Industry Pro Newsletter: Banff Centre Board Dismissed, Goodspeed Musicals Crews Join IATSE

More data out last week about the impact of the arts on the economies of the cities and small towns that many regional theatres call home - and the results show that theatre not only contributes to the cultural life of a community, but is contributing significantly to the economic life of many small towns. Additionally, we’ve got stories about the backstage crews at Goodspeed Musicals joining IATSE, and a deeper look at why the full board of the Banff Centre was dismissed earlier this year.

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Employment Opportunity

Finance Manager - Brooklyn Academy of Music

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this position supervises a staff of four and plays a key role in managing accounting functions for the organization. The responsible areas include but are not limited to: accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, cash management, investment accounting, fixed asset accounting and insurance. Ensuring accuracy and integrity of timely financial accounting and reporting in the managing areas in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles throughout the accounting calendar. Also, serve as liaison and manage a full range of insurance matters for the organization.

Industry Trends

KPBS: Study: Nonprofit Arts Organizations Add More Than Culture to San Diego Economy

A study reveals the substantial economic contribution of nonprofit arts organizations to the San Diego economy. These organizations generate over $320 million annually in tax revenue, support thousands of jobs, and contribute to tourism and local spending. While their cultural value is well-recognized, this research underscores the significant financial impact they have, benefiting both the arts and the broader community. Such findings highlight the importance of investing in and supporting nonprofit arts organizations, which play a vital role in the economic vibrancy of San Diego and other cities.

Broadway/New York

Industry Trends Weekly: Are THE WIZ's Backdrops AI Generated? And What is Scenography? By Cara Joy David

It is a rare week when two topics related to set design interest me. But that is what happened last week.

The first topic involves social media and AI. The weekend before last, people kept sending me a TikTok clip, and related social media posts, about The Wiz, which is currently on its pre-Broadway tour, allegedly using AI-generated “backdrops.” I watched the video and I said to friends: “Maybe the sets are unfortunately just works in progress—how do we know it is AI?” To which I was told that telltale signs of AI-generated art include blurry spots or different styles in the same scene, both of which were called out in the TikTok.

I didn’t do a deep dive into the topic, but I did ask the production spokesperson whether AI was used. I received a categorical denial. “AI was not used in the creation of the projections,” the spokesperson stated. (The backdrops are realized through projection.)

I have no reason not to accept that denial, especially because I haven’t seen The Wiz myself. But I do think we’ll be discussing this general topic again. Disney previously admitted to using AI-generated art in its Marvel series, Secret Invasion. Every industry is using AI. So I don’t doubt AI-generated art is being used in theater generally and I believe we will be having a greater discussion about this soon.

The second topic involves a terminology change. When The Outsiders release came in on Wednesday morning, it said: “The Outsiders features Scenography by AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian…” I quickly emailed the press agent to ask why “scenography” was being used. During its out-of-town tryout, AMP was credited with “Scenic Design,” which is a more typical Broadway term. I was told the press agent was checking, but, unfortunately, as of publication time, I don’t have a response as to what necessitated the change.

The Merriam-Webster definition of scenography is: “the art of perspective representation especially as applied to the design and painting of stage scenery.” It’s not a new term. (When I first heard it years ago, I thought it referred to musical staging, and my mind still goes to that incorrect place occasionally.) Graduate degrees are given in scenography. The term is frequently used in Europe, but was never widely adopted in the US. My set designer friend—who is always credited as a set designer—described it as “Scenic design on steroids.” That is because scenographers are often involved in creating the lighting, sound and costume design or at least working to collaboratively develop all of these elements. Pamela Howard, in a 2001 article in Theatre Design & Technology, wrote: "Scenography describes a holistic approach to making theatre from the visual perspective... To be called a scenographer means more than decorating a background for actors to perform in front of. It demands a parity between creators who have individual roles, responsibilities and talents."

