Category Archives: Theatre law

New York Governor signs "Anti-Piracy Act" to prohibit use of recording devices in live & movie theatres

New York Governor David A. Paterson has signed into law the State's "Anti Piracy Act", which makes it a crime to use a recording device in a motion picture or live theatre without the written consent or authority of the theatre operator.  The crime is a misdemeanor for first offenders,  and a repeat offense is ...

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New York Governor signs "Anti-Piracy Act" to prohibit use of recording devices in live & movie theatres

New York Governor David A. Paterson has signed into law the State's "Anti Piracy Act", which makes it a crime to use a recording device in a motion picture or live theatre without the written consent or authority of the theatre operator.  The crime is a misdemeanor for first offenders,  and a repeat offense is ...

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Interview for Praxis Theatre

I was interviewed earlier this week for Praxis Theatre's blog.  "It's an interesting 10 qustions with..." format Here's the link: http://praxistheatre.blogspot.com/2008/09/10-questions-gordon-p-firemark.html

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Los Angeles identified as an incubator for new Musicals. (Finally, a little recognition)

A good piece in Backstage.com reports today on the increase in number of new Musicals opening in Los Angeles, before making the step to Broadway.  Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 is the Center Theater Group's latest, following successes withThe Drowsy Chaperone and Curtains! The article discusses some of the advantages (talent pool, ...

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Los Angeles identified as an incubator for new Musicals. (Finally, a little recognition)

A good piece in Backstage.com reports today on the increase in number of new Musicals opening in Los Angeles, before making the step to Broadway.  Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 is the Center Theater Group's latest, following successes withThe Drowsy Chaperone and Curtains! The article discusses some of the advantages (talent pool, ...

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Rodgers & Hammerstein – For Sale?

It's a Rumor, but it's being widely reported that The Rodgers & Hammerstein company may be for sale. The publisher controls not only the great musicals by Rogers and Hammerstein, but many others.As I write this, (9/3/08) I note that the website for Rodgers & Hammerstein (rnh.com) is down.Stay ...

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Producers of "Jersey Boys" don't "Walk like a Man", cave to Chicago anti-smoking law.

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune reports that the producers of the hit jukebox musical "Jersey Boys" have decided to present the show "smoke-free" in Chicago, where the city's anti-smoking ordinance doesn't permit any form of smoking (whether tobacco, or herbal cigarettes) in public spaces,  including theatres.  Jones' article points to the absurdity ...

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Settlement reached in 'Urinetown' pissing match.

Playbill is reporting that the lawsuit against Akron, Ohio based Carousel Dinner Theatre, by the broadway team responsible for the original production of Urinetown ...

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Urinetown case settled

Playbill is reporting that the lawsuit against Akron, Ohio based Carousel Dinner Theatre, by the broadway team responsible for the original production of Urinetown  has been settled by the parties, with the Arkon producers paying the New York team an undisclosed sum, and acknowledging the unlicensed use of elements from the New York production.   According to ...

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This day in Theatre Law History (Pennsylvania bans theatre performances)

May 31, 1759 Pennsylvania bans theater Pennsylvania lawyers adopted a law forbidding the performance of plays.  According to  History.com, The law was adopted due to pressure from religious groups, on grounds that any performance was immoral.  Fine for violation was 500 Pounds  (source)

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