Member Guide to Recordings

What is not allowed?

• Theatres may not ask an Artist to create new content (scripted or staged content that is not a rehearsal or performance of the production). Creating new content for social media falls outside the scope of a contract under the ITA. Theatres must consult with ACTRA to produce this kind of material. 
• Theatres may not make recordings of performances from the wings.

What is allowed?

Theatres may make recordings during rehearsal or performance provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• You have received notice of the recording and the specific declared use (See Declared Uses below).
• The recording does not take place during the Half-Hour Call.
• The recording does not involve or include Minors without parental consent.
• The Theatre has provided appropriate notice in accordance with the ITA.

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 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.