Amateur production of CABARET (Is this allowed?) — Page 2

"I had someone steal my riffs and use them in their production from a youtube video I had posted of my show. I got over it. Not saying it's the same level lol."

*facepalm*

To be honest, I find it in poor taste to copy another persons work. Plus, if I were any of those designers I'd be incredibly upset. I understand that it happens quite often, and that life's to short to worry about it, but I'd definitely feel outraged.

To think of how much work goes into creating a design, including concepts, renderings, draftings, models, construction, etc., and then for a group to copy the creations of others is not only inconsiderate, but despicable.

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I suppose I'll get angry about this when the people who own the design do.

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Diva, there a few who do not seem to understand these facts. And I think it's quite shocking one doesn't find it of bad taste to steal someone else's designs, and get credit for it using their name.

Updated On: 12/25/08 at 04:26 PM

Those of you standing on soapboxes better be careful not to fall off. It might hurt.

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This is actually a really interesting discussion, and minus the self righteous preaching, I'm interested to learn the specifics.

Of course, copying a show EXACTLY is a sign of laziness, but I was unaware it was illegal. That being said, where does the line get drawn? For example, lets say I see a broadway show that has one little thing that I really like, be it an entrance, a prop, or something that is unique to that one production. If I really like it, use it, yet the rest of the show is my own work - does that count?

I'm not claiming I'm doing this ... I'm just interested.

The producers whose money pays for an original production concept have all rights to that production concept. They are entitled to any licensing fees associated with performance of that production. Anyone who does not acknowledge that ownership right by signing a license agreement and paying for their use (and the fee is based upon size of theater, number of performances, admission charges, etc.) is stealing. An illegal act is not less illegal if "no one is hurt" or "no one makes money". And if producers do not sue when their ideas are used illegally, it is not a waiver of their rights to sue the next person who does so. High school productions may be setting a poor legal and ethical example by not understanding the rights of other creative people. And ignorance of the law is no defense -

This wasn't a high school production in the video. They are a community theater that has been around for a while.

Yeah, the Emcee looks 12 years old.

Ok, maybe he's 17.

I guess my question is where does the line get drawn. Let's say for example, and this is just an example and a POSSIBLE SPOILER -

let's say I'm doing a community theatre production of Grease and I really love the idea of having Teen Angel enter from a giant ice cream cone. So I do it, it looks great, and the rest of the show is my own.

But since the current Broadway productions uses that idea - does that eliminate anyone else from doing it? Same with say, the 4 door entrance or the car transformation?

Does this really ruin any ethical development of children?

P.S - I know Grease is not a popular show around here, but it's just an example.

Even if they mentioned it, they needed it to be licensed. You can't just thank them or give them credit.

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You may have the opinion that copyright breach is not equal to stealing, but unfortunately the law does not agree with you. The only difference is that stealing is criminal and the state prosecutes you for a fine or jail, and infringement is primarily civil, and the injured party sues you for damages. (There may be criminal penalties for continued willful breach of copyright, too, but I am not going to look that up on Christmas!)

Thats the point of theatre in that sense, to bring it to people who arent in new york. So i guess I just don't see the problem.

That's scary, are people really this ignorant?

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