Navigating Copyright: Can You Use Kiki's Delivery Service Characters in Your Wind Orchestra Concert?

Navigating Copyright: Can You Use Kiki’s Delivery Service Characters in Your Wind Orchestra Concert?

Reader’s Question:
I’m a member of a wind orchestra, and we have an upcoming concert. I want to know if it’s okay to use characters from “Kiki’s Delivery Service” on a sign for our section introductions. The venue prohibits photography and recording, and admission is free. Which of the following applies?