Amateur theatres

Performances of a workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected. by amateur theatres and school pupils require the authorisation from SSA even if the admission is free. Such authorisation is usually valid for an integral (unabridged and unaltered) performance of a workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected. within a specific time frame and for a defined territory.
Application form for an authorisation

SSA passes the application for an authorisation to the authors and suggests a remuneration in line with the basic tariff. The authors are free to assert their own conditions, be it with respect to the level of the remuneration or the actual scope of the authorisation or other characteristic features relating to the event. Translations or adaptations of a workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected. also require an authorisation.
Some authors have authorised SSA to grant authorisations without their prior consent.

• Check whether the workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected. is protected under copyrightEntirety of legal provisions attributing the author of a work moral and proprietary privileges. or whether it is “free” (the term of protectionTerm during which a work or an intangible performance are protected. The term of protection in Switzerland is 70 years after the death of an author, resp. the last co-author, resp. the director in the case of audiovisual works. It is 50 years for performing artists. is 70 years). If the workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected. is “free”, i.e. in the so-called public domainWorks whose term of protection has expired and which can thus be used without being subject to payment of a remuneration fall into the so-called category of "public domain" (common property)., you do not have to undertake any further steps. A workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected. may, however, be free in its original (“pre-existing”) version, while translations and adaptations are protected.
• Obtain the authorisation from SSA as soon as possible (3 to 6 months before rehearsals begin).
• Provide for a sufficient term of the authorisation and make sure the territorial scope of the authorisation would thus cover any potential foreign performances.
• Indicate exactly which version of the workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected. is used.
• Describe, where applicable, any intended modifications and abridgements of the workIntellectual property creation in literature and art (as well as computer programmes) exhibiting an individual and therefore unique character. Said individual character is the prerequisite that a work can be protected..
• Specify whether any other works or parts thereof shall be integrated (music, song lyrics, quotations).

The relevant party in charge must declare their income by means of our form for the declaration of income within ten days after the end of the performance(s) to SSA.
SSA shall base its invoicing on this declaration of income.

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In the case of tours and foreign performances it is sufficient to provide SSA with information on the venue and the date, as long as they are covered by the authorisation. Failing this, a new authorisation must be obtained. This principle shall also apply to tours abroad.