Future of SRO/LOTTERY/GR on Broadway

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 2:25pm

Yes. Yes I know we are months away from broadway reopening. Even with a tentative of winter/spring 2021. I was just curious with what the state of theatre looks like if shows with still plan to offer these in the future. I see cases for both sides.
1) a show that may be struggling to get full price ticket payers
2) will people be more apt to go see a discounted show?
3) the waiting for tickets in line for hours
4) standing next to people


For me Im fine with all these in order to see a show. But Im curious what people think and how it will be affected.

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 2:32pm

Just like the stage door, I don't think it'll necessarily come back immediately but it will in the long run

[ElphabaGoodman]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 4:02pm

Most lotteries, with the exception of Wicked, had transitioned to digital within the past few years anyway so I don’t think that will really be much of an issue. I would expect lotteries to continue as digital.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 4:32pm

ElphabaGoodman's comment about lotteries is spot-on - unless producers decide that they are so desperate for money that they don't sell any tickets for that low amount, but that mindset isn't in line with the generally accepted business model for theatre. Historically, the bigger the flop, the more seats are comped and discounted.

As for rush, it's possible that we'll see an increase in digital rush policies as a result of this, but I don't think social distancing is much of an obstacle for in-person rush lines. Plenty of productions (especially plays) don't even draw large morning crowds for their in-person rush. It's only the really popular shows that might run into issue with the line running down the street. And even then, people can always space themselves out along the sidewalk if necessary. Just like everybody has been doing for lines in NY for the past few months. 

 

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 5:40pm

I think it will depend a lot on what guidelines are in place regarding seating.  If they end up reopening with some seats removed for social distancing, then we can safely kiss SRO and lotteries goodbye since producers won't want to allocate what few seats they have for that.  But provided houses are able to be full when they reopen, I see no reason SRO and lotteries would disappear.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 5:54pm

One more time.

There will be no Broadway until (a) the idea is cleared with public authorities and (b) everyone, on both sides of the fourth wall, is comfortable (whether through vaccine, other immunity, or effective treatments) being in an enclosed space close to other people and without masks. And when that day arrives, there will be no reason to limit any of the listed things. 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 7:01pm

HogansHero said: "One more time.

There will be no Broadway until (a) the idea is cleared with public authorities and (b) everyone, on both sides of the fourth wall, is comfortable (whether through vaccine, other immunity, or effective treatments) being in an enclosed space close to other people and without masks. And when that day arrives, there will be no reason to limit any of the listed things."

Curious.  In your gut, do you think Rudin was a little aggressive in announcing an early April date for start of MM performances?  I have to admit that I am, and am already wondering how many people are going to end up having their new MM tickets exchanged for yet another date (or refunded).  I assume he is putting a stake in the ground that reflects (a) some optimism) and (b) that works with Jackman's schedule.  I tend to be conservative where my health is concerned.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/24/20 at 8:19pm

Jarethan said: "HogansHero said: "Curious. In your gut, do you think Rudin was a little aggressive in announcing an early April date for start of MM performances? I have to admit that I am, and am already wondering how many people are going to end up having their new MM tickets exchanged for yet another date (or refunded). I assume he is putting a stake in the ground that reflects (a) some optimism) and (b)that works with Jackman's schedule. I tend to be conservative where my health is concerned."

No one knows of course, and Rudin is at the mercy of the governor and the unions so you could call the aspirational, but I don't necessarily think aggressive. I think what Rudin is doing is locking some people in for the time being, and also satisfying some contractual issues people are having on other projects. (He discusses this; I didn't make it  up.) I also suspect this may also be the last Jackman lock-in he can pull off for a good while so this really is aspirational. For all the effort in reticketing etc, it basically doesn't cost him anything, and it gets his shows in the paper again, which is never a bad thing. 

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 6/25/20 at 12:21am

I am curious and fearful that we will see a complete pricing outside of anything a middle class worker could afford. As has been the consistent case even in the last 10 years.

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 6/25/20 at 1:07am

I don’t see Equity allowing this until we know it’s cureable.

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 6/25/20 at 12:29pm

SouthernCakes said: "I don’t see Equity allowing this until we know it’s cureable."

So much of this is going to come down to their members.  At the end of the day, while Equity leadership knows they have a responsibility to keep everyone safe, they also know they have a responsibility to represent their members.  And let's say (again, this is entirely theoretical) that in 6 months, there's no cure, but it's at least somewhat starting to be contained and three-quarters of the union starts declaring that they want to go back to work.  I feel it's likely at that point that Equity leadership would start to give in, whether they should or not.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/25/20 at 12:53pm

It does not work that way. First, public authorities have to declare it safe and on what terms. Then, producers have to decide if the terms make a show viable. Only then the union can have this dialogue with its members. No one knows when any of these things will happen. No one.