Industry Pro Newsletter: Women in Theater, Engaging Gen Z, & Broadway's Big Wins!
A look at underrepresentation in theater, how to mind the age gap with your members, and a new mentorship program for diverse designers.
By: Alex Freeman Jul. 07, 2025
A major thread woven throughout this week's stories is the crucial need for greater inclusivity and accessibility. We'll explore the troubling underrepresentation of women in upcoming regional theater seasons and efforts to address it, alongside insights into engaging younger demographics in cultural organizations. You'll also read about a new, tuition-free mentorship program for high school students from underrepresented communities, and a significant grant for theater renovations aimed at improving accessibility for all. Simultaneously, we examine the powerful impact of financial realities, from how rising costs are prompting local theaters to "play it safe" with programming, to the impressive box office recoupment of a Broadway hit.
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Employment Opportunity
Chief Production Officer - Kansas City Symphony
The Chief Production Officer (CPO) is a strategic leader responsible for the operational execution of all Kansas City Symphony performances, experiences, and events in a variety of venues. Reporting to President & CEO Danny Beckley and serving as a key member of his Executive Leadership Team, the CPO collaborates closely with peers— Chief Financial Officer Sara Lohe, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Julius Lai, and Chief Development Officer Eva James Toia—to deliver extraordinary musical experiences that engage, inspire, and grow audiences.
Industry Trends
Where Are the Women? New Theater Season Announcements Signal a Troubling Setback
The 2025-2026 theater season announcements show a concerning underrepresentation of women. Prominent companies like Playwrights Horizons and Williamstown have notably few female playwrights and directors. This trend prompted the Lillys, an organization dedicated to gender parity, to arrange a town hall meeting. The initiative aims to address this issue and advocate for improved female representation in theater.
This article explores whether cultural organizations are effectively engaging Millennial and Gen Z members at rates proportionate to their demographics. It examines the average age difference between an organization's visitors and its members. The piece also delves into the influence of an organization's mission as a driving factor for membership. Furthermore, it addresses common difficulties in acquiring new members and retaining existing ones, noting current softness in renewal rates.
Broadway/New York
Lear deBessonet Begins as Lincoln Center Theater Kewsong Lee Artistic Director
Lear deBessonet officially began her tenure as the Kewsong Lee Artistic Director at Lincoln Center Theater on July 1, 2025. Her appointment was made possible by a significant gift from Board Chair Kewsong Lee and his wife, Zita Ezpeleta. The Tony-nominated director is set to guide the multi-Tony Award-winning three-theater complex into its next phase. Her first season will commence on September 26, 2025, with the production of Ragtime.
Photos: The Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab to Present SPRINGBOARD TO DESIGN Theatrical Mentorship
The Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab is launching "Springboard to Design," a tuition-free theatrical design mentorship program for high school students from underrepresented communities. Running from July 6-12, 2025, the program will offer hands-on workshops in various design disciplines. Tony Award-winning designers Clint Ramos and David Zinn will lead the initiative. This program aims to expand access to theatre education and promote inclusivity, requiring no prior experience.
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Recoups on Broadway
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" has recouped its Broadway investment during its final week of performances. The production, starring Sarah Snook, achieved a new weekly gross record of $2,092,069, marking the first time it surpassed $2 million in a single week. This accomplishment also represents the second-highest weekly gross for any show at the Music Box Theatre. The Tony-winning play concluded its successful run on Sunday, June 29.
Regional
Rochester Broadway Theatre League Receives $1 Million State Grant for Renovation Project
The Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) has been awarded a $1 million state grant, secured by New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney. This funding will support critical renovations at the Joseph A. Floreano Entertainment and Education Center, located within the West Herr Auditorium Theatre. This grant is the sole state funding allocated for the renovation, which aims to improve accessibility and enhance the functionality of RBTL's educational and community programs. Senator Cooney highlighted the crucial role of the arts, particularly in the present climate.
International
ArtsProfessional.co.uk: Local theatres playing safe as financial pressures increase, study finds
A study by the Local Theatre Touring Alliance (LTTA) reveals that local theatres are increasingly "playing safe" due to heightened financial pressures. Based on responses from 52 venues, the study indicates a trend towards more one-night events and a decrease in programming for opera, ballet, and contemporary dance. Rising costs and evolving audience behaviors, such as later booking and a preference for established titles, are impacting both programming and financial stability. Despite these challenges, many venue managers remain optimistic and are exploring increased collaboration and new touring models.
The Stage: SOLT re-elects Henny Finch to board and appoints new member Lil Lambley
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) has re-elected Henny Finch, who serves as the executive director of Donmar Warehouse, to its board. In addition, Lil Lambley has been appointed as a new member of the board. This development was reported by Georgia Luckhurst on July 1, 2025.
Missed our last few newsletters?
June 30, 2025 - New Leadership Across Institutions, SDC/Off-Broadway Announce a New Contract
The vibrant and contentious spirit of the arts industry was on display this week. Broadway artists protested against a proposed Times Square Casino, while other groups rallied in support. Democratic senators staged a Pride event at the Kennedy Center amidst the Trump Administrations takeover of the facility. Amidst these battles, there's also significant movement within the organizations themselves, with a wave of new leadership stepping into prominent roles across New York and regional theaters, signalling change as the only constant in the industry.
June 23, 2025 - New Leadership at the Off-Broadway League, and an Inside Look at Rachel Zegler in Evita in London
As summer officially arrives, we bring you the latest happenings from the world of theater, highlighting both new beginnings and ongoing developments. This edition covers exciting new leadership appointments Off-Broadway and in regional companies, a look at an ongoing legal battle in the New York theater scene, and a viral international performance. Plus, we've curated the perfect summer reading list and a sun-soaked playlist to get you in the seasonal spirit. Dive in for all the details!
This week, we see the industry grappling with significant shifts, from federal arts funding reallocations and the landmark resolution of a major industry strike, to the vibrant celebration of emerging talent at the Jimmy Awards and the vital community outreach of The Public Theater's Mobile Unit. Meanwhile, regional and international news highlights both leadership changes and the global impact of successful productions, all against a backdrop of evolving social and political landscapes that continue to shape the performing arts.
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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