Articles 43:00 and 44:00 of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) and Independent Theatre Agreement (ITA) include provisions to allow the recording and use of recorded materials under specific conditions. It’s essential that Artists are aware of what can and cannot be asked of them – and that they feel empowered to refuse requests that fall outside the scope of their contract. Any questions? Contact Equity!
Recordings
What is not allowed?
What is allowed?
Theatres may make recordings during rehearsal or performance provided that all of the following conditions are met:
Recordings may only include footage of rehearsal, backstage activity, workshops, readings and/or performance. This is the work an Artist is being paid to do under a CTA/ITA contract. Theatres may only record backstage or in dressing rooms with the Artist’s express permission.
Declared Uses
Recordings may only be made for the following declared uses:
- Reference and Access for the maintenance of choreography, stage fighting and special business, or for understudies. No understudy may be given a copy of the recorded material until after their onstage runthrough rehearsal.
- Accessibility needs, such as interpreters and translators.
- Publicity and promotion for current productions, up to a maximum of ten (10) minutes finished running time. Recorded material can be edited.
- Marketing for future opportunities, including use for funders, sponsors, donors, etc., subject to Right of First Refusal or additional payment to the Artist.
- Archival recordings.
- Playwrights’ Development Centres.
- Current affairs, such as news coverage.
- Educational use.
The Theatre is responsible for ensuring the appropriate use and distribution of the recorded material.
This information has been provided as a general overview of recording provisions under the CTA/ITA. In the event of any discrepancy, the applicable collective agreement will prevail.