Alex Freeman - Page 15

It’s a new beginning Monday, with a series of appointments into top jobs at regional theatres across the country, in the UK, and in New York - one sure sign that even though the industry is struggling in its recovery, that struggle is bringing with it a new generation of leaders to meet the challenge.

Last week, Broadway narrowly avoided joining Hollywood by coming to a tentative agreement on the Pink contract, after IATSE had voted to authorize a strike if they couldn’t find a deal. Amidst wide industry challenges, Cara Joy David explores the revenue side of the equation and the regional theatre subscription model.

IATSE was able to notch a win for their members this week as a new touring contract was ratified. However, the news wasn’t all bright in the theatre world as the Public Theater became the latest major institution to announce layoffs of their staff - laying off 19%, and announcing a deeper restriction on programming for next season.

From the intersection of politics and school plays to the evolving landscape of Broadway, we explore the trends and developments that are shaping the industry. We look at the industry as companies continue to battle headwinds - with Signature Theatre off-Broadway and Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago the latest to announce reductions in programming.

As regional theatres continue to deal with shortfalls, news of another closing (Triad Stage) and gap fundraising came to light last week. American Theater Magazine reported on the labor shortages and significantly higher materials costs that scenic and costume shops across the country are dealing with putting further strains on theater budgets.

It isn’t just the organizations - as cities and regions struggle with keeping their mass transit organizations afloat, this puts a further strain on theatre groups whose audiences and artists often rely on these methods of transportation to get to and from the theatre - as the San Francisco Chronicle reported this week.

We have all the highlights you need from Broadway's biggest night, the Tony Awards. Our team at BroadwayWorld worked tirelessly to bring you the full list of winners, mesmerizing performances, stunning red carpet looks, and much more. Relive the magic of this spectacular event and catch up on any moments you might have missed.

While the writers continue to strike, and the actors have until this evening to vote on a strike authorization, at least one of the major Hollywood unions appears poised to avoid a strike - the Directors Guild, who shared many of the same concerns as the WGA membership, have secured an agreement with the producers pending a vote of its membership.

In this edition, we delve into the passionate efforts of America's playwrights to save the Tony Awards, the rebound of orchestras with growing audience numbers. We also explore the success of the 2022-2023 Broadway season, recent appointments and collaborations within the theater community.

The nominations for the 12th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards are announced, recognizing outstanding productions such as 'FAT HAM,' 'TITANIQUE,' and 'MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.' The winners of the 2023 Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Drama League Awards are revealed, honoring exceptional performances on and off Broadway.

This week, we take a look at recovery across the creative sector in an article from TRG Arts, Dance Magazine looks at how the dance industry has changed, and a new labor agreement between the Actors Union in the UK and producers highlights some of the major shifts in the industry across the globe.

The Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has selected Chicago, IL as the location for its 2024 National Conference, which will be hosted by the League of Chicago Theatres. Meanwhile, the WGA strike, turmoil at regional theaters continues, and Britain gets a King who loves the arts.

MFA programs in performing arts face challenges in adapting. Tony eligibility decisions and Drama League nominations revealed. 2023 Tony Awards Live Pre-Show to be streamed for free on Pluto TV. Easter Bonnet Competition raises over $3.6 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Read on for more.

The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act reintroduced provides tax relief for artists. AMC partners with Black Theatre Coalition to support diversity. Broadway struggles with ticket resellers, but official ticket sellers like Telecharge, Ticketmaster, and Broadway Direct help customers find direct box office tickets.

Actors' Equity Association and the Broadway League have come to an agreement on touring contracts. In addition, President Biden appointed a number of high-profile artists to the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Furthermore, a recent ruling on Tony eligibility has raised questions about Tony nominators and nonbinary performers.

SHUCKED, a musical that debuted in Utah, has raised questions about the use of non-profit venues for regional tryouts, which allow producers to develop shows with less media attention and at lower costs.

AEA forms PAC to support members. Biden admin mulls higher visa fees for international artists. Playwright Sarah Mantell wins Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for 'Futurity'. Lucille Lortel Theatre expands, buys building in Chelsea for new works; Caridad Svich and Michael Heitzman named Artistic Directors.

Governmental funding shifts continue around the globe as governments reveal their latest budget proposals - often with some form of a decrease of support for the creative economy as these countries wind down the support they offered at the height of the pandemic.

While the UK grapples with unruly audiences (not an issue unique to the West End by any means), one critic makes the case that the way we are discussing unruly audiences doesn’t have the best interest of the art form in mind - that it gives it a sense of snobbishness that doesn’t invite more audiences in to enjoy a show.

Dance news, lawsuits, and J.J. Abrams is coming to the stage all featured in this week's newsletter, along with a surprisingly strong report on the state of the creative economy in California. If California is any indication, there is reason for hope even as the bounceback is slower in other parts of the country as we re-emerge from the pandemic.