Industry Pro Newsletter: Challenges in New York, LA, and the UK

July 19, 2021 -

Though it certainly feels like we've been here before, the UK is lifting most COVID restrictions today - and that means theatres can return to full capacity audiences. Though as a few stories we have in the newsletter today highlight, that return to full capacity comes with many challenges, and too few solutions, for producers. In Los Angeles, small theatres are feeling an economic squeeze from multiple directions as the pandemic and new labor laws reshuffle their calculations. Finally, in New York, as Broadway gets ready to reopen, more policies are becoming clear, but whether the tourists will come to a reopened Broadway remains an open question.

The Social Report

The Leaderboard remains mostly unchanged since last week. Wicked saw a small bump following the announcement of their upcoming PBS concert.

On Reopening Day in the UK, Some Restrictions Remain

While theatres are able to return to full capacity today, some elements of pandemic life will remain in effect - including face coverings being strongly encouraged for all - as threats of the delta variant continue to loom. As part of reopening, casts and crews have been using a contact tracing app, which has caused more headaches for producers, as large scale productions have been forced to shut down as key members of the cast and crew are forced into isolation due to contact tracing. Over the weekend, that included Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella.

Jujamcyn Owned Theatres to Offer More Wheelchair Access

As part of a settlement related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, it was announced late last week that the five Broadway theatres owned by Jujamcyn would undergo modifications to allow for greater accessibility for patrons requiring wheelchairs.

In New York, The Recovery Depends on the Cultural Sector

As Broadway and the wider cultural sector in New York gets ready to fully reopen, companies are bracing themselves for an unprecedented reopening, and worrying about the number of tourists to support the productions. Meanwhile, more shows are announcing their mask and vaccination policies, with Pass Over becoming the latest show to require proof of vaccination for admission to the show.

LA's 99-Seat Theatres Face Unique Challenges as Reopening Looms

With questions still unanswered about when audiences will feel safe cramming into the small rooms that make up Los Angeles' 99-seat theatre scene, a new state law passed amidst the shutdown will drive up labor costs at an already precarious moment for these producers. However, they are not entirely without governmental support, as the California legislature included $50 million for these small theatres in the state budget.

"We need to repot to grow." Reflecting on Tenures of Artistic Leadership

Over the past couple of seasons, we've started to see a sea change of leadership across many regional theatre companies - many leaders stepping into roles that had been filled by their predecessors for decades. But is a long tenure the right thing for the institution and the field? Or is it time to add this to the list of items we should reconsider in the field?

What do you want from Industry Pro?

As part of our ongoing efforts to deliver the most useful and relevant content to the Industry, we've put together a brief survey to gather your input on the type of content you're most interested in seeing. Would you mind taking a few minutes to fill it out?

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!

BroadwayWorld Stage Mag - A Fully Interactive Show Program

The digital solution to your show program needs - want to see what's possible? Check out the Stage Mag's for off-Broadway's Blindness and for Next on Stage Season 3! Then start building your own at stagemag.broadwayworld.com.

Want more information about marketing options with BroadwayWorld? Request a media kit here and a member of our sales and marketing team will reach out promptly.

To post a comment, you must register and login.