Theater Law: Cases and Materials - Robert M. Jarvis

Theater Law: Cases and Materials Robert M. Jarvis ISBN 9780890892466

This casebook offers the first comprehensive examination of the legal landscape governing the theater industry, highlighting the complex legal relationships that underlie the staging of plays and musicals. While theater is often celebrated for its artistic and creative value, producing a performance involves a web of legal obligations affecting playwrights, producers, investors, directors, performers, crew members, and audiences alike. Topics covered include the history and practice of theater law, creative and financial rights, employment issues, and audience rights, with a primary focus on Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and final chapters addressing road tours and amateur theater groups.

Featuring 104 principal readings, the book uses the legal battles surrounding iconic Broadway hits—such as Annie, Cats, Guys and Dolls, Rent, The Phantom of the Opera, and Urinetown—to engage students and spark classroom discussion. Notable figures including Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, Lynn Redgrave, Rosie O’Donnell, Jackie Mason, and Cicely Tyson also appear, providing real-world context to the cases.

The text is further supported by 145 notes, 28 problems, and nine appendices, including essential contracts commonly used by theater lawyers. The chapters are written as “stand-alone” units, allowing instructors to tailor the order and emphasis to fit their course needs. By combining legal and non-legal materials and avoiding “squib” cases, the authors create a highly engaging resource suitable for both survey courses and specialized seminars. The book also offers opportunities to explore related fields, including antitrust law, arbitration, contracts, First Amendment law, labor and employment law, professional responsibility, and torts.

A 168-page teacher’s manual provides detailed guidance for instructors, offering case analyses, class discussion questions, and suggestions for field trips, guest speakers, and extra credit assignments, making it an indispensable tool for teaching theater law.

Theater Law: Cases and Materials Robert M. Jarvis ISBN 9780890892466, 978-0890892466 & 978-08908-92466

Authors
Robert M. Jarvis
Steven E. Chaikelson
Christine A. Corcos
Edmund P. Edmonds
Jon M. Garon
Shubha Ghosh
William D. Henslee
Mark S. Kende
Charles A. Palmer
Nancy L. Schultz
Marin R. Scordato
Libby A. White