Industry Pro Newsletter: Economic Indicators from NYC and Canada: NYC Foot Traffic Rebounds, Canada's Recovery Lags
Inside the debate over a Times Square casino, plus new grants for musicals and a tribute to George C. White.
By: Alex Freeman Aug. 18, 2025
This week's industry news paints a complex picture of resilience, challenge, and change across the theatrical landscape. While new data reveals a promising, though uneven, post-pandemic recovery in both New York City foot traffic and the Canadian arts economy, financial realities remain stark, highlighted by the unfortunate closure of Berkeley's Aurora Theatre. Yet, signs of forward momentum are clear, with new leadership at the SDC Foundation, significant NAMT grants fostering new work, and Ohio creating new tax incentives for touring productions.
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Industry Trends
SDC Foundation Names Laura Peete Its New Director
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation has named Laura Peete as its new Director. Peete has a background in producing, programming, and artist advocacy, with previous roles at The Public Theater and New York Theatre Workshop. In her new position, she will lead the foundation in its mission to foster and support professional stage directors and choreographers. Peete will guide the organization in its next chapter of service to the field.
NAMT Awards Over $100,000 In Grants To Support New Musicals And Capacity-Building Initiatives
The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) has awarded over $100,000 in grants to its member organizations. Six theatres received $5,000 grants from the Innovation & Exploration Fund to support new musical development. Separately, five theatres were awarded inaugural $10,000 Capacity-Building Grants to help support their long-term stability. The grants are intended to advance the development, production, and presentation of new musical theatre.
George C. White, Founder of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Dies at 89
George C. White, the founder of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, has died at the age of 89. White founded the Connecticut-based center in 1964 and was its president for 37 years. He established several of the center’s signature programs, including the National Playwrights Conference, which supported the work of artists like August Wilson.
Broadway/New York
War of Words: Broadway Debates the Times Square Casino
A proposal to build a casino in Times Square has sparked a public debate within the Broadway community. The Broadway League and theatre unions oppose the plan for a casino at 1515 Broadway, citing concerns about traffic congestion and public safety. Developers Caesars Entertainment and SL Green are championing the project, stating it will fund security and sanitation improvements. A decision on the proposal awaits recommendations from the state's Gaming Facility Location Board.
Time Out New York: Foot traffic on NYC streets is finally back to pre-COVID rates, says new study
A new study from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) shows that pedestrian foot traffic in key NYC commercial corridors has returned to pre-pandemic levels. The report found that across ten studied areas, overall traffic in the second quarter of 2025 was just 1% below the same period in 2019. Some neighborhoods, such as Times Square and the Meatpacking District, saw traffic exceed their 2019 rates by 13% and 11%, respectively. However, other areas like Grand Central and the Upper East Side still lag behind their pre-pandemic numbers.
Regional
Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Will Distribute Nearly $3.5 Million To Broadway Tours
The Ohio Department of Development has expanded the state’s Motion Picture Tax Credit to include touring Broadway productions for the first time. For fiscal year 2026, the program will make nearly $3.5 million in tax incentives available. The goal of the expansion is to encourage theatrical productions to have multi-week or longer runs in Ohio cities, including Cleveland and Cincinnati. The state hopes this will bring significant economic activity to the region.
Aurora Theatre Company Begins Process of Ceasing Operations
Berkeley's Aurora Theatre Company has announced that it has begun the process of ceasing operations after 33 seasons. The Board of Directors stated that the decision was due to "insurmountable financial challenges." The announcement cited a significant reduction in ticket sales and donations, along with increased production costs. This action was taken despite previous efforts by the company to reduce expenses and raise funds.
International
Hill Strategies: Canadian Performing Arts Contributed $3.7 Billion to GDP in 2024, New Report Finds
A new analysis from Hill Strategies details the economic performance of Canada's performing arts sector in 2024. According to the report, performing arts products had a direct impact of $3.7 billion on the national GDP and accounted for 68,300 jobs. While the unadjusted GDP has surpassed pre-pandemic figures, the report notes that the impact has not yet reached 2019 levels once adjusted for inflation. The number of jobs in the sector also remains slightly below its 2019 peak.
Missed our last few newsletters?
In this week's newsletter, we're seeing the many ways the theatre industry is securing its future. From new partnerships like Caesars Palace and Wendell Pierce's initiative to support historic theaters of color, to crucial last-minute funding for a Charlotte arts group, the community is working to sustain its institutions. We also look at new leadership with the Seattle Children's Theatre naming its first woman of color as Artistic Director, and discuss the importance of new British musicals with director Alex Jackson. Plus, we'll cover the latest in Broadway legal disputes and award season triumphs, ensuring you're up-to-date on all the developments across the globe.
August 4, 2025 - Chicago Looks to Replace Pulled NEA Funds, National Theatre Cuts Staff
From a new study showing Gen Z’s growing impact on Broadway ticket sales to a casting controversy that has sparked conversations around representation, audiences and creators alike are redefining engagement. Meanwhile, institutions across the U.S. and U.K. confront critical operational issues—from artist housing and staffing changes to emergency funding and infrastructure upgrades. Alongside moments of investment and renewal, the community also mourns the tragic loss of a production manager at Jacob’s Pillow.
July 28, 2025 - Ricamora Scholarship Launches, Caesar’s Offers Industry Job Fairs
This week, a look at a pair of new initiatives with different purposes: the first being Conrad Ricamora's "The Right to Be There" scholarship, a vital step toward supporting Asian American male actors. We also look at the Times Square Casino’s offer of job fairs for theatre professionals, an effort aiming to offer new employment avenues within the industry. Beyond these, leadership transitions continue regionally, with David Muse announcing his departure from Studio Theatre and Adam Weinert joining Hudson Hall. We also look at a report from the UK on freelancer pay problems and the consequences of recent congressional funding cuts hitting organizations across the US.
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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