Performance Rights
Performance Rights refers to the legal permissions needed to perform or stage a dance, musical, or theatrical work. In ballet and theater production, these are the official agreements that allow a company to perform someone else's choreography, music, or dramatic work. Think of it like getting permission to use someone's recipe - you need the creator's approval before you can use their work. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it usually involves managing these permissions, negotiating with rights holders, and ensuring all performances are properly licensed.
Examples in Resumes
Secured Performance Rights for international ballet productions across three seasons
Managed budget and acquisition of Performance Rights for 12 major productions
Negotiated Performance Rights and royalty agreements with choreographers and their estates
Typical job title: "Performance Rights Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Performance Rights Managers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where a choreographer's estate disputes the terms of existing performance rights?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss experience in conflict resolution, understanding of contracts, negotiation skills, and knowledge of artistic property rights. Should mention maintaining relationships while protecting the organization's interests.
Q: What strategies have you used to manage performance rights budgets for a full season?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in budget planning, forecasting costs, negotiating fees, and understanding how rights costs impact overall production budgets. Should mention experience with multiple simultaneous productions.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Explain your process for securing performance rights for a new production.
Expected Answer: Should outline steps including identifying rights holders, initial contact, negotiation process, contract review, and timeline management. Should show understanding of standard industry practices.
Q: How do you track and manage multiple performance rights agreements?
Expected Answer: Should discuss organizational systems, deadline management, renewal tracking, and communication with various stakeholders. Should mention experience with rights management software or systems.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between performance rights and music licensing?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding that performance rights cover the entire production including choreography and staging, while music licensing specifically relates to musical compositions and recordings.
Q: How would you maintain records of performance rights agreements?
Expected Answer: Should show knowledge of basic filing systems, document organization, and data entry. Should mention attention to detail and importance of keeping accurate records.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic contract administration
- Record keeping and filing
- Communication with rights holders
- Understanding of licensing basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Contract negotiation
- Budget management
- Rights tracking systems
- Relationship management
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning
- Complex negotiations
- International rights management
- Team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic performing arts terminology
- Lack of experience with contracts or licensing
- Poor attention to detail in documentation
- Unable to explain rights clearance process
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