Industry Pro Newsletter: Reopenings and Insurance Schemes - Theatres Ready for Fall

August 9, 2021 -

Despite recent headlines about the delta variant of COVID-19, more regions are preparing to move ahead with reopening plans. While this will certainly bring about some hesitation from audience members, most survey data indicates that with the proper safety plan, audiences are motivated to come and see the show. That news, partnered with a seemingly small appetite for governmental support means that many producers and venues are left with little choice but to forge ahead, even as uncertainties continue to mount heading into the fall.

The Social Report

Following their casting announcement, Moulin Rouge saw a bump in their overall followers. Meanwhile, preparing for 'Opening Up' - Waitress released a clip of the cast in rehearsal performing the song of the same name.

More Theatres and Regions Announce Safety Plans

Last week, theatres across Washington, DC issued a joint statement that audiences would be required to show proof of vaccination to attend productions. The policy will apply through at least the end of this calendar year as we head to the fall with concerns over the delta variant of COVID-19. Meanwhile, Live Nation - one of the largest concert and venue operators in the nation - will require either vaccination or proof of a recent negative test for all concert attendees this fall. This is a policy similar to that which they employed at Lollapalooza recently.

Broadway is Back on Stage - both in New York and on Tour

Pass Over became the first play back on Broadway last week. The show celebrated their first preview on August 4th. Check out a video from curtain call here! In Dallas, Broadway tours officially kicked off again on August 10th with Wicked. Variety took a look at the way in which Broadway has started to make its comeback - with slowly developing protocols that producers hope will prevent sudden work stoppages like those experienced in the UK and Australia.

Shanta Thake is New Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center

Thake leaves the Public, where she oversaw initiatives like Public Works, the Mobile Unit, and more. The newly created position replaces the role of Artistic Director, and in the job Thake will be charged with crafting programming that continues Lincoln Center's creative outreach into New York City.

New Insurance Plan Offered in the UK

The UK Government unveiled a new billion-dollar insurance plan, in partnership with Lloyds banking group, to live event companies and venues starting this fall. The plan sees the UK Government acting as a guarantor on plans available to producers and venues in the event that an upcoming event or production is cancelled or postponed due to a change in the virus situation.

Despite Announcement, Touring Hurdles Remain in Europe

In a post-Brexit world, musicians and other touring artists from the UK held concerns that they were left out of the deal negotiated as the UK left the European Union, creating unbreakable hurdles to mounting a tour in Europe. While the UK government announced last week rules with slightly more clarity, musicians and their union representatives say this is not yet a step forward.

Road to Reopening: Red Mountain Theatre

Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Red Mountain Theatre has recently opened a new 60,000 square foot campus - that includes two performance venues. The theatre has used that, some streaming, and multiple outdoor events to get themselves ready for a 2021-2022 season.

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

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