Yes, you need a licence to perform a published nativity play, even if admission is free and the audience is only parents. With a Learn2soar Digital Publication, the licence is already included: a year of unlimited performances, with or without ticket charges, and a Recording Licence to share or stream your performance free to up to 50 users.
By Stuart Ross, writer and publisher of children’s nativity plays since 2000 · 2 November 2026
What’s covered
| What you want to do | Covered by every Learn2soar Digital Publication? |
|---|---|
| Perform it as many times as you like for a year | Yes, with no need to tell us your dates |
| Charge for tickets | Yes |
| Record it and share or stream it free to up to 50 users | Yes (Recording Licence) |
| Share or stream it to more than 50 users | Extended Recording Licence available |
| Use the tracks and script on up to 4 devices | Yes (User Licence) |
| More staff or devices | Site Licences available |
| Allow children to learn the songs at home | Rehearsal Page service available |
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a licence if we don’t charge for tickets?
Yes. Schools, churches, nurseries, preschools and children’s groups need a licence to perform a published play, even with free admission or an audience of parents only. Every Learn2soar Digital Publication includes it automatically, with no extra paperwork.
Can parents film their child’s nativity play?
Whether parents can film is the school’s or setting’s decision, usually set out in its photo and safeguarding policy. Many schools now ask parents not to film and share an official recording instead. From our perspective, we have no problems with parents filming their child’s performance, provided the recording is for personal use only, with no public distribution of the recording via social media. With a Learn2soar Digital Publication, the included Recording Licence allows the purchasing organisation to record the show and share that recording for free with up to 50 users, such as your families.
Can we live-stream our nativity?
Yes. The included Recording Licence covers sharing or streaming free to up to 50 users, provided that the distribution is password-protected and isn’t simply placed on a public platform like YouTube. For a bigger audience than 50 users, an extended recording licence is available.
Can we sell DVDs or downloads of the performance?
Yes, up to 50 units sold are included in your licence at no extra charge. If you wish to sell more, an extended licence is available.
Does our church CCLI licence cover a nativity play?
A CCLI church copyright licence covers congregational song words, not performing a published musical. A separate performance licence is still necessary, which is included with every Learn2soar title. However, all our songs are registered with CCLI, and if you are displaying our song lyrics or using our sheet music within your church services, please record that usage with CCLI through your normal reporting.
How long does the licence last?
One year from purchase, with no automatic renewal. Returning customers get an automatic renewal discount when logged in.
Can we change the script?
Yes. Every title includes editable scripts, so you can add or remove parts and change names to fit your group.
This page is a plain-English summary. The full terms are in our Licensing Agreement. See also: What Should a Nativity Play Pack Include?