Industry Pro Newsletter: BroadwayWorld Awards Voting Open, 9-Show Weeks, and $70M for the Arts in King County

As the year winds down, this week’s stories reflect a season of change, opportunity, and challenges in the theatre world. From the opening of voting for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards to the rise of effective altruism reshaping holiday giving, we explore how innovation and community engagement continue to shape the arts. Highlights include expanded performance schedules on Broadway, significant regional funding initiatives like King County’s Doors Open program, and transitions like Heather Lanza’s appointment at NextStop Theatre. Meanwhile, stories of financial strain, such as Germany’s cultural budget cuts and UK theatre downsizing, remind us of the ongoing need for sustainable support in the arts sector.

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Employment Opportunity

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Industry Trends

Voting Open for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards Worldwide

Voting is now open for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards, celebrating excellence in theatre across various regions worldwide. Theatre fans can vote in categories recognizing performances, productions, and creative contributions in their local areas. The awards aim to highlight talent in over 100 regional divisions, emphasizing community engagement and the diversity of global theatrical artistry. Voting closes on December 31, 2024, with winners announced in early January.

BroadwayWorld Launching Youth Theatre Database - Submit Your Information Today

In continuing our efforts to be the most comprehensive source of theatre news and information, BroadwayWorld is launching a Youth Theatre Database where readers can search for information about youth theatre programs in their area. Submit your company's information today!

The New York Times: The Rise of Effective Altruism in Charitable Giving

The philosophy of effective altruism (E.A.), championed by Silicon Valley billionaires like Dustin Moskovitz and Cari Tuna, has reshaped charitable giving into a data-driven practice. This movement urges donors to prioritize organizations that maximize impact per dollar rather than relying on personal sentiment. With proponents like Elon Musk and Jaan Tallinn, E.A. reflects a tech-world ethos of optimization applied to philanthropy. Critics argue it aligns with growing inequality by justifying wealth accumulation as long as some is redistributed. This approach mirrors societal trends in metrics-driven decisions across health, work, and life, influencing how Americans give during the holidays.

Broadway/New York

Why Broadway Shows Have 9-Performance Holiday Weeks

During the holiday season, many Broadway shows increase their schedules to include nine performances per week instead of the usual eight. This tradition allows productions to capitalize on high tourist demand, particularly during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s weeks. The expanded schedule is logistically complex, requiring careful coordination among cast, crew, and venue staff to ensure performances run smoothly. Despite the challenges, these weeks often generate significant revenue, helping sustain productions during quieter times of the year. The extra performance is a strategic effort to maximize audience access and financial success during peak seasons.

U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear Garth Drabinsky’s Union Blacklist Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has opted not to hear Garth Drabinsky's appeal regarding his blacklisting by Actors' Equity Association in 2022. Drabinsky, a Tony-winning producer, was barred from working with union members due to allegations of poor labor practices and financial mismanagement. The decision leaves in place the union's actions, following a contentious arbitration ruling. Drabinsky, known for productions like Ragtime, argued that the blacklist was unlawful. This marks the end of his legal recourse in this matter, affirming Actors' Equity's stance on upholding member protections.

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Regional 

NextStop Theatre Welcomes Heather Lanza as New Producing Artistic Director

NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon, Virginia, has announced Heather Lanza as its new Producing Artistic Director. Lanza, an experienced director and producer, is set to bring her creative vision to the organization, focusing on community engagement and innovative programming. She succeeds Evan Hoffmann, who served in the role for over a decade. Lanza’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for NextStop, which has been celebrated for its dedication to fostering local talent and presenting diverse, high-quality productions in the DC metropolitan area.

The Seattle Times: King County Announces $70 Million in Cultural Grants for 2025

King County will distribute $70.1 million to 720 local arts, science, history, and heritage nonprofits in 2025 through its new cultural access program, Doors Open. Managed by 4Culture, the county’s cultural agency, this initiative marks a significant increase from the usual $10–$15 million in annual grants. Funded by a 0.1% sales tax approved in 2023, the program is expected to provide $700 million to the cultural sector over seven years. Grants will support operational costs, including rent, payroll, and utilities, as well as property development, addressing critical needs often overlooked by traditional philanthropy.

