Industry Pro Newsletter: Financial Struggles, New Residencies, and Successful Fundraising for BTU

In this week’s theatre news, several stories highlight both leadership transitions and the ongoing challenges facing theater institutions. Broadway Cares welcomes new trustees as it continues its mission, while Black Theatre United raises significant funds for new initiatives. Leadership changes also feature prominently, with James Morgan stepping down from The York Theatre and Dean Gladden retiring from Alley Theatre. On the international front, the RSC appoints new writers in residence, and Stuttgart Opera's Sancta Susanna provokes strong audience reactions. Additionally, the closure of California Shakespeare Theater underscores financial struggles in the industry.

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Employment Opportunity

Artistic Director - Children's Musical Theater San Jose

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose (CMT) seeks an engaging, collaborative, and strategic Artistic Director to help guide its next chapter. Now in its 57th Season, CMT is one of the nation’s foremost theaters producing work by and for young people, and its decades of successful programming position it to thrive under dynamic new artistic leadership. Theater leaders with a passion for artistic excellence, a commitment to nurturing diverse voices and perspectives, and an excitement for mentoring young people and early-career artists will find a receptive and supportive community at CMT.

Industry Trends

Submissions Open for BroadwayWorld's Next On Stage Season 5

BroadwayWorld's Next On Stage returns for its fifth season, a national competition for high school and college musical theatre students. Sponsored by AMDA, Musical Theatre International (MTI), and 54 Below, submissions are due by October 29, 2024. Participants must submit a one-minute audition video. Judges include Broadway stars such as Courtney Reed and Michael James Scott. Winners receive scholarships, MTI production certificates, work sessions with casting professionals, and a performance opportunity at 54 Below. This contest offers a platform for young talents aiming to break into the industry.

Black Theatre United Raises Over $1.2 Million at Gala, Announces New Initiatives

Black Theatre United (BTU) raised over $1.2 million at its second annual gala on September 30, 2024. The event honored Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams. BTU announced three new initiatives: the BTU Designers Initiative, the Marva Hicks Musical Theatre Scholarship (supporting students at Howard University), and an educational program for NYC public schools focused on theatre production. These initiatives aim to support and inspire students and professionals in the arts, with a particular focus on underrepresented communities.

Broadway/New York

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Welcomes New Trustees

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has added eight influential figures to its Board of Trustees, including Jonathan Groff and Brooke Shields. The new appointees, which also include Kristin Caskey and T. Oliver Reid, will support the organization’s efforts in providing essential services to those affected by HIV/AIDS and other critical health issues. Robert E. Wankel continues to lead the board, which honored several long-standing members for their service, including Chita Rivera.

James Morgan Exits The York Theatre Company

James Morgan has stepped down as Producing Artistic Director of The York Theatre Company after decades of leadership. He was instrumental in the company’s growth and legacy, helping to nurture Off-Broadway productions and emerging talent. The York, known for its focus on new musicals and classic revivals, will begin the search for his successor.

Regional 

California Shakespeare Theater to Close

California Shakespeare Theater, a 50-year-old institution based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is shutting down due to financial difficulties. The theater, affectionately known as Cal Shakes, cited an “insurmountable financial impasse” as the cause. The closure marks the end of a beloved cultural institution that had served as a cornerstone of Shakespearean performances and theater education in Northern California since its founding in 1974.

Alliance Theatre Appoints Two New BOLD Leadership Positions

Alliance Theatre has named Marie Cisco as its new BOLD Associate Artistic Director and Abrianna Belvedere as BOLD Producing Associate. Cisco brings extensive experience as a film and theater producer, while Belvedere focuses on new work, especially community-oriented Southern, Queer, and feminist narratives. Both will contribute to the Alliance’s new work initiatives, such as the Alliance/Kendeda Playwriting Competition. Their roles are part of the BOLD Women's Leadership Circle, promoting female+ leadership in theater.

Dean R. Gladden to Retire as Alley Theatre Managing Director After 20 Years

Dean R. Gladden, Alley Theatre’s Managing Director, will retire on June 30, 2025, after nearly 20 years of service. During his tenure, he led the company through significant challenges like Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic, while overseeing major renovations and record-breaking capital campaigns. A national search firm has been hired to find his successor, expected to start in July 2025. Gladden's leadership leaves a lasting impact, with over 200 productions and millions of patrons during his time at The Alley Theatre.

International

RSC Announces New Writers in Residence

Zoe Cooper and Stewart Pringle have been appointed as Writers in Residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Both acclaimed playwrights, Cooper and Pringle will contribute to the RSC’s artistic development during their residency, creating new works and supporting emerging voices. Their roles are part of the RSC’s commitment to fostering diverse, contemporary storytelling alongside the company’s classical repertoire.

The Independent: Stuttgart Opera’s 'Sancta Susanna' Causes Audience Discomfort

A performance of Hindemith’s opera Sancta Susanna at Stuttgart Opera reportedly left audience members feeling ill, with some experiencing nausea. The production, known for its provocative content, features intense themes of repression and sexuality. Despite the reactions, the company remains committed to challenging and thought-provoking works as part of its artistic mission.

Missed our last few newsletters?

October 7, 2024 - TikTok Boosts Theatre Sales as Broadway Tours Expand Educational Access

In this week's newsletter, we highlight key developments across the theatre world, from financial challenges in arts funding to exciting leadership changes. TikTok continues to influence the stage, boosting the success of an immersive off-Broadway show, while Chicago’s small arts sector shows resilience despite pandemic setbacks. Meanwhile, the Broadway League expands its reach with a new educational initiative, and uncertainty looms for Scottish arts organizations awaiting crucial funding decisions. Read on for updates on theatre closures, new Managing Directors, and more industry trends shaping the cultural landscape.

September 30, 2024 - Nataki Garret and Christopher Ashley Moving To New Leadership Posts

This week, we’re taking a look at leadership shifts and challenges across the performing arts: from Nataki Garrett’s appointment as Chair of Theatre Communications Group to a new report on gender disparities in ballet leadership, as well as the announcement of Roundabout’s New Artistic Director, and a transition at the Houston Ballet. Additionally, industry trends such as theater ticket insurance and dynamic pricing reflect the evolving financial landscape of theater.

September 23, 2024 - NEA Explores Theatre Resiliency, Philanthropic Challenges in the UK

This week's newsletter delves into the evolving landscape of the performing arts, spotlighting challenges and leadership shifts that are reshaping theater and arts organizations. From the National Endowment for the Arts' report on theater resiliency to leadership transitions at LAByrinth Theater Company and Signature Theatre, the industry continues to adapt and thrive. Other stories include financial struggles at Virginia Rep, as well as an update on the ongoing University of the Arts closure. Across the pond, arts philanthropy continues to get increasingly complex.

BroadwayWorld Resources

BroadwayWorld Stage Mag - A Fully Interactive Show Program

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Add Your Show to our Regional Events Calendar

As audiences get set to return to in-person performances, and as your company works to market your own return to the stage, make sure you've got your upcoming shows in our regional events calendars. Listings are free of charge, with boosting options available. Get your show listed now

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