Industry Pro Newsletter: TikTok Boosts Theatre Sales as Broadway Tours Expand Educational Access

In this week's newsletter, we highlight key developments across the theatre world, from financial challenges in arts funding to exciting leadership changes. TikTok continues to influence the stage, boosting the success of an immersive off-Broadway show, while Chicago’s small arts sector shows resilience despite pandemic setbacks. Meanwhile, the Broadway League expands its reach with a new educational initiative, and uncertainty looms for Scottish arts organizations awaiting crucial funding decisions. Read on for updates on theatre closures, new Managing Directors, and more industry trends shaping the cultural landscape.

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Employment Opportunity

Artistic Director - Children's Musical Theater San Jose

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose (CMT) seeks an engaging, collaborative, and strategic Artistic Director to help guide its next chapter. Now in its 57th Season, CMT is one of the nation’s foremost theaters producing work by and for young people, and its decades of successful programming position it to thrive under dynamic new artistic leadership.

Industry Trends

One in Five Nonprofit Workers Can’t Afford Basic Expenses

A recent report reveals that 22% of nonprofit workers in the U.S. struggle to afford basic living expenses. The report uses the ALICE metric, developed by the United Way, which accounts for the real costs of living, such as housing and childcare, unlike outdated federal poverty measures. Financial hardships disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic workers, and subsectors like social services and arts are hit hardest. The findings highlight systemic inequities in the nonprofit sector, despite its alignment with social justice values.

The Broadway League Launches Broadway Bridges on the Road

The Broadway League has introduced Broadway Bridges on the Road, a new initiative aimed at giving high school students nationwide access to Broadway touring performances. This program provides discounted tickets at participating venues, building on the success of the New York City program. It seeks to enrich students’ arts education and promote cultural equity by offering memorable theatre experiences across the country. The program aims to foster a diverse future audience by making live theatre more accessible to younger generations​.

Broadway/New York

How a Single Tik-Tok Changed the Game for an Obscure Off-Broadway Show

A viral TikTok video by Joe Weinberg, known as Overthinking Theatre, helped Hoi Polloi’s off-Broadway production of Family by Celine Song sell out its entire run. The site-specific, immersive play was staged at a private residence in Brooklyn. Weinberg's video, along with a social media post from Song, rapidly generated ticket demand, prompting an additional week of performances, which also sold out. Family, a dark and abstract work, contrasts with Song’s well-known film Past Lives, and the production's success highlights the power of social media for off-Broadway shows.

Tony Awards Reveal 2025 Nominating Committee

The Tony Awards have announced their 2025 Nominating Committee, which consists of 39 members from diverse theatre backgrounds. These members, who include producers, directors, and other theatre professionals, will be responsible for selecting the nominees for the 2025 Tony Awards, recognizing excellence in Broadway productions. The committee’s decisions will play a significant role in shaping the upcoming awards season​.

Regional 

Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida Closes Its Doors

The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida, has announced its closure due to financial struggles. The venue has been an important cultural hub in the region, offering a range of performances and educational programs. Despite efforts to sustain operations, the theatre was unable to overcome economic challenges, marking a significant loss for the local arts community.

American Theatre: Golden Thread Productions Names Wynne Chan as Managing Director

Golden Thread Productions, the first American theatre dedicated to Middle Eastern stories, has appointed Wynne Chan as their new Managing Director. Chan, a Hong Kong American director with extensive nonprofit experience, began her role in August. She brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, having worked with Candid and GuideStar, while also maintaining an active presence in Bay Area theatre. Chan succeeds Michelle Mulholland, who will help with the leadership transition through the end of 2024​.

Lookingglass Theatre Names Jamey Lundblad as Managing Director

Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago has appointed Jamey Lundblad as its new Managing Director, alongside Richard Chapman as the new Board Chair. Lundblad brings years of experience in arts administration, previously serving as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the Chicago History Museum. His leadership will guide the theatre as it continues its commitment to innovative storytelling.

American Theatre: Survey Indicates Chicago’s Small Arts Sector Is Thriving

A recent survey highlights the resilience and growth of Chicago’s small arts organizations. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, many groups have reported a strong return to pre-pandemic levels of activity. Organizations like Aguijón Theater, which celebrated its 35th anniversary, exemplify the community’s commitment to maintaining vibrant, culturally rich programming. This ongoing success is a testament to the city's diverse and dynamic arts landscape.

International

BBC: Scottish Arts Groups Face Uncertainty as Budget Concerns Delay Funding Decisions

Creative Scotland has delayed its funding decisions for 281 arts organizations until January 2024, as the Scottish government won't confirm its budget allocation until December. These organizations had hoped to secure £87.5 million in annual support through the Multi-Year Fund. The delay comes amid financial difficulties for many in Scotland's arts sector, with venues like Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts and Edinburgh’s Summerhall scaling back operations. The Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh is also facing an uncertain future after substantial local funding cuts and is awaiting vital support from the fund to sustain operations.

Missed our last few newsletters?

September 30, 2024 - Nataki Garret and Christopher Ashley Moving To New Leadership Posts

This week, we’re taking a look at leadership shifts and challenges across the performing arts: from Nataki Garrett’s appointment as Chair of Theatre Communications Group to a new report on gender disparities in ballet leadership, as well as the announcement of Roundabout’s New Artistic Director, and a transition at the Houston Ballet. Additionally, industry trends such as theater ticket insurance and dynamic pricing reflect the evolving financial landscape of theater.

September 23, 2024 - NEA Explores Theatre Resiliency, Philanthropic Challenges in the UK

This week's newsletter delves into the evolving landscape of the performing arts, spotlighting challenges and leadership shifts that are reshaping theater and arts organizations. From the National Endowment for the Arts' report on theater resiliency to leadership transitions at LAByrinth Theater Company and Signature Theatre, the industry continues to adapt and thrive. Other stories include financial struggles at Virginia Rep, as well as an update on the ongoing University of the Arts closure. Across the pond, arts philanthropy continues to get increasingly complex.

September 16, 2024 - Arts Groups in Milwaukee Face Funding Challenges

From U.S. universities grappling with cuts to drama departments, to the financial troubles of regional arts organizations, funding concerns are a recurring theme. Meanwhile, Broadway gears up for a thrilling fall season, and new leadership emerges with Lear deBessonet at Lincoln Center Theater and Bradley Renner at Orlando Ballet. Internationally, Slovakian culture workers are preparing for strikes in protest of stagnant wages and working conditions.

September 9, 2024 - A 'Radical Reshaping' in Seattle, StrawHat to Suspend Operations

This week, we have both challenges and opportunities in the theater industry, from financial strains to leadership transitions. Stories include the opening of nominations for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards and the donation from Ken Ludwig to save Hall’s Croft. Financial difficulties are impacting institutions like the University of the Arts and Seattle’s theater scene, prompting a rethinking of models and operations. Leadership changes at TFANA, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and Invisible Theatre reflect a period of transformation, with industry figures considering how to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

BroadwayWorld Resources

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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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