Broadway with Social Distancing = 27% Capacity

[macbeth]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 6:48am

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/broadways-closure-exposes-its-sway-on-the-economic-ecosystem

I haven't seen this one posted yet and know there's other threads on the topic but there's some newer info here from Charlotte St. Martin and others who say that they studied opening with social distancing and why they say it won't work. 

[MCW1227]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 7:36am

I agree that 27% capacity won’t work financially.  I’m curious to know if any of the theater owners who undoubtedly received federal money have invested that money into updated ventilation systems and other safety protocols that would allow for a higher capacity?  If some have then maybe a smaller production with big name stars could be the first one back even if it isn’t initially profitable.  It’s like the first person back in the ocean after a shark sighting. It’s even worth multiple producers who have made a ton of $ in the past to make this investment to kick start the return of theater.  As Gov Cuomo said recently, it has to be brought back, it’s not coming back on its own.  

[HogansHero]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 9:21am

MCW1227 said: "I agree that 27% capacity won’t work financially. I’m curious to know if any of the theater owners who undoubtedly received federal money have invested that money into updated ventilation systems and other safetyprotocols that would allow for a higher capacity? If some have then maybe a smaller production with big name stars could be the first one back even if it isn’t initially profitable. It’s like the first person back in the ocean after a shark sighting.It’s even worth multiple producers who have made a ton of $ in the past to make this investment to kick start the return of theater. As Gov Cuomo said recently, it has to be brought back, it’s not coming back on its own."

As has been rehearsed over and over, there is no combination of factors that makes Broadway theatres safe enough AND economically viable enough. This has been the case since the beginning and will be the case until those theatres can open in the normal fashion. When they do reopen it will be without social distancing. For many Broadway theatres, fixing the ventilation is not possible; these are not old airplanes. And of course there is the other rehearsed problem, that scaring up an audience is going to be a tough undertaking for many.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 9:30am

Ironically, it’s not impossible to imagine a lot of shows being at 27% anyways once they do reopen, due to people not wanting to be in a space like that.

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 9:31am

The article should just say...

$$$$$$$$

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 9:52am

A puzzlement indeed. 27% is ridiculous. Bottom line is if there is any social distancing there is no Broadway. Another problem is how do you keep social distancing during intermission .Better still is how do you keep people 6 feet apart waiting on line for the bathrooms and once inside even worse. This is an unsolvable problem

[Wick3]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 10:14am

Jordan Catalano said: "Ironically, it’s not impossible to imagine a lot of shows being at 27% anyways once they do reopen, due to people not wanting to be in a space like that."

Even before the pandemic there were a few shows that had 30% seating capacity (yes of course they eventually closed.)

I wonder if Delacorte Theater will reopen this summer. It's open-air (not indoors) and tickets in the past were free so they can always have the theater be filled at 27% capacity and not 'lose' money. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 11:25am

@Roxy, you are wasting time working out the details of a non-starter. There will be no Broadway with social distancing. Late fall. 

@Wick I do not think there will be a "season" at the Delacorte because it would have already required arrangements but there could be events. Also note that the same social distancing rules would not apply outdoors as indoors (even if we assumed for sake of argument that St. Martin had any clue what she was babbling about, which she does not). 

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 2:46pm

This was already posted as its own thread a few days ago.

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1124505

 

With this new announcement from the Governor about pop-ups. He also said he would see a show with up to 150 people. Why not start with off-Broadway venues? The main focus seems to be Broadway. Off-Broadway tends to follow Broadway's lead but maybe in this situation, Off-Broadway could be the leader in getting people back into theaters. Just my thoughts.

 

 

[BizBuzz]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 6:45pm

27% doesn’t work for current in situ shows. However, if this is what it will be for a year or two then some act, show or producer will make something work..! 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 2/9/21 at 7:36pm

BizBuzz said: "27% doesn’t work for current in situ shows. However, if this is what it will be for a year or two then some act, show or producer will make something work..!"

It will not be a year or two, it will be 8-9 months. Someone may do something sooner but it will not be on  Broadway. Patience. It's a virtue I hear.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 2/11/21 at 5:23pm

I can wait patiently. Unless there are enormous federal subsidies (which hopefully happen) theatres can't reopen with those small percentages. 

The audiences in Broadway houses are treated like cattle. There is not an ounce of free space and someone is always up your a@# or breathing on you/touching you. 

Broadway houses are in the absolute worst position. Even employees can't be spaced out in the box office, bars, and merch areas. 

[SeanD2]

Posted: 2/11/21 at 5:32pm

Awesome! This is perfect for a return engagement of Ruben & Clay!