The Fountain Theatre

Industry Pro Newsletter: BroadwayWorld Awards Voting Open, 9-Show Weeks, and $70M for the Arts in King County

As the year winds down, this week’s stories reflect a season of change, opportunity, and challenges in the theatre world. From the opening of voting for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards to the rise of effective altruism reshaping holiday giving, we explore how innovation and community engagement continue to shape the arts. Highlights include expanded performance schedules on Broadway, significant regional funding initiatives like King County’s Doors Open program, and transitions like Heather Lanza’s appointment at NextStop Theatre. Meanwhile, stories of financial strain, such as Germany’s cultural budget cuts and UK theatre downsizing, remind us of the ongoing need for sustainable support in the arts sector.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Broadway’s Jukebox Musical Trend: Financial Boon or Creative Challenge?

Leadership transformations and financial strategies are reshaping the theater world, with new leaders like Alisha Tonsic at TCG and Jan Svendsen Weiss launching ACTivate4Good to drive innovation and social impact. Broadway faces mounting pressures as producers navigate rising costs and favor jukebox musicals over original works to mitigate risks. Regionally, initiatives like BroadwayWorld’s donation database and the reinvention of Cal Shakes’ scene shop demonstrate resilience amid challenges.

Industry Pro Newsletter: J.P. Morgan’s NextList, Budget Cuts in Berlin, and Shen Yun Allegations

This week's newsletter highlights pivotal moments and developments shaping the theatre world, from New York to Berlin. In academia, Professor Christian Parker redefines dramaturgy’s role at Columbia, while Broadway remembers the late Gavin Creel with a livestreamed memorial. Globally, J.P. Morgan’s NextList and Berlin’s proposed arts budget cuts spark reflections on the value of culture, as regional and international initiatives, including MTI’s support for disaster-stricken theatres and new leadership at The Old Vic, underscore the resilience and adaptability of the arts. Lastly, a troubling lawsuit involving Shen Yun Performing Arts raises questions about labor conditions in the performing arts.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Bluesky for Broadway & Tax Incentives for Theatre in Massachusetts

Broadway embraces new platforms like Bluesky and Stage Mag, while regional developments include Massachusetts’ live theater tax credit and Portland’s push for funding transparency. Leadership changes at the Fountain Theatre and Birmingham Rep signal fresh directions for these institutions. Finally, celebrations and reflections, from Broadway’s marketing triumphs to the UK’s National Lottery milestone, emphasize the ongoing balance of creativity, recognition, and sustainability in the performing arts.

Raymond O. Caldwell to Succeed Stephen Sachs as Artistic Director of Fountain Theatre

The Fountain Theatre has selected Raymond O. Caldwell as Stephen Sachs's successor as artistic director. Learn more about Caldwell and about the promotion.

IAMA Theatre Company’s 7TH ANNUAL NEW WORKS FESTIVAL to Feature 8 New Plays

IAMA Theatre Company will host its 7th Annual New Works Festival this December, featuring eight new plays presented as staged readings. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

Director Gregg T. Daniel to Discuss A Noise Within's The Piano Lesson On BOB BARTH'S ONE NIGHT STAND

Tune in to Bob Barth’s One Night Stand on October 24th for a discussion with Director Gregg T. Daniel about A Noise Within's production of THE PIANO LESSON and its exploration of family legacy.

Photos: Fountain Theatre's U.S. Premiere of I, DANIEL BLAKE

The U.S. premiere of “I, Daniel Blake”, a beautiful and deeply moving story adapted for the stage by Dave Johns from the Palme d’Or and BAFTA award-winning film, is set to open this Sunday at the Fountain Theatre. Simon Levy directs. Check out the photos here!

Photos: FATHERLAND Celebrates Opening Night Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II

The Fountain Theatre production of Fatherland, conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs, is now playing Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th St, NYC). Go inside opening night in the photos!

Photos: FATHERLAND At New York City Center

The Fountain Theatre production of Fatherland, conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs, is now playing Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th St, NYC). See photos from the production.

Review: THE BROTHERS SIZE at Geffen Playhouse

THE BROTHERS SIZE, a heart-rending, music-suffused three-hander exploring the strength and limits of fraternal bonds, is being staged in the Geffen’s smaller Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre, where it fits beautifully.

I, DANIEL BLAKE Comes to the Fountain Theatre in October

The Fountain Theatre will present the U.S. premiere of I, Daniel Blake, a beautiful and deeply moving story adapted for the stage by Dave Johns from the Palme d’Or and BAFTA award-winning film written by Paul Laverty and directed by Ken Loach. 

FATHERLAND to Debut Off-Broadway in September

FATHERLAND begins Off-Broadway performances on Sept. 18. The play tells the true story of a man involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and his son who turns him in to the FBI.

Kacie Rogers' I SELL WINDOWS is Coming To The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

I SELL WINDOWS explores a young Black woman's journey through grief, ambition, and sex after the sudden loss of her grandfather. The production will be presented at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

FOREVER FLAMENCO to Return to The Fountain Theatre With Four Performances

Experience the passionate art of flamenco as FOREVER FLAMENCO returns to the Fountain Theatre with four captivating performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Interview: Gavin Kawin Lee Anxious to Truthful Storytelling in UNBROKEN BLOSSOMS

East West Players world premieres Philip W. Chung’s Unbroken Blossoms June 30, 2024 (with previews beginning June 27th). Jeff Liu directs the cast of: Gavin Kawin Lee, Ron Song, Arye Gross, Alexandra Hellquist, Conlan Ledwith, Paul Dateh, Ty Aldridge and Valerie Rose Lohman. Gavin took some time from rehearsal to answer a few of my queries.

The Blank Theatre Welcomes Six New Members to its Board of Directors

The Blank Theatre in Hollywood has announced the addition of six new members to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. They are Parvesh Cheena, Tim Jo, Marguerite Moreau, Aliza Goldstein, Kit Steinkellner, and Dan Halden.

Rainbow Zebra Productions LLC And The Magic Theatre to Present Reading Series Extravaganza

Rainbow Zebra Productions LLC and the Magic Theatre will present a new Reading Series Extravaganza featuring emerging playwrights. Learn more about the series and see how to purchase tickets.

FATHERLAND Extends at the Fountain Theatre

The Fountain Theatre has announced the second extension of its world premiere hit play, Fatherland.

Norm Lewis, Myles Frost, and More to Be Honored at NAACP Theatre Awards

The NAACP Theatre Awards has revealed the honorees for the 30th Annual Awards Ceremony, taking place on June 3rd in Los Angeles.