Industry Pro Newsletter: A Look at Further Proposed Cuts at the National Level, The Leadership Carousel Continues Turning in NYC and Beyond
Plus, Naples Players offers first of its kind accessibility to families and audiences, and funding concerns in the UK leads to lower output of new shows.
By: Alex Freeman Apr. 21, 2025
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
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Employment Opportunity
Director of Marketing & Sales- Texas Performing Arts
The Director of Marketing & Sales leads TPA’s marketing, ticketing, and communications functions. As a senior member of the organization’s leadership team, the director plays a key role in advancing TPA’s mission to connect people through live performance and fulfill its goal to be the country’s highest impact university-affiliated arts organization. The position’s key areas of responsibility are meeting TPA’s ticket sales goals, creating a best-in-class purchasing experience for patrons, gaining insights and developing effective strategies from the organization’s data, maintaining TPA’s brand identity, and communicating TPA’s stories in compelling ways to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
Industry Trends
Trump Admin. Seeks to Cut $1.1 Billion in Funding for NPR, PBS, and Local Public Media
The Trump administration is attempting to rescind $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS. This action is part of a larger effort to reduce public media funding. The administration's plan involves asking Congress to claw back already appropriated funds. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting plays a vital role in funding local public media stations across the United States.
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Unions have expressed strong opposition to the Trump Administration's actions that are dismantling the National Endowment for the Humanities. These unions decry the actions that are being taken to the NEH. The unions state that the NEH is the only entity that exists to make humanities accessible to all Americans. The actions that are being taken, will cause economic harm, and undermine congressional intent.
Broadway/New York
Queens Theatre Appoints Shaun Neblett As Its Director Of Programming
Queens Theatre has named Shaun Neblett, a theatre artist and cultural leader, as its first Director of Programming. Neblett brings over 25 years of experience in theatre and arts education to the role. He will be responsible for developing and implementing programming across all stages and community platforms. Neblett aims to curate programs that highlight the cultural richness of Queens and create transformative experiences for audiences.
Photos: Inside West Bank Cafe Laurie Beechman Theatre's Star-Studded Gala Reopening
The Laurie Beechman Theatre has celebrated its grand reopening with a star-studded gala event. The event, held at the West Bank Cafe, featured performances by notable Broadway talents. The gala served as a fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The reopening showcased the venue's renovations.
NYCRUNS Spring Fling 5K/10K Participants Raise $59,874 for Broadway Cares
The NYCRUNS Spring Fling 5K and 10K events successfully raised $59,874 for Broadway Cares. Over 2,000 participants gathered on Governors Island in New York City for the fundraising races. The event brought together members of the Broadway community to support those in need. The event was held over two days, with the 10k being on one day, and the 5k being on the next.
Regional
WGCU: The Naples Players Makes Theater Accessible to All
The Naples Players are working diligently to make theater accessible to everyone. The organization is making efforts to make theater accessible to neurodivergent audiences and performers. They have created relaxed performances of all of their mainstage shows. The Naples players have also opened a sensory viewing booth
American Theatre: Kansas City Rep Names Jeremy Dewey Executive Director
Kansas City Repertory Theatre has announced Jeremy Dewey as its new executive director. Dewey will assume his role on June 1st. He succeeds Angela Gieras, who departed in 2024. Dewey brings extensive experience from the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
International
UK Theatre Faces Shrinking Output Amid Rising Costs and Funding Cuts
UK theatre is experiencing a decline in production output due to rising costs and funