Concord Acquires Broadway Licensing Global: What It Means for Theatre

In a significant development for the theatrical landscape, Concord has acquired Broadway Licensing Global (BLG) along with its family of imprints, including Broadway Licensing, Dramatists Play Service, Playscripts, and Stage Rights. This acquisition marks a notable expansion for Concord Theatricals as it continues to assert its influence in the world of theatrical licensing.

A Growing Powerhouse in Theatre Licensing

Founded in 2018, Concord Theatricals is already home to renowned catalogs like those from Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals, Tams-Witmark, Samuel French, and The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection. With the integration of BLG’s resources, Concord aims to offer a more comprehensive collection of theatrical works. Notably, this acquisition does not include BLG’s Stageworks or its Broadway On Demand streaming service.

BLG’s impressive catalog features works by notable playwrights, including David Auburn, Jocelyn Bioh, Jackie Sibblies Drury, Richard Greenberg, Lauren Gunderson, Katori Hall, and David Henry Hwang, among many others. This melding of catalogs introduces a remarkable array of 150 titles crafted by 400 authors, creating new synergies and opportunities in the industry.

Quotes from Industry Leaders

Sean Patrick Flahaven, Chief Theatricals Executive of Concord, expressed that the acquisition aligns with their mission to champion authors. “Our goal is to promote and protect their work while empowering theatre makers to help their shows reach audiences worldwide,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Dan Markley, Chief Operating Officer of BLG, emphasized the resilience of the BLG brand during challenging times. “We are theatre professionals who love what we do,” Markley said, reflecting on the company’s expansion during a tumultuous period for the arts. He highlighted that the partnership with Concord is crucial for continuing to protect and elevate the authors and playwrights they represent.

New Opportunities in Music

In parallel developments, Range Music has launched a new composer division, enhancing its focus on music for television and film. Jeff Jernigan, the first hire in this new department, will oversee a range of talent, including Grammy-winning composers such as Steven Price (known for “Gravity”) and Emmy-nominated music supervisor Amanda Krieg Thomas.

With experience representing A-list talent such as Andrea von Foerster (“Yellowstone”) and Tony-nominated composer Helen Park (“KPOP”), Range Music is well-positioned to tap into the growing demand for high-quality music in multimedia projects. This initiative underscores the intermingling of music and media, highlighting the versatility required for successful modern productions.

Organizational Changes at G Major Mgmt

Another noteworthy update comes from G Major Mgmt, which has announced a wave of hires and promotions to strengthen its team. Emilie Gilbert has joined as the new Manager of Insights and Fan Engagement Strategy, while Madeline “Sledge” Lary takes on the role of Digital Manager.

Samantha Thornton is stepping up as Senior Director of Marketing, aiming to revitalize the firm’s marketing efforts, and Harry Lyons has been promoted to Senior Director of Business Operations to oversee day-to-day management and business expansion for G Major. This strategic reshuffling is expected to help the agency better navigate the evolving landscape of music management and artist representation.

Leadership Changes at Downtown Music Publishing

Further strengthening its leadership, Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) has appointed Jason Taylor as its new VP of Business Development. Based in Los Angeles, Taylor will focus on expanding the company’s roster, particularly emphasizing legacy catalogs and creating new B2B partnerships. His background at Iconoclast and Hipgnosis Songs Group underscores his expertise in cultivating significant musical assets.

Jason Taylor’s enthusiasm is palpable: “I’ve long admired Downtown’s commitment to creativity and authentic artist growth,” he shared. His addition to the DMP leadership team is likely to refine and bolster their approach to music publishing and songwriter advocacy.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Future for the Arts

The consolidation of major players like Concord and BLG, alongside new initiatives in music publishing and management, hints at a vibrant future for the theatre and music industries. With ongoing developments and shifts in leadership, the focus remains firmly on advancing the missions of artists and creators. As the landscape continues to evolve, these strategic partnerships and departmental launches demonstrate a commitment to navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the arts.

For more insights into the latest trends in theatre and music management, check out our articles about and . Stay informed as we continue to cover these exciting shifts in the industry!