But, while sometimes the term is indeed used to represent a more holistic role, other times I've seen the terms set/scenic designer and scenographer used interchangeably. (And, obviously, set/scenic designers always collaborate with the rest of the design team to some degree.) Through the years I’ve received several releases about off-off-Broadway shows with a “scenography” or “scenographer” credit, but I have never received a Broadway release with it. Broadway has gone with “set” or “scenic” design.

Will we see more scenographers? This could simply be the result of an AMP credit request that the producers granted. AMP is itself extremely interesting. AMP is a collective founded by Brett Banakis and Christine Jones (who have each been credited individually on Broadway with "scenic design") to amplify emerging designers. In keeping with that collaborative spirit, AMP might have requested a title viewed by some as more all-encompassing. However, while this title change could possibly be boiled down to an "okay, granted," I wonder if we will perhaps see more "scenographers" as a reflection of the fact that increasing technological complexity requires increased collaboration.

Regional

Meet a Marketer: Ali White of Actor's Express in Atlanta, GA

Ali White, a marketing professional at Actor's Express in Atlanta, is featured in this article. White discusses her journey into arts marketing and her role at Actor's Express. She highlights the challenges and rewards of promoting theater in the Atlanta area, emphasizing the importance of digital marketing and audience engagement in the current theater landscape.

Goodspeed Musicals Votes to Unionize

The backstage workers at Goodspeed Musicals have voted to unionize. They will be represented by the IATSE union. This move reflects the ongoing labor issues and discussions within the theater industry concerning workers' rights, benefits, and collective bargaining.

International

The Stage: BBC Shakespeare Season to Curb Devastating Decline in Kids' Theatre Access

The BBC plans to launch a Shakespeare season aimed at countering the severe decline in children's access to theater. This initiative comes in response to concerns about the diminishing opportunities for young people to engage with the performing arts, especially theater.

CBC News: Banff Centre Board Dismissal Amid Harassment Report

The board of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada has faced dismissal following a report detailing harassment within the organization. The board's removal comes after allegations of a toxic work environment and concerns about the handling of complaints. It highlights the importance of addressing harassment in the arts sector and holds organizations accountable for creating a culture of respect and safety.

Missed our last few newsletters?

October 30, 2023 - SAG-AFTRA Close to a Deal, Only 6% of Women in Theatre in the UK Feel an Increase in Opportunity

Some of our more significant stories this week come from across the pond: the first being that a new survey indicates that the vast majority of women working in theatre don’t feel like they are seeing an increase in opportunities. While the data comes from the UK, I think we would find a lot of anecdotal agreement in the US industry as well. In the UK, we also see yet another move away from the traditional Artistic Director model, and the impact of a new green travel initiative on theatregoers carbon emissions.

October 23, 2023 - Earlier Curtain Times, New NEA Data on Adult Participation in the Arts

With The National Theatre announcing experimenting with an earlier evening curtain time, Cara Joy David explores whether a similar experiment will be making its way to Broadway. New leadership at the Raven Theatre in Chicago, and New Rep in Boston has announced that they will be closing their doors after 40 years. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis also announced fiscal troubles this week, resulting in the replacement of their traditional Christmas Carol, and the cancellation of two other previously announced productions. Meanwhile, new data shows that regional arts centers in Connecticut contributed more than $1 Billion in economic activity in the last year.

October 16, 2023 - Does the nonprofit model still work for arts organizations? And the FTC Issues New Rule on Ticketing “Junk” Fees

From the start of this newsletter in the pandemic, we’ve been covering the evolution of the performing arts industry, and the articles we’ve compiled this week underscore that evolution in a big way. The first of those articles being the very question on if the nonprofit model is still working for arts organizations anymore. Then, in England, we have a story of how drama schools are adapting their curriculums to adapt to the wide changes that are occurring across the industry. What is abundantly clear is that we are still in the middle of the transformation, and that the industry that will ultimately emerge in the post-pandemic world is going to be very different than the one we had going in.

BroadwayWorld Resources

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