SOCAN Tariff for Comedy and Magic Shows

Summary#

This item publishes SOCAN Tariff 11.B – Comedy Shows and Magic Shows (2026-2028), a fee schedule the Copyright Board set for use of music at comedy and magic events. It takes effect for performances in 2026 through 2028 and was published on June 28, 2025.

What it does#

• Sets a flat royalty of $50.97 per event when music from SOCAN’s repertoire is used incidentally at comedy or magic shows in 2026–2028.
• Says the fee does not apply if the act is mainly a musical performance (i.e., a musical act is excluded).
• Requires the event organizer to pay the royalty and file a report with SOCAN within 30 days after each event.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books and records, with reasonable notice during normal business hours.
• Charges interest on late payments at 1% above the Bank of Canada’s Bank Rate effective on the last day of the previous month; interest is calculated daily and does not compound.
• States that the royalties are exclusive of any federal, provincial, or other taxes or levies.

Who's affected#

• Event organizers and venues that hire comedians or magicians and play recorded music or have incidental live music.
• Stand-up comedians and magicians who present shows where music is used incidentally (they may see small cost changes passed on by venues or promoters).
• Promoters of comedy festivals or touring shows that include non-musical acts.
• Major music rights users or people running primarily musical acts are not covered by this tariff (it excludes primarily musical performances).
• SOCAN, as the licensing body administering the tariff.

Why it matters#

• The rule creates a clear, fixed cost per show: $50.97 for covered comedy or magic events. That makes budgeting simpler for small venues and promoters.
• It adds a short reporting and payment deadline (30 days) and allows audits, so organizers need basic record-keeping and timely payments to avoid interest charges.
• For small, non-musical events, this is a predictable licensing charge; for larger producers or mixed-format shows, organizers will need to check whether the act is considered “primarily musical” to know if the tariff applies.