Industry Pro Newsletter: Austin Arts Struggle Under Shifting Grant Policies, Broadway Cares Offers Hurricane Relief

A new Equity agreement notches a win for labor in an (even by theatre standards) unconventional workplace, and Broadway Cares was able to distribute $300,000 in emergency grants following the double Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Leadership changes are shaping Ensemble Studio Theatre and Amphibian Stage, while festivals like Breaking the Binary spotlight marginalized voices. Regional and international updates explore funding challenges, with new grant structures in Austin and evolving arts funding models in the UK. Drama schools are also tackling skill shortages, offering apprenticeships to meet industry demands and secure the future of technical theatre.

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Employment Opportunity

Literary Associate - The Old Globe Theatre

Supporting and collaborating with the Director of New Plays and Dramaturgy, and with generous support from philanthropists, the Literary Associate provides key support for new works and dramaturgy, including reading and evaluating plays for production and for developmental opportunities, supporting the process of commissioning and workshopping new plays, and offering dramaturgical support to productions as needed.

Industry Trends

Broadway Cares Awards Emergency Grants for Hurricane Relief

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS announced $300,000 in emergency grants to support recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Eight food banks and community organizations across six states will each receive $25,000, while $100,000 goes to the Hispanic Federation to aid underserved communities. The grants focus on providing food, water, hygiene supplies, and other essentials. With severe damage affecting areas like Florida and the Carolinas, these efforts aim to assist vulnerable populations in rebuilding their lives.

Actors’ Equity Ratifies Drinking-Allowed Agreement for Drunk Shakespeare

Actors’ Equity Association and Brass Jar Productions finalized a contract allowing performers to drink responsibly during Drunk Shakespeare shows. The three-year agreement provides health benefits, job security, wage increases, and vacation leave. It covers productions in Chicago, New York, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C., marking a first in formalizing drinking during performances. This deal reflects Equity’s ongoing expansion into diverse performance spaces, emphasizing worker rights and safety while maintaining comedic integrity.

Broadway/New York

Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival Spotlights TNB2S+ Artists

Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival, running from October 21-27 at Playwrights Horizons, celebrates transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit+ artists. This year’s event features play readings, monologues, and workshops aimed at increasing visibility and fair compensation for marginalized creatives. Organized by George Strus, the festival promotes living wages and aims to fill critical gaps in theater’s ecosystem by developing works reflecting underrepresented voices. Highlights include commissioned scenes to be published by Broadway Licensing in 2025.

Connelly Theater Suspends Operations Over Landlord Dispute

The Connelly Theater in New York has halted operations following increased scrutiny from its landlord, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The conflict arises from the archdiocese objecting to certain productions staged at the venue, citing content concerns. General Manager Josh Luxenberg resigned over the restrictions, with some shows forced to relocate. This move disrupts the theater’s programming and raises concerns among artists about censorship and artistic freedom. The theater’s future remains uncertain.

American Theatre: Playbook Advocates Policies to Empower New York Artists

Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) released a policy playbook to guide lawmakers in supporting artists through initiatives like guaranteed income, portable benefits, and employment programs. The recommendations aim to strengthen the state's creative economy, which contributes $144 billion annually. CRNY emphasizes that artists require equitable support structures to thrive, encouraging public investment in arts-integrated projects and fair wage standards. The plan builds on CRNY’s previous efforts to support 2,700 artists through guaranteed income and employment.

American Theatre: Adriana Borzellino Appointed Managing Director of Ensemble Studio Theatre

Adriana Borzellino, initially brought in as a transition manager in August 2022, has been named the permanent managing director of Ensemble Studio Theatre (EST). With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, Borzellino has been recognized for her steady guidance through organizational changes. She aims to enhance EST's mission of supporting new work and nurturing emerging playwrights. Her appointment reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening operations and fostering its artistic vision.

Met Opera Settles Stage Injury Lawsuit After 10 Years

The Metropolitan Opera has reached a confidential settlement with Wendy White, a mezzo-soprano injured on stage in 2011 when a platform collapsed during Faust. The incident ended her career, leading to a decade-long legal battle over liability. White argued she was an independent contractor, allowing her to sue for damages. After multiple court rulings and legislative intervention, the parties settled just before the trial. The case highlights challenges around workplace safety and artist classification in performance spaces.

Regional 

Austin Chronicle: Austin Arts Organizations Face Funding Challenges Amid New Grant Policies

Established arts organizations in Austin are struggling under new funding structures focused on equity. The city's Thrive and Elevate grants prioritize small and historically underserved groups, which has reduced funding for larger, long-established institutions. Concerns have emerged that the shift creates financial instability for groups reliant on city grants for operations. The Cultural Arts Division is monitoring the impact of these changes to adjust future cycles and aims to balance support for both newer and legacy organizations.

American Theatre: Elizabeth Kensek Joins Amphibian Stage as Managing Director

Amphibian Stage in Fort Worth has appointed Elizabeth Kensek as its new managing director, effective January 1, 2025. Kensek will collaborate with Artistic Director Jay Duffer, succeeding Kathleen Culebro, the founding director. With over 20 years of experience in theater, Kensek brings expertise in performance, management, and nonprofit leadership. Her focus will be on strengthening the theater’s operations and ensuring artistic innovation as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary.

International

The Stage: Drama Schools Address Theatre’s Skills Crisis

Drama schools, including the Royal Welsh College and Guildhall, are adapting training programs to tackle a growing skills shortage in UK theatre. Challenges include a lack of technical expertise, automation training, and costume-making skills. Institutions are collaborating with organizations like the Royal Shakespeare Company to offer apprenticeships and specialized training, ensuring students are workforce-ready. These efforts aim to address critical gaps and meet industry demands, promoting sustainable careers in technical theatre roles.

Classical Music UK: A New Funding Model for the Arts in England Proposed

Mark Pemberton, former head of the Association of British Orchestras, advocates a shift in how Arts Council England allocates funding. With a focus on sustainability, he proposes reducing reliance on short-term grants and prioritizing structural support for smaller organizations. This model aims to address inequities, helping underfunded groups build resilience while maintaining support for established institutions. The proposal aligns with the Labour government’s review of arts funding policies.

Missed our last few newsletters?

October 21, 2024 - NEA Report Reveals State Arts Trends, Toronto Plans Major Investments

This week’s newsletter highlights key developments in arts and culture across regions. From Toronto’s ambitious 10-year investment plan to the Garden Theatre’s abrupt closure in Florida, communities are focusing on accessibility and resilience. The NEA’s latest report sheds light on U.S. arts participation trends, while major honors like the National Medal of Arts celebrate individual contributions. Additionally, fundraising efforts like the Hudson Valley Dance Festival support crucial causes, and leadership changes signal new directions for organizations like Imagination Stage. Legal disputes over pandemic insurance also underscore ongoing challenges in the arts sector.

October 14, 2024 - 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.

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.

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