United States Copyright Law in The Performing Arts - Artist Copyright

Artist Copyright

If the production is not a work for hire, many of the artists involved have copyrights once the production is complete. For example, the choreographer’s work is copyrighted. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, in order for choreography to be protected under copyright, it needs to be “fixed in a tangible medium of expression from which the work can be performed.” In a typical musical, this would make the choreographer’s work copyrighted. This means that his or her copyrighted dance routine cannot be used again without his or her permission and payment.

While actors do not have copyright over the words they say or the moves they do, they do have the right to prohibit the recording or broadcasting of their performances. They also have the right to have their name associated with the part they played.

There is some controversy over whether or not a director has copyright over his or her directorial services in a play or musical. There has been no official decision on this matter.