Industry Pro Newsletter: High Staff Turnover in Pittsburgh, Chicago's Storefront Scene Faces a Storefront Crisis
Cara Joy David asks if the Size of the Tony Venue Matters, and Do Your Patrons Actually Know that You’re a Nonprofit?
By: Alex Freeman Oct. 10, 2023
This week, we’re looking at a few different crises facing theatres across the globe - from Pittsburgh, a story on staff turnover causing many organizations to raise wages, causing a new kind of financial strain. Data from Colleen Dilenschnieder suggests that many patrons of performing arts organizations might not realize that the organization is a non-profit, and in the UK, National Theatre Wales is at risk of closing following cuts to their governmental support
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Employment Opportunity
Lecturer, Department of Theatre Arts, Costume Design and Technology - Baylor University
We seek candidates with a demonstrated ability to teach courses in sewing (introductory and advanced), costume crafts, costume design, and drawing/rendering for theatre design. The ideal candidate will also possess advanced skills in costume construction, draping and patterning, and tailoring. The position includes the opportunity to design. Click here to learn more…
Industry Trends
Event producers nationwide are reporting issues with the ticketing platform Brown Paper Tickets, with many still awaiting thousands of dollars in owed payments. Brown Paper Tickets has faced financial troubles and allegations of misconduct in recent years, leading to these payment delays. Producers from various events, including theater performances, are affected by this situation, causing financial strain on the arts community. Click here to read more…
National Latinx Theater Initiative to Re-grant $9 Million to 52 Orgs - American Theatre
The National Latinx Theater Initiative is set to distribute $9 million in grants to 52 Latinx theater organizations across the United States. These grants aim to support and advance Latinx theater by providing resources for productions, community engagement, and organizational development. This significant funding initiative reflects a commitment to fostering diversity and representation in American theater, ensuring that Latinx voices and stories continue to thrive within the industry. Click here to read more…
Most Americans Don't Know Nonprofit Cultural Entities Are Nonprofits - Colleen Dilenschneider
A study has revealed that a majority of Americans are unaware that nonprofit cultural organizations, including theaters and museums, operate as nonprofits. This lack of awareness poses challenges for these entities when communicating their missions and financial needs to the public. Educating audiences about the nonprofit status of cultural organizations is vital for fundraising and long-term sustainability. The study emphasizes the need for increased transparency and outreach efforts within the cultural sector to bridge this knowledge gap. Click here to read more…
Broadway/New York
Industry Trends Weekly: Does Size Matter... For the Tony Awards? By Cara Joy David
Last week the venue for the 77th Tony Awards was announced—The David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. For the second year in a row, we will have a new venue for theater’s biggest award show. Those I spoke to in the industry were split on the choice.
On the one hand, the venue is beautiful. It will film well for television. It has ample room for a red carpet. Its nice outdoor space can be used for outdoor filming or even outdoor seating. It is also much closer to midtown than last year’s venue, the fairly far, extremely hot United Palace. So, if you’re someone who only views the award show as a marketing tool, and you like the convenience of a location closer to the theater district, you’re pretty happy. Several producers I spoke with loved the choice.
On the other hand, at 2,550 seats, it’s small. Now, it is not the smallest venue for the Tonys. The awards began in hotel ballrooms before moving onto Broadway theaters, which are of course well under 2,550 seats. But this century we are most used to seeing them at larger venues. The most frequent venue for the awards in this century has been Radio City, which seats almost 6000. The United Palace sat around 3,350. But there were three years at the Beacon (2011, 2012, 2016), which sits just around 2,900. (The awards also returned to the Winter Garden during the pandemic-impacted 2021 year, but that was an anomaly.)
The fact that the venue is small causes challenges for those to whom the award show is a celebration they want to attend. Last season, for example, nominees in some categories were not allowed to sit with their plus ones because of the desire to put all nominees within a certain distance of the stage. (Though that is both a size and judgment call issue—the guests were seated in the orchestra, just further back or to the side.) This season some insiders expressed a concern that many guests might not even be able to be in the orchestra. The Koch has an orchestra of just 883 seats. That's over 1000 fewer orchestra seats than the United Palace and over 400 fewer than the Beacon.
The 883 number may still seem high, but consider the fact that one nominated production may have about 50 producers (and producers usually, though not always, sit in the orchestra). And, additionally, last year well over 100 individuals were nominated for their individual work in competitive categories. Plus, celebrities!
A nominated production typically receives two pairs of complimentary tickets with the option to buy others for all the rest of the producers. For an individual nominee, in most past years, they receive one pair of complimentary tickets, may purchase one additional pair, and then may request to purchase even more. Of course, all of this is space dependent. Usually at Radio City, you got your family seats if you wanted and at least some of them could often sit with you. When the theater is smaller, it becomes hard to handle the requests a nominee might have.
Then there is the public. At Radio City, fan tickets were a constant. Last year at the United Palace, fans were also able to purchase tickets. But in 2016, the last year the awards were at the Beacon, there were no tickets available for public purchase. It seems unlikely there will be tickets to purchase inside the Koch.
In addition to the size issue, some expressed concern with the Koch name being attached to Broadway's biggest night. But, despite the downsides, everyone is hoping for a marvelous Tony Awards.
