The Theater Performance Authorization with the Ministry of Culture and Sports (MCD), through the Public Performances Directorate, is the mandatory procedure to present any theater play to the public in Guatemala, whether professional, independent, school, or community-based with public character. Without this authorization, neither the venue nor the producers may advertise the show, sell tickets, or publicize the event.

Quick summary: Free (Q0) filing with MCD. Term: 13 days and 3 hours. Result: Public Performance License. Applies to theater plays presented to the public, with or without admission charge. Legal basis: Decreto 574 - Public Performances Law and current regulations.

Information verified May 2026 based on the official portal tramites.gob.gt/servicio/1115 and the MCD public performances procedures page.

What is Public Performance Authorization

It is the official license issued by MCD’s Public Performances Directorate that enables the public presentation of a specific theater play, in a specific venue, with a defined capacity and dates. The authorization certifies that:

  • The venue meets structural safety and evacuation route standards (CONRED)
  • The legal representative of the establishment is accredited
  • The company or producer has current NIT and Trade License
  • IPSA stamps have been covered
  • Declared capacity is certified by the venue’s individual or legal owner

Legal basis: Decreto 574 - Public Performances Law, Acuerdo Ministerial 1106-2015 (Regulation), and reforms (544-2016 and 827-2022).

General Requirements

Per the Public Performances Directorate, MCD, you must submit:

  1. Application addressed to Public Performances, with show data, dates, and venue
  2. Notarized copy of the DPI of the establishment owner or legal representative
  3. Notarized copy of the notarial appointment minutes of the legal representative
  4. Copy of the trade license of the company or corporation (if applicable), notarized
  5. Updated and ratified RTU of the owner or legal entity if a corporation, notarized
  6. Notarized copy of the CONRED certification of structural safety (NRD2)
  7. Letter from the venue where the event will be held, on letterhead and signed by the establishment’s legal representative, indicating capacity (seats, chairs), including a wheelchair area. Known as “venue capacity letter”

Specific Requirements for Theater Plays

In addition to the general requirements, theater plays require:

  1. Specific application to Public Performances detailing the play, author, director, cast, and dates
  2. IPSA artistic warranty stamps (Artist Social Welfare Institute)
  3. CONRED NRD2 certification indicating venue capacity
  4. Venue capacity letter signed by the company where the event will take place, with address, original and notarized copy
  5. NRD4 compliance (venue use protocol for mass events)

Tip: prepare two copies of the file. One is stamped as received, the other stays at MCD. Notarial authentication must be recent: notaries and MCD generally accept authentications from the same calendar year.

Procedure Steps

Step 1: Enter the Portal and Select the Procedure

Go to mcd.gob.gt/tramites-espectaculos-publicos and select the procedure “Solicitud de autorizacion de espectaculo publico (Obras de teatro)”.

Step 2: Download and Fill the PDF Form

Download the attached PDF form. Complete with show data, producer, venue, dates, and capacity. Print the filled form.

Step 3: Comply with Documentary Requirements

Gather all general and specific documents. Notarize required copies. Acquire IPSA stamps and CONRED certification for the venue (if not currently in force).

Step 4: Submit the Complete Paperwork

Take the file to the Public Performances Directorate, located at:

Teatro de Bellas Artes, Avenida Elena 14-75 Zone 1, Guatemala City

Hours: Monday to Friday, business hours. Confirm hours by phone before traveling.

Step 5: Follow-Up and License Receipt

After technical review, MCD issues the Public Performance License. Official term is 13 days and 3 hours from complete submission. Once issued, the license must be available for inspection during all authorized performances.

Cost and Time

ItemDetail
Official MCD costQ0 (free)
Collateral costsIPSA stamps, notarial authentications, CONRED certification, gestor (optional)
Term13 days and 3 hours
ResultPublic Performance License
ValidityPer authorized event or season
ModalityMixed (online consultation, in-person submission)

How to Apply Online

The portal mcd.gob.gt/tramites-espectaculos-publicos allows you to:

  • Download the updated PDF form
  • Consult the current list of requirements
  • Access related regulations (Public Performances Law and regulations)
  • Know hours and address of the Public Performances Directorate

Physical file submission remains in person at Teatro de Bellas Artes. A 100% online channel is not yet available for this procedure.

Common Mistakes That Delay the Procedure

  • Submitting unnotarized photocopies: most documents require recent notarial authentication
  • Capacity letter without address: must include exact venue address
  • CONRED certification expired or absent: without current venue NRD2, MCD does not authorize
  • Not including IPSA stamps: stamps are required for theater plays and other artistic performances
  • Starting with less than 14 days of anticipation: official term is 13 days and 3 hours; starting on the exact day leaves no margin for corrections
  • Missing updated RTU: download it from the SAT portal before submitting

Tips

  • Book the venue first, authorize after. The capacity letter and CONRED certification are tied to the specific venue
  • For long seasons (e.g., 8 performances over 4 weekends), apply for the whole season in a single file
  • If your company tours several cities, apply for authorization for each distinct venue
  • Keep the printed license at the box office during all performances; MCD inspections can occur at any time
  • If the venue already has recurring shows, its CONRED and capacity letter may be in force; verify before processing new ones
  • Consider hiring a cultural gestor familiar with the Public Performances Directorate: time saved justifies the fee during tight seasons
  • For international co-productions, attach foreign artist contracts to the file and, if applicable, their MINTRAB work permit