National Endowment for the Arts IDs Key Factors in 'Theater Resiliency'

The National Endowment for the Arts recently published an extensive literature scan titled Curtains Up: Critical Factors Influencing Theater Resiliency, which aims to pinpoint challenges faced by theatres across the U.S. and identify 'key strategies that may prove beneficial in supporting theaters’ survival in the post-COVID era.'

The document reads:

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many U.S. theaters, particularly nonprofit theaters, were already experiencing financial challenges. The challenges were the result of declines in subscribers, corporate donations, and grants—coupled with ever-increasing costs to produce shows. In addition, theater staff, repertory, and casting often failed to reflect the diversity of their communities.

The COVID-related shutdown of all entertainment venues in March 2020 cut off theaters’ financial lifeline of paying audiences. The murder of George Floyd in the same month sparked nationwide protests of racial injustice, forcing U.S. theaters also to reexamine their historical practices.

While short-term federal emergency relief programs provided a means for some theaters to remain solvent and pay their employees, theaters are looking for practical solutions to ensure their long-term viability. The following are five broad strategies and exemplary practices that theaters employed to survive the pandemic. Many of these practices have been continued since the reopening of theaters.

1. Leverage Technology
2. Provide Alternative and Tailored Ticket Models
3. Curate Programming and Provide Experiences to Connect with Existing and New Audiences
4. Consider Alternative Administrative Models
5. Improve Theater Organizational Culture and Climate

Read about the strategies in full here.

About the NEA:

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States.