Alex Freeman

This morning, we’re looking back at Sunday’s biggest moments, from Cynthia Erivo's powerful hosting to the well-deserved wins and unforgettable performances that capped a remarkable Broadway season. Beyond the awards, we’re looking at the newly announced Gavin Creel Fellowship and Josh Groban hosting the Jimmy Awards. While we celebrated a triumphant Broadway season on Sunday, we are also looking at challenges at Dallas Children’s Theater as well as some more musical chairs of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad.

This week, we’re looking at key data on the financial health of the industry from Broadway's record-setting season to the critical role of stable real estate for smaller New York City companies, as revealed by A.R.T./NY's 'HEALTH + WEALTH' report. While we celebrate achievements like the Excellence in Theatre Education Award and the Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations, we also look at ongoing challenges in arts funding across the nation, with states like California, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire facing proposed cuts and shrinking resources.

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.

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 theater in Chicago and concerning retrenchment as Berkeley's Aurora Theatre suspends its upcoming season.

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.

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.

This week, we'll look at Colleen Dilenschneider's latest data on audience trust in a post-election environment and explore the immersive possibilities of the new StagePlay mixed-reality app for live performances. In New York, Broadway's Outer Critics Circle nominations and a special Tony Award for Harvey Fierstein, and the abrupt closure of Life and Trust. Finally, we'll take a look at key developments in regional and international theater, from Philadelphia's TKTS success to legal challenges in Texas and more programming changes at the Kennedy Center.

This week we look at potential shifts in arts funding on a national level, exciting leadership changes at Queens Theatre and Kansas City Rep, and a look at both the celebratory reopening of a beloved New York venue and the charitable spirit of the Broadway community. We also examine efforts towards accessibility in regional theatre and confront the challenges of rising costs impacting the UK theatre scene, alongside a rather unusual incident of theatrical theft in Scotland.

This week's newsletter examines key trends shaping the theatre world, beginning with an Actors' Equity report revealing increased contracts for actors of color alongside a decline for women. We then explore how social media is transforming dance, impacting both individual artists and established companies. Regionally, we celebrate the Pasadena Playhouse's regained control of its building and address community concerns over cuts to San Francisco's Dream Keeper Initiative, while also highlighting the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards. Internationally, we compare West End and Broadway attendance figures and address the UK's growing need for backstage professionals due to declining school drama programs.

A new report this week highlights the economic impact of the arts on the US economy. In New York, we spotlight the influx of Olivier Award-winning productions, and a significant shift in audition practices by Equity. Regionally, we examine leadership transitions at theaters in Dallas, Maine, and Boston, and internationally, we delve into the latest Olivier Award winners and infrastructure investments in Canadian theatre, alongside a report on stabilizing West End audience numbers.

This week's newsletter dives into a diverse range of theatrical developments, from Broadway's surprising resilience in the face of new congestion pricing, to significant leadership changes and ambitious renovation projects. We also examine the expanding reach of theater through the launch of a new global fringe festival database, and explore the evolving landscape of arts funding and regulation, both regionally and internationally. Stories highlight strategic alliances in Seattle, restructuring at the Kennedy Center, and artist concerns over funding declines in Australia, culminating in the UK's move to regulate ticket resales.

From the financial strains detailed in TCG’s 'Theatre Facts 2023' report to leadership transitions at major institutions like Lincoln Center Theater and Theatre Horizon, the industry grapples with economic realities while seeking innovative paths forward. Simultaneously, the sector confronts evolving issues such as the impact of AI on creative rights in the UK and debates over labor costs in the US.

This week, BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster announced a new partnership, and we’re taking a realistic look at the arts' ongoing recovery from the pandemic. Plus, we've got updates on Broadway's new 'In Memoriam' and some positive labor news. Regionally, we're covering the happenings at the Kennedy Center, theaters tackling financial hurdles, and leadership changes. On the international front, we're highlighting the incredible resilience of Ukrainian artists and a potential game-changer for England's cultural funding.

We delve into the shifting tides of arts funding, from the NEA's controversial policy changes to the crucial need for increased support in NYC public schools. We also examine the profound impact of political appointments on cultural institutions, as seen in the 'Hamilton' cancellation and the Kennedy Center's board changes. Additionally, we honor the legacy of a theatrical giant with the passing of Athol Fugard.

This week's newsletter is packed with everything from big legal battles to the nitty-gritty of box office numbers. We're diving into new legal rulings around drag and AI, and figuring out what's next for marketing now that social media's changing. Plus, we've got the scoop on Broadway's winter wins, a new developmental agreement, and a look at how the arts factor into London’s ten-year plans.

We'll unpack the NEA's latest grant guidelines (including the loss of Challenge America), celebrate the work of Broadway Cares', and share some genuinely good news about audiences returning to theaters. Plus, we've got updates on new leadership, labor victories, and international investments that are shaping the future of the performing arts.