Industry Pro Newsletter: Gov. Hochul Proposes Extending Broadway Tax Incentives, Australia’s Post-Pandemic Recovery
ICYMI: Watch the Next on Stage Season 5 Finale Filmed Live at 54 Below!
By: Alex Freeman Jan. 27, 2025
From Las Vegas' scrappy local theater scene to Australia's steady post-pandemic recovery, creativity continues to thrive against the odds. Major funding initiatives, including the UK’s £60 million package and New York’s proposed tax credit extension, demonstrate the vital role government support plays in sustaining the arts. Additionally, we celebrate new beginnings with the reopening of NYC’s West Bank Cafe and Cygnet Theatre’s upcoming Performing Arts Center. Finally, we spotlight BroadwayWorld’s "Next On Stage" winners and insights into audience preferences for live events.
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Director of Development - Opera North
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Industry Trends
ICYMI: Watch the Next On Stage: Season 5 Finale
On January 19, 2025, BroadwayWorld's Next On Stage: Season 5 concluded with a live finale at 54 Below in New York City. The competition featured six finalists: Macy Bettwieser, Patrick Ford, and Emersyn Hunt in the High School category, and Gavin Blonda, Kristabel Kenta-Bibi, and Elijah V. Ramos in the College category. After their performances and judges' feedback, Emersyn Hunt and Kristabel Kenta-Bibi were crowned winners, each receiving an AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarship, a vocal lesson with Matt Farnsworth, a work session with The Telsey Office's Jimmy Larkin, a BroadwayWorld merchandise package, and a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice. The event was judged by industry professionals, including J. Elaine Marcos, Lesli Margherita, Kyle Taylor Parker, Courtney Reed, Kate Rockwell, and Michael James Scott, and hosted by Ben Cameron with music direction by James Rushin.
Butts in the Seats: Where Would You Like To Sit?
A recent study explored factors influencing concertgoers' seating preferences, including proximity to the stage, ticket pricing, and VIP package offerings. Findings indicate that attendees value closer seats and prefer reserved seating, especially among older patrons and those with children. VIP experiences, particularly artist meet-and-greets, are highly valued over backstage tours or early access to soundchecks. The study suggests that while there's limited potential for price discrimination based on consumer characteristics, offering tailored VIP packages could enhance revenue for performers.
Broadway/New York
Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed extending the New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit program through 2027 and increasing its annual allocation from $300 million to $400 million. Initially launched in 2021 with a $100 million budget to revitalize the entertainment industry post-pandemic, the program was previously extended in 2023 until June 30, 2025, with an expanded budget of $300 million.
West Bank Cafe Re-Opens its Doors Under New Ownership
The West Bank Cafe, a cherished establishment in New York's Theater District, has reopened under the new ownership of Tom and Michael D'Angora. The D'Angoras plan to maintain the venue's beloved menu and ambiance while implementing minor renovations to the kitchen and dining area. The Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within the cafe, is currently undergoing remodeling and is expected to reopen by the end of February. A grand re-opening celebration is planned for late February or early March, marking a new chapter for this iconic venue.
Regional
The New York Times: Las Vegas Local Theater: A Scrappy Scene in the Shadow of the Strip
Las Vegas, renowned for its world-class entertainment, also boasts a small but determined local theater scene. Amidst the glitz of Cirque du Soleil and high-profile residencies, venues like A Public Fit, Majestic Repertory Theater, and Vegas Theater Company thrive just off the Strip. Local performers, like Katie Marie Jones—an actress, magician’s assistant, and hockey host—highlight the city's versatile talent pool. Productions such as “The Minutes” and “Cabaret” bring diversity to a scene defined by its scrappiness and resourcefulness. While small compared to other major cities, Las Vegas theater makers embody a hunger for storytelling and artistic freedom.
American Theatre: Cygnet Theatre to Open New Performing Arts Center, The Joan
Cygnet Theatre in San Diego has announced the opening of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, known as The Joan, scheduled for September 10, 2025. This state-of-the-art venue, located in Liberty Station's arts district, will serve as Cygnet's permanent home. The Joan features the Joseph Clayes III Theater, a proscenium theatre with over 280 seats, and the Dottie Studio Theater, a 150-seat flexible space. The project, a collaboration with the NTC Foundation, involves renovating the historic Naval Building 178 and has reached 86% of its $43.5 million fundraising goal.
International
ArtsHub: Profits or losses for state theatre companies five years on from COVID?
Five years after the onset of COVID-19, Australia's state theatre companies are showing signs of financial recovery. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, recent financial statements indicate a steady return to pre-pandemic levels. This recovery is attributed to responsible management and the support received from both the public and government rescue packages during the crisis. The financial data from 2019 to 2023 reflects a positive trend towards stability in the sector.
Financial Times: The UK should take a leaf from France's book to boost arts funding
The UK's creative industries, valued at £124 billion, are facing financial challenges due to decreased public funding. To address this, adopting a model similar to France's Aillagon law is suggested. This law offers a 60% tax relief on corporate donations to arts and charities, significantly increasing cultural funding in France. Implementing a comparable policy in the UK could stimulate private investment in the arts, reducing reliance on public funds and fostering economic growth.
WhatsOnStage: British Government announces £60 million package to boost creative sector
The UK Government has unveiled a £60 million funding package to support the creative industries. Announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy at the Creative Industries Growth Summit in Gateshead, the initiative includes £40 million for grassroots creative ventures and £20 million for cultural projects across the UK.
Missed our last few newsletters?
January 21, 2025 - New Tony Eligibility Rulings, the NEA Announces Nearly $40 Million in Grants
From national funding initiatives and emerging talent showcases to leadership changes and awards season updates, the industry demonstrates its capacity to adapt and inspire. Regional and international efforts underline the importance of community support, whether through wildfire relief in California or advocating for arts funding in Bristol. With new venues, leadership appointments, and cultural projects on the horizon, this week’s newsletter celebrates the power of the performing arts to drive innovation and foster connection across diverse audiences.
January 13, 2025 - Why Audiences Are Asking For Refunds, IATSE Strike, Congestion Pricing Impact
This week, we explore whether congestion pricing is reshaping Manhattan travel habits and examine a labor strike disrupting productions at Atlantic Theater Company. On the regional stage, we reflect on the loss of Theatre Palisades to Los Angeles wildfires and the struggles facing Bay Area theatres. Internationally, the launch of Welsh National Theatre and ATG’s acquisition of SOM Produce bring new opportunities, while changes at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School underscore ongoing financial pressures. Each story highlights resilience amid transformation in the global arts community.
As 2025 begins, the theater and arts industries are navigating financial shifts and creative innovations. From Broadway's escalating production budgets to Berlin’s significant arts funding cuts, economic pressures are shaping the global cultural landscape. Meanwhile, New York City takes bold steps with congestion pricing, impacting theatergoers and commuters alike. Amid these challenges, artistic resilience shines through – whether in rural arts communities, Hollywood’s ongoing fight to rebound, or the launch of the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab to nurture new talent. This issue explores how creativity and commerce intersect across the stage and beyond.
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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