American Theatre: MAP Fund Retires National Grant Program After 35 Years
The MAP Fund, a major private funding source for performing arts in the U.S., has retired its national regranting program after the Doris Duke and Mellon Foundations ended their support. Over 35 years, MAP awarded nearly $40 million to over 2,500 artists and ensembles, supporting experimental and cross-cultural live performances. The program will shift focus to its Scaffolding for Practicing Artists initiative, which offers coaching and peer support to artists. Despite its closure, MAP's legacy highlights the importance of flexible funding and its profound impact on the performing arts ecosystem nationwide.

KERA News: Dallas Black Dance Theatre Settles $560,000 Case with Fired Dancers

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has settled with the National Labor Relations Board, agreeing to pay over $560,000 to 13 dancers, including 10 fired employees, in back pay, front pay, and damages. The settlement concludes a contentious dispute over alleged wrongful terminations and resolves pending litigation. DBDT stated the settlement allows the organization to focus on its mission and build a stronger relationship with the dancers' union, the American Guild of Musical Artists. The agreement requires DBDT to rescind disciplinary actions, issue apologies, and train staff on labor rights.

International

DW: Can Germany Still Pay for Arts Funding?

Germany's arts and culture sector faces significant budget cuts as federal and state governments contend with financial constraints. Berlin alone plans to reduce arts funding by €130 million, impacting major institutions like the Schaubühne Theatre and the Berliner Ensemble. Renovation projects, such as at the Komische Oper, are also halted. Advocacy groups warn these cuts could erode Germany's cultural identity and international appeal. Cultural leaders emphasize the need for innovative funding strategies to sustain artistic offerings. Public support remains strong, with 91% of Germans viewing arts as vital to the nation's heritage.

The Stage: Smaller Programmes and Casts: Venues Warn of Cutbacks in Face of Cost Hikes

Theatres across the UK, including Leicester’s Curve and Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph, are bracing for budget-driven cutbacks due to rising costs. Many venues plan to reduce programme scales, shrink casts, and delay projects to manage financial pressures. These challenges are exacerbated by the latest government budget, which imposes significant constraints on arts funding. Theatre managers warn that these measures will impact artistic output and audience engagement. Some institutions are also advocating for greater public investment to counteract the negative effects of inflation and rising production costs on the performing arts.

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December 9, 2024 - Broadway’s Jukebox Musical Trend: Financial Boon or Creative Challenge?

Leadership transformations and financial strategies are reshaping the theater world, with new leaders like Alisha Tonsic at TCG and Jan Svendsen Weiss launching ACTivate4Good to drive innovation and social impact. Broadway faces mounting pressures as producers navigate rising costs and favor jukebox musicals over original works to mitigate risks. Regionally, initiatives like BroadwayWorld’s donation database and the reinvention of Cal Shakes’ scene shop demonstrate resilience amid challenges. Internationally, Scotland secures historic arts funding, and the UK grapples with pricing dynamics, balancing accessibility with sustainability. Together, these stories reflect a theater landscape adapting to shifting demands and opportunities.

December 2, 2024 - J.P. Morgan’s NextList, Budget Cuts in Berlin, and Shen Yun Allegations
This week's newsletter highlights pivotal moments and developments shaping the theatre world, from New York to Berlin. In academia, Professor Christian Parker redefines dramaturgy’s role at Columbia, while Broadway remembers the late Gavin Creel with a livestreamed memorial. Globally, J.P. Morgan’s NextList and Berlin’s proposed arts budget cuts spark reflections on the value of culture, as regional and international initiatives, including MTI’s support for disaster-stricken theatres and new leadership at The Old Vic, underscore the resilience and adaptability of the arts. Lastly, a troubling lawsuit involving Shen Yun Performing Arts raises questions about labor conditions in the performing arts.

November 25, 2024 - Bluesky for Broadway & Tax Incentives for Theatre in Massachusetts

Broadway embraces new platforms like Bluesky and Stage Mag, while regional developments include Massachusetts’ live theater tax credit and Portland’s push for funding transparency. Leadership changes at The Fountain Theatre and Birmingham Rep signal fresh directions for these institutions. Finally, celebrations and reflections, from Broadway’s marketing triumphs to the UK’s National Lottery milestone, emphasize the ongoing balance of creativity, recognition, and sustainability in the performing arts.

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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