify schools to perform in the one-act festival at the Mississippi Theatre Association\u2019s Annual Festival. The 10-Minute Festival<\/span><\/strong><\/a> allows students to work with students from other schools to produce a ten-minute play in one day. The Individual Events Festival<\/a><\/span><\/strong> allows students to compete in acting and technical events in both solo and group competitions. Junior and Senior students are invited to participate in the College & University Auditions<\/a><\/strong><\/span> at the Annual Festival<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet with college and university representatives. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

HERE<\/strong> will be a link to our resources folder, which includes the Secondary Theatre Individual Events Quick Reference guide, Splash Scene, samples of digital and physical binder designs, and a script example of the design and technical presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The division hosts continuing education\/professional development workshops to assist teachers in teaching theatre arts throughout the season. CEU credits are available for attending the annual festival and participating in workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MTA hosts an email Listserv to connect theatre teachers from across the state. Subscribe to the list today to join the conversation. E-mail Executive Director, Chris Roebuck<\/a>, <\/strong>to be added to the listserv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need assistance getting your theatre program off the ground or if you need advice with productions or your curriculum, feel free to contact one of the division chairs or the Executive Director<\/strong><\/a>. We are here and willing to assist you in making your program the best it can be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing Rights for your performance<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Music Rights for Live Theatre<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When producing a show that includes music, it\u2019s important to make sure your theatre has the legal rights<\/strong> to perform that music. Here\u2019s a quick guide to help you stay compliant and protect your theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1\ufe0f\u20e3 What Are Music Rights?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Music rights give you permission to perform a song or musical score in front of an audience.
Even if you\u2019ve bought the sheet music or a recording, that doesn\u2019t automatically mean you can use it in a live show \u2014 you still need the right license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2\ufe0f\u20e3 Types of Rights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Small Rights<\/strong> \u2013 for non-dramatic uses, like playing a song before the show, during intermission, or as background music.
These are usually<\/span><\/em> covered by blanket licenses through organizations like ASCAP<\/strong>, BMI<\/strong>, or SESAC<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Grand Rights<\/strong> \u2013 for dramatic uses, like musicals or plays where music helps tell the story.
If characters sing the song or it\u2019s part of the plot, you must get these rights directly from the publisher or licensing agency<\/strong> (like Music Theatre International, Concord Theatricals, or Dramatic Publishing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3\ufe0f\u20e3 How to Get a License<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Find the rights holder<\/strong> \u2013 look up the show on the licensing company\u2019s website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Submit an application<\/strong> \u2013 include your theatre\u2019s name, performance dates, ticket prices, and venue details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Pay the royalty fee<\/strong> \u2013 this covers the author, composer, and publisher for the right to perform their work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Wait for approval<\/strong> \u2013 don\u2019t advertise, cast, or perform until your license is granted.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    4\ufe0f\u20e3 Important Rules<\/h4>\n\n\n\n