Montgomery Hall Theatre Photography & Videography Policy

Policy Version: 1.0

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1. Introduction

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to providing an enjoyable theatre experience for audiences while protecting the rights of performers, production companies, copyright holders and other visitors.

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This Photography & Videography Policy explains when photography and recording are permitted and the standards expected of all visitors.

By attending an event at Montgomery Hall Theatre, you agree to comply with this policy.

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2. Purpose

This policy aims to:

• Protect the intellectual property and copyright of performers and production companies.

• Prevent disruption to performances.

• Ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all audience members.

• Safeguard performers, particularly children and vulnerable individuals where applicable.

• Comply with licensing agreements and copyright legislation.

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3. Photography During Performances

Unless expressly announced before the performance or authorised by Montgomery Hall Theatre, photography is strictly prohibited during all performances.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Mobile phone cameras

• Digital cameras

• Professional cameras

• Tablets

• Smart watches

• Any other image-capturing device

The use of flash photography is strictly prohibited at all times during performances as it may distract performers and other audience members.

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4. Video Recording

Audience members are not permitted to record video of any performance unless permission has been clearly given before the performance begins.

This includes recording using:

• Mobile phones

• Tablets

• Cameras

• Wearable devices

• Live streaming platforms

• Social media applications

Video recording may breach copyright law and licensing agreements and is therefore prohibited unless specifically authorised.

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5. Audio Recording

Audio recording of performances is not permitted unless prior written permission has been granted by Montgomery Hall Theatre and the relevant production company or performers.

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6. When Photography May Be Permitted

On certain occasions, photography or short video recordings may be permitted.

Examples include:

• Curtain calls

• Pre-show announcements

• Community events

• Amateur productions where permission has been granted

• Special promotional events

Where photography or recording is permitted, this will be clearly announced before the performance by theatre staff or indicated within the event information.

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If no announcement is made, visitors should assume that photography and recording are not permitted.

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7. Copyright

All performances presented at Montgomery Hall Theatre are protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.

Recording or photographing performances without permission may:

• Infringe copyright.

• Breach performer agreements.

• Violate production licensing conditions.

• Affect future licensing arrangements for the theatre.

Visitors are expected to respect these legal protections.

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8. Professional Photography and Filming

Professional photography, filming or recording for commercial, promotional or media purposes is only permitted with prior written approval from Montgomery Hall Theatre.

Separate agreements may be required with:

• Production companies

• Performers

• Copyright holders

• Event organisers

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9. Photography Within the Venue

Visitors are welcome to take photographs in public areas of the theatre before and after performances, provided they do not:

• Obstruct other visitors.

• Enter restricted areas.

• Cause disruption.

• Photograph individuals without their permission where privacy may reasonably be expected.

Photography backstage, in dressing rooms or within staff-only areas is strictly prohibited unless authorised.

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10. Theatre Photography

From time to time, Montgomery Hall Theatre may photograph or film events for promotional, marketing or archival purposes.

Where practical, notices will be displayed advising visitors that photography or filming is taking place.

If you do not wish to appear in promotional photographs or video, please speak to a member of theatre staff before the event begins.

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11. Children and Vulnerable Persons

Where performances involve children or vulnerable adults, additional safeguards may apply.

Photography or recording may be restricted or prohibited entirely to help protect participants.

The theatre reserves the right to introduce additional restrictions where safeguarding considerations require.

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12. Enforcement

Theatre staff are authorised to enforce this policy.

Visitors who breach this policy may be asked to:

• Stop recording or taking photographs immediately.

• Delete unauthorised photographs or recordings in the presence of theatre staff where appropriate.

• Leave the auditorium or venue.

• Surrender professional recording equipment where required by law enforcement or under applicable legal authority.

Serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from the venue without refund.

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13. Social Media

Where photography has been expressly permitted, visitors are asked to share images responsibly.

Visitors should:

• Respect the privacy of others.

• Avoid sharing images of individuals without their permission.

• Avoid revealing plot details or spoilers where requested by the production.

• Credit performers or productions where appropriate.

Unauthorised recordings of performances must not be uploaded to social media or video-sharing platforms.