Industry Pro Newsletter: A 'Devastating' blow for UK producers, a look back on the year that was, and how Australian Operas and Orchestras are looking to 2021

December 21, 2020 -

Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate the holiday! As we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday calendar, a normally busy time for producing organizations across the world feels very different this year. For some, it means not producing. For others, it means running a digital version of a beloved production or something entirely new. For us at BroadwayWorld, we have a busy week of holiday themed offerings - both live and on demand - at BroadwayWorld Events for you to check out. As we reflect back on the year 2020, there is plenty of loss for us to mourn, but there is also incredible innovation for us to celebrate. In the newsletter this week, we have stories from both ends of the spectrum.

Introducing Stage Door from BroadwayWorld

Book a shoutout from your favorite star of the stage! We are excited to announce the launch of our platform for virtual hellos, birthday wishes, and more with your favorite Broadway stars! With 100% of the listed price going to the artist (or designated charity if they so choose), this is a great way to not only give an unforgettable gift, but to support the artists you love.

Unpacking COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Numbers - Using Theatre for Context

The human mind is a remarkable thing, but conceiving of large numbers and putting them in their proper context can be quite a challenge - so to help place those numbers in context, Fiona Scott put together this handy explainer of the numbers using theatre venue capacities!

Theatres in the UK Dealt a 'Devastating' Blow

Theatres in the UK were up and running once again, following health and safety protocols but nonetheless welcoming audience members into their houses. However, the recent surge in cases moved many municipalities into tier 3, which means just before Christmas, theatres were forced to close once again.

Orchestras and Opera Companies in Australia Focus on the Local for 2021

The pandemic has forced organizations of all shapes and sizes to re-think their operations, in Australia, that has Opera companies and Orchestra's investing deeply in their local talent due to ongoing travel restrictions that have changed the shape of their 2021 season offerings.

Chris Jones' Looks Back on the Year that was in Chicago Theatre

This was a year like any other the world over, and in that way it was a unifying year unlike any other. Chris Jones' look at the year that was in Chicago theatre could have been written about any number of markets across the globe, and as he writes, it was a year "of darkness and frustration, creativity and hope."

Is Storefront theatre ala Chicago the answer in the UK?

While Richard Jordan poses the question specific to the UK, is Chicago the market for other cities to look towards as they look to revive their city centers in the midst of a sure to be slow economic recovery and a retail environment that means having a storefront is less important (and a high cost) for many retail companies?

The Pandemic Forced Innovation - How Many Changes Are Here to Stay?

Michael Barra of Fortune magazine predicts how the forced innovations of 2020 can, will, and perhaps should, transform the industry in 2021 and beyond.

What does a thriving theatre ecosystem need? Reliable Public Transportation

To further underscore the point that theatres and the performing arts are at the center of community life, and don't exist in silos, DC Metro Theater Arts took a look at one of the major problems that will likely face these organizations in the post-virus future: major service problems, cuts, and more coming to public transportation systems in cities across the country.

Julianne Boyd on 2020: 'Nimble and Pivot'

WGBH, Boston's NPR Station, caught up with Barrington Stage Company Artistic Director Julianne Boyd to discuss how BSC navigated 2020. Early in the Industry Pro program, we sat down with her to discuss how they were planning to navigate the year - you can revisit that conversation here to compare and contrast the plan with the reality.

A Hamilton Themed Light Show to Benefit the United Way

Mitch and Shenan Faas of Utah have been creating exciting Christmas light shows at their home for years, and this year, though different in many ways, was no different for them. The Hamilton themed light show caught the eye of Lin-Manuel Miranda, and as it is Christmas week, we wanted to make sure you hadn't missed this awesome light show. Check out the video in the article!

Are You Streaming Content?

The BroadwayWorld Streaming Calendar is the go-to resource for theatre audiences looking for a theatrical experience in their own living room. The best part? Listings are completely free of charge (with paid boosting options available). Add your streaming content today!

Need a digital program for your audiences?

Then check out Stage Mag from BroadwayWorld! This modern, fully interactive show program comes with an easy-to-use interface for building your program. Check it out at stagemag.broadwayworld.com.

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