Copyright: Able to photograph Dress rehearsal but not the actual perfor

Question:I went down to a local theater that was presenting "Oklahoma!!!!!!" to ask if photography was allowed at the performance. The woman said "No" but gave me permission to come to the dress rehearsal where I could take picture freely.

She mentioned something about copyright and a playbill forbidding me from taking picture at the performance.
Whats the difference between the actual performance and the dress rehearsal? From what I understand there is little difference. Please explain.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I went down to a local theater that was presenting "Oklahoma!!!!!!" to ask if photography was allowed at the performance. The woman said "No" but gave me permission to come to the dress rehearsal where I could take picture freely.

She mentioned something about copyright and a playbill forbidding me from taking picture at the performance.
Whats the difference between the actual performance and the dress rehearsal? From what I understand there is little difference. Please explain.

Photography is discouraged during theatrical performance because it may distract the actors and the audience. Dress rehearsal does not involve an audience, but has all the other elements of a performance (costumes, makeup, lighting, etc.),
so you can get good shots without an actual "performance" getting in the way.

You also have the luxury of retaking unacceptable shots. I have never yet met an actor who complains about retaking publicity photos.

Copyright? Forbidden? Nonsense. You were being sold a bill of goods.

The only copyright held is by the agency who licenses performances. Images of the performance, while they may be copyrighted by the photographer, do not infringe on the copyright of the performance being imaged.

Sounds like she's full of it. I highly doubt that there is a no-photos cause in the contract from R&H Theatricals. I mean, just search google images - you'll find dozens. So I think she made that up. And I don't know why Playbill would be all mixed up this this. They're just a magazine publisher, really.

However, a no-photos policy during performances is normal, and usual.I NEVER allow photos to be taken during performances. It is distracting for the actors and audience both, even without a flash.

Right- no photos is a standard policy for performances for the reasons mentioned already. Also, it would be a copyright violation to videorecord a performance without consent from the publisher. Just because theatres and schools across the country do it doesn't mean they aren't breaking the rules. The restrictions are printed in the front of the play.