Industry Pro Newsletter: Toronto’s Fleck Dance Theatre to Close, Congestion Pricing Returns

Colleen Dilenschneider emphasizes the transformative power of staff interactions in arts organizations. Key stories include legal and policy developments in New York, protests targeting tolerance-focused theatre in Michigan, and the financial struggles of Chicago’s Links Hall. Internationally, barriers for working-class creatives in the UK and the closure of Toronto’s Fleck Dance Theatre underscore critical concerns about accessibility and sustainability in the arts worldwide.

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Industry Trends

Follow BroadwayWorld on Bluesky

BroadwayWorld has joined Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, offering new ways for fans to engage with theatre news. Readers are encouraged to follow BroadwayWorld’s Bluesky account to stay connected with updates, exclusive content, and community interactions.

Colleen Dilenschneider: The Power of Staff Interactions

Positive staff interactions significantly boost visitor engagement and retention in arts organizations. Even brief, friendly exchanges increase visitor satisfaction, encourage repeat attendance, and improve community perceptions of arts institutions. Staff behavior directly shapes visitor experiences, and investing in staff training can foster stronger community trust. By focusing on positive, supportive interactions, arts organizations can enhance their long-term resilience and foster loyalty among their audiences.

Broadway/New York

Supreme Court Petition Filed by Garth Drabinsky in Dispute with Actors' Equity Association

Producer Garth Drabinsky has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge a ruling by the Actors' Equity Association (AEA), which barred him from employing union actors following allegations of financial misconduct. Drabinsky, known for productions such as Ragtime and Parade, argues that AEA’s actions unjustly prevent him from operating in the industry.

Gov. Kathy Hochul Plans to Bring Back NYC Congestion Pricing

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to reinstate congestion pricing in New York City, a system charging vehicles that enter busy areas during peak times. Originally delayed by COVID-19, the initiative seeks to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and generate funds for public transit enhancements. While supporters see it as a path to decreased congestion and pollution, critics worry about potential economic strain on drivers and businesses. The revival of congestion pricing could impact accessibility to New York’s theater district and other high-traffic areas.

Regional 

White Supremacist Demonstrators Protest 'The Diary of Anne Frank' in Michigan

A Michigan production of The Diary of Anne Frank encountered protests by white supremacist groups carrying anti-Semitic messages outside the theater. The demonstration targeted the play’s portrayal of Jewish history and stirred concerns about safety and hate-driven disruptions. In response, the theater strengthened security and affirmed its commitment to sharing Anne Frank’s story. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by productions that promote tolerance and historical awareness amid rising social tensions.

Cleveland Scene: Cuyahoga County Passes Issue 55: The Cigarette Tax to Continue Funding the Arts

Voters in Cuyahoga County have approved Issue 55, renewing a cigarette tax that supports local arts and culture organizations. First enacted in 2006, the tax extension will provide sustained financial resources for arts programs and creative projects throughout Cleveland and surrounding areas. This funding aims to stabilize and expand the local arts sector, allowing arts leaders to plan future programming with greater confidence. Renewing the tax underscores community commitment to maintaining a vibrant cultural landscape despite economic challenges.

Chicago Tribune: Chicago Dance at a Crossroads as Links Hall Fights for Survival

Chicago’s experimental performance venue, Links Hall, faces a financial crisis that threatens its future. A longstanding hub for contemporary dance and performance, Links Hall has launched a fundraising campaign to address funding cuts and rising operational costs. Efforts are underway to secure donations and strategize potential solutions with stakeholders, aiming to preserve its essential role in Chicago’s arts community. The financial difficulties confronting Links Hall highlight broader challenges for small arts organizations striving to support local artists amid rising expenses.

International

The Guardian: Young Working-Class People Being Blocked from Creative Industries, Study Finds

A recent study indicates that young people from working-class backgrounds face substantial barriers to entering the UK’s creative industries, often due to unpaid internships, high living expenses, and limited networks. The report advocates for structural reforms, such as increased financial support and paid opportunities, to make the creative sector more accessible and inclusive. Findings from the study raise concerns about the industry’s lack of socioeconomic diversity, underscoring the need for measures to foster an equitable environment for talent across all social classes.

Ludwig Van Toronto: Toronto's Unique Fleck Dance Theatre to Close on March 31, 2025, After 41 Years

The Fleck Dance Theatre, a prominent Toronto venue located in the Harbourfront Centre, will close on March 31, 2025, after over four decades. Known for hosting dance and performing arts, the theater has played a vital role in Toronto’s cultural scene by presenting local and international talent. Harbourfront Centre, which owns the venue, cited the closure as part of its long-term redevelopment efforts. Despite the theater’s upcoming closure, Harbourfront aims to continue supporting the dance community through other spaces in its complex.

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November 11, 2024 - Can the Arts Adapt? Australia Looks at a 4-Day Work Week in the Arts

Groundbreaking research in London measures brain activity during live dance performances, hinting at the powerful, collective connection audiences feel. Meanwhile, financial pressures are prompting some theaters to close while others push for new ticketing and funding strategies to survive. Broadway faces calls for a more inclusive approach to honoring its artists, and discussions grow around adopting a four-day work week in the arts to combat burnout.

November 4, 2024 - Theater Educators Face Growing Censorship Challenges, Says EdTA

This week’s newsletter spotlights key developments across the theater world, from community engagement initiatives to evolving policies impacting industry stability and inclusivity. Highlights include the launch of BroadwayWorld’s "Next On Stage" competition, offering young talent an online platform, and insights from the National Endowment for the Arts on how arts participation fosters social connectedness. In broader industry updates, new studies reveal trends in censorship for educational theater, while new regulations and limited funding support challenge UK theaters.

October 28, 2024 - Austin Arts Struggle Under Shifting Grant Policies, Broadway Cares Offers Hurricane Relief

A new Equity agreement notches a win for labor in an (even by theatre standards) unconventional workplace, and Broadway Cares was able to distribute $300,000 in emergency grants following the double Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Leadership changes are shaping Ensemble Studio Theatre and Amphibian Stage, while festivals like Breaking the Binary spotlight marginalized voices. Regional and international updates explore funding challenges, with new grant structures in Austin and evolving arts funding models in the UK. Drama schools are also tackling skill shortages, offering apprenticeships to meet industry demands and secure the future of technical theatre.

BroadwayWorld Resources

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