Industry Pro Newsletter: ART/NY Looks at Compensation Trends in the Off-Broadway Space

This week, we delve into the financial health of the arts, from a record-breaking Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser and new leadership at TCG, to concerning reports on theatre workforce compensation and critical investment needs for aging arts centers. We also look at exciting venue developments like the Astor Place Theater's new chapter and Lincoln Center's campus redesign, alongside insights into where grassroots theatre is truly flourishing.

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The Phillips Club at Lincoln Center debuts a newly renovated, fully furnished hotel residence just in time for the 2025 Tony Awards return to Radio City Music Hall! Just minutes from Broadway, our apartments feature 24-hour concierge services and luxury amenities that offer the ideal accommodations for the premier theatrical event. Click here to learn more!

 

Employment Opportunity

Chief of Arts & Culture - City of Boston, Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture

The Chief of Arts and Culture (Chief) of MOAC will be a visionary, collaborative, and dynamic leader responsible for shaping and championing the City's cultural identity while supporting the vibrant and diverse arts ecosystem. They will spearhead the Mayor’s agenda on the creative economy through the leadership of the Arts and Culture Cabinet. The Chief of MOAC serves the City, the Mayor, citizens, and visitors in leading the development and implementation of cultural policy in partnership with the local creative ecosystem, other City Chiefs and departments, and other public and private regional partners.

Industry Trends

Colleen Dilenschneider: Intentions to Visit the US Have Declined for Canadian Cultural Visitors 

Intentions for Canadians to visit the United States have notably decreased, particularly among those who are likely to attend museums and performing arts organizations. This decline in travel intent is observed consistently across various demographic segments within Canada. The data highlights a significant shift in cross-border travel plans. This trend indicates a broader change in cultural tourism patterns.

American Theatre: TCG Names Kamilah Long Director of Advancement, Philanthropic Engagement

Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has appointed Kamilah Long as its new Director of Advancement and Philanthropic Engagement. Long officially began her role on May 19, taking on this newly created leadership position. She will be responsible for spearheading TCG's comprehensive fundraising strategies. Her work will encompass securing support from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government entities for The National Theatre organization.

Broadway/New York

Exclusive: A.R.T./NY Shares Findings on Changes in Workforce in HEALTH + WEALTH Report

A.R.T./NY's Health + Wealth report reveals significant shifts in the theatre workforce, noting an increase in headcounts primarily through part-time and contract roles following COVID-19 relief funding. The report indicates that 63% of theatre professionals dedicate more time than compensated, with nearly half earning less than 10% of their income from theatre. The findings emphasize the critical need for sustained, unrestricted, and multi-year investments to foster sustainable careers and bolster organizational resilience within the field.

Photos: Design Unveiled for West Side of Lincoln Center Campus

Preliminary designs for the Amsterdam Avenue side of the Lincoln Center campus have been unveiled, showcasing plans for significant revitalization. The project aims to create new outdoor performance spaces, integrate community park areas, and remove the existing wall separating Lincoln Center from Amsterdam Avenue. Key elements include a welcoming entrance, expanded public park space, and a new outdoor venue for performances, enhancing the campus's accessibility and functionality.

Broadway Bets Raises Record-Breaking $546,500 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

The annual Broadway Bets Texas Hold 'em poker event at Sardi's restaurant successfully raised a record-breaking $546,500. This impressive sum contributes to Broadway Bets' overall fundraising total, which now stands at $2.7 million across its eight editions. The event continues to be a significant contributor to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

No Guarantees Productions Takes Over Astor Place Theater, Former Home of BLUE MAN GROUP

No Guarantees Productions has officially taken over the Astor Place Theater, the longtime home of Blue Man Group. The production company intends to stage three to four Off-Broadway shows annually, including both their own productions and those developed by other producers. They aim to begin presenting shows as early as this fall. While major renovations are not planned, the adjoining space will eventually be converted into a new restaurant and bar.

Regional 

Deborah Rutter Releases Statement in Response to Allegations by Trump Administration

Deborah Rutter has issued a detailed statement in response to allegations of financial mismanagement made by the Trump administration. Rutter staunchly defended her tenure, referencing board-approved budgets, transparent audits, and the successful establishment of a $10 million Sustainability Fund. She asserted that the attempts to distort readily available and professionally audited financial facts were a malicious disregard for the truth.

HowlRound: Where is US theatre thriving? Small grassroots organizations

US theatre is notably thriving within small, grassroots organizations that are effectively addressing local community needs. These emerging groups are redefining the American theatrical landscape, often led by commercially under-resourced community members. Examples include the South Carolina New Play Festival, The Larking House in California, Good Apples Collective in New York City, and Bramble Theatre Company in Chicago. These organizations Showcase Theatre's vibrant future.

International

The Stage: Ageing arts centres in 'critical' need of investment

A new report highlights that ageing arts centres in the UK are in "critical" need of urgent capital investment to remain fit for purpose. Venues like Z-arts in Manchester and London’s Battersea Arts Centre contributed to the findings. The report underscores the significant damage caused by a backlog of building maintenance. Arts centers are calling for immediate funding to address these structural challenges.

Missed our last few newsletters?

May 19, 2025 - The Impact of NEA Grant Cuts, Global Arts at a ‘Tipping Point’

This week's newsletter navigates a complex landscape for the theatre industry, from the immediate shockwaves of NEA grant terminations and their profound impact on individual organizations, as detailed by Cara Joy David, to A.R.T./NY's revealing "Health + Wealth" report offering both stark realities and paths toward resilience in a challenging post-COVID environment. On Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber's potential acquisition of the former Mark Hellinger Theatre and the celebration of the Broadway League's latest award winners. Regionally, we see both ambitious growth with the announcement of David Rockwell's new magic experience in Chicago and concerning retrenchment as Berkeley's Aurora Theatre suspends its upcoming season.

May 12, 2025 - Concord Acquires Broadway Licensing Group, Portland Center Stage Faces Inflection Point

This week's newsletter navigates a dynamic and somewhat contradictory landscape within the theater world, showcasing both significant achievement and contractions. From Concord's major acquisition poised to reshape theatrical licensing to the precarious financial situation facing a vital Portland theater and the broader uncertainties tied to declining tourism in New York, we see an industry simultaneously evolving and facing considerable headwinds. Amidst these shifts, artistic excellence continues to shine, celebrated in the Pulitzer Prize for Drama awarded to Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE and the numerous accolades bestowed by the New York Drama Critics' Circle and the Chita Rivera and Off-Broadway Alliance Awards, reminding us of the enduring power and impact of live performance.

May 5, 2025 - Union Leader Condemns NEA Grant Terminations, The National Theatre Has a Global Vision

This week, we look at AFM Local 802's response to NEA grant terminations and the impressive $7 million milestone reached by the WICKED tour for Broadway Cares. Stateside, we spotlight the just-announced nominees for the Tony Awards and celebrate the winners of the Lucille Lortel Awards for Off-Broadway excellence. Our Broadway analysis delves into April's box office figures, while we also celebrate Audra McDonald becoming the most Tony-nominated performer in history. Regionally, we cover a leadership transition at Central Florida Community Arts, and internationally, we explore The National Theatre's ambitious global vision.

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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