stage rights
Definition
Noun (plural): - Legal permission: "stage rights" refer to the exclusive legal authorization to perform a specific dramatic work (such as a play or musical) in a live theatrical setting. These rights are typically granted by the copyright holder (e.g., the playwright or publisher) to a theatre company or producer. - Example: The theatre company purchased the stage rights for the new play. (They obtained legal permission to perform it on stage.)
Usage Examples
- (Without legal permission, the performance would be unauthorized.)
- (The author kept control over live performances of her work.)
- (The legal agreement for live performances requires careful discussion.)
Advanced Usage
"to hold the stage rights": to possess the legal authority to produce a live performance of a work.
- The university holds the stage rights for this classic drama. (The university is legally permitted to perform it on stage.)
"to assign stage rights": to transfer the legal permission to another party.
- The playwright assigned the stage rights to a local theatre. (The playwright gave the theatre legal permission to perform the play.)
Variants and Related Words
Stage (n): the platform or area in a theatre where actors perform.
- The actors walked onto the stage. (The performance area.)
Rights (n): legal entitlements or permissions.
- He sold the film rights to his book. (Legal permissions for movie adaptation.)
Synonyms
- Performance rights: the legal permission to perform a work publicly.
- Theatrical rights: authorization specifically for live stage productions.
Related Idioms
- "to have the stage": to be the focus of attention (not directly related to stage rights, but shares the word "stage").
- The speaker had the stage for an hour. (He was the center of attention.)