Copyright for Performing & Fine Arts

A multipart series of blog posts on “Copyright Basics for Dance Works” written by Michelle N. Burkhart and published online in 2011. The information is specific to dance and the types of issues dancers or choreographers are likely to encounter.

Circular by the Center for Media and Social Impact, an advocacy group for copyright access in the fine and performing arts.

An authoritative circular put out by the U.S. Copyright Office on the regulations relevant to choreography and pantomime copyright.

This is the first in a six-part video series by E. Michael Harrington a Music Business instructor at Berklee College.

Professional organization's guide to copyright. Contains descriptions and links to relevant laws and legal decisions as well as links to other resources. Last update appears to have been in 2019.

This document is intended to help lawyers who do not specialize in music copyright understand the law quickly. It lists all the types of rights one has to keep in mind for a performance or recording.

Specifically addresses use of music in campus productions

Provides a definition for music copyright.

Explains the expiration dates for copyrighted compositions and recordings.

An author/ creator who has transferred their copyrights to a third party can reclaim them after a period of time. This post explains how that works.

This post looks at the several ways creators can license or give permission for use.

Podcast episode featuring copyright attorney Jim Kendrick speaking about music copyright law.

A convenient gathering of places to find public domain music -- music that is no longer under copyright.

Authoritative information about the differences between music compositions and sound recordings copyright purposes.

This authoritative circular from the U.S. Copyright Office explains the different set of rules that apply to sound recordings made before 1972.

A guide and set of links shaped especially for amateur theatre.

A guide to copyright for people working in theatre.

A set of advocacy materials put together by the Dramatists Guild.