2024 Tony Awards Find a Date and New Home at Lincoln Center - BroadwayWorld
The 2024 Tony Awards have secured a date and a new venue at Lincoln Center. The prestigious theater awards ceremony is scheduled for June 16, 2024, and will take place at the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. This will be the first time the awards will take place at Lincoln Center. Click here to read more…
The theatrical production "HERE LIES LOVE" will introduce flexible ticket packs through a partnership with The Broadway Exchange. These packs offer theatergoers the flexibility to select specific performance dates while enjoying cost savings - and encouraging and rewarding audience members for coming back to the show multiple times. Click here to read more…
Regional
Arts Staff Turnover Raises Concerns Among Nonprofit Arts Groups in Pittsburgh - Post-Gazette
Nonprofit arts organizations in Pittsburgh are facing concerns related to high staff turnover. Several organizations, including the Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera, and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, have experienced significant departures within their leadership and artistic teams. This trend has raised questions about the stability and continuity of these organizations, which play crucial roles in the city's cultural landscape. The impact of staff changes on artistic direction, programming, and community engagement is a central issue for these groups and the local arts community. Click here to read more…
Spaced Out in Chicago: When Storefront Theatres Run Out of Storefronts - American Theatre Magazine
Chicago's storefront theatre scene, known for its intimate and innovative productions, is facing challenges related to rising real estate costs and the loss of performance spaces. As storefront theatres run out of accessible storefronts, they are forced to adapt, relocate, or close. This shift is affecting the city's vibrant theatre ecosystem, where these smaller, independent venues have played a vital role in fostering new talent and experimental works. The article explores the struggles faced by these theatres and the potential consequences for Chicago's theatre community. Click here to read more…
Report Highlights Challenges in Chicago's Cultural Arts Scene - Chicago Sun-Times
A report by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) sheds light on challenges within Chicago's cultural arts scene. The report discusses a crisis in the theatre and museum sectors, including financial instability, leadership turnover, and workforce issues. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the sustainability and vibrancy of the city's cultural institutions. The findings call for collaborative efforts and support to overcome these obstacles and strengthen Chicago's cultural landscape. Click here to read more…
International
Cameron Mackintosh Says West End is in a Much Better State Than Broadway Following COVID - BroadwayWorld
Cameron Mackintosh, a renowned theater producer, has expressed that London's West End is in a significantly better state than Broadway in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a video interview, Mackintosh discusses the challenges faced by the theater industry on both sides of the Atlantic. He emphasizes London's ability to recover more effectively, with theaters reopening and audiences returning, compared to Broadway's ongoing struggles. The conversation highlights the varying impacts of the pandemic on theater hubs worldwide and the unique paths to recovery they are navigating. Click here to read more…
Performing Arts' Value to Economy Up on Pre-Pandemic Levels - The Stage
The performing arts sector's contribution to the UK economy has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, according to a report. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the performing arts industry is showing resilience and growth. The report indicates an increase in the sector's economic value, highlighting its importance to the overall economy. This positive trend reflects the efforts of arts organizations and artists in adapting to new circumstances and finding innovative ways to engage audiences and generate revenue. Click here to read more…
National Theatre Wales Warns of Closure in Six Months Unless £16m Cut Reversed - The Stage
National Theatre Wales (NTW) is facing the threat of closure within six months unless a £16 million funding cut is reversed. The theater company has issued a warning about the dire financial situation it confronts due to the proposed reduction in funding. NTW plays a vital role in Welsh arts and culture, and its potential closure would have significant repercussions. The call to reverse the cut is part of a broader campaign to support the arts in Wales and ensure the survival of key cultural institutions. Click here to read more…
Missed our last few newsletters?
October 2, 2023 - Record Number of New Musicals on Broadway, Some Regional Theatres Report a Rebound
In Minnesota, the Hennepin Theatre Trust recently reported a more than $115 million impact to the local economy, directly tied to their Broadway touring season. We’ve also got a story about the way in which some regional theatres have been able to rebound this past season, and are looking to capitalize on that momentum. Amidst what has felt like some doom and gloom prognostications lately, these are both highly encouraging signs of an industry that is working very hard to build back in a stronger, more sustainable way. Click here to read more…
September 25, 2023 - The Second City Announces New York Opening, Prominent NYC Theater Leaders are Departing Their Roles
The Writers Strike is (likely) coming to an end - with a tentative agreement, Hollywood has taken a major step toward getting back to work. In New York, major changes to the leadership landscape are pending as both Carole Rothman and André Bishop announced that they will be departing their posts at Second Stage and Lincoln Center Theater, respectively. Leadership changes also continue on the regional front, and Cara Joy David takes a look at the evolving ticketing landscape of Broadway. Click here to read more…
Pulitzer Prize eligibility has expanded, now including permanent residents and long-term U.S. artists, a significant shift outlined in The Guardian. In the regional theater landscape, celebrated playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney takes the helm as Artistic Director of The Geffen Playhouse. Lastly, The Seattle Times emphasizes the crucial significance of Fall 2023 for Seattle's arts scene, and The Stage reports on the Torch Theatre in Wales facing damaging cuts due to a funding deficit, calling for community support. Click here to read more…
BroadwayWorld Resources
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