- In ancient Greece, plays were presented as part of religious festivals and admission was typically free. However, wealthy patrons might make donations to support the production costs.
- In Elizabethan England (1558-1603), playwrights such as William Shakespeare earned income from the sale of their plays to acting companies. The price of a play could range from a few pounds to as much as £20.
- In the 17th and 18th centuries, playwrights in England and France often received royalties based on the number of performances of their plays. Royalties could vary depending on the theater and the playwright's reputation.
- In the 19th and 20th centuries, playwrights in the United States and Europe typically sold their plays to publishers, who would then license them to theaters for productions. The price of a play could vary widely based on the playwright's reputation, the length of the play, and other factors.
Today, the price of a play can vary significantly depending on the venue, the playwright's reputation, and other factors. Some contemporary playwrights earn income through royalties, grants, and commissions, while others may also generate revenue from film and television adaptations of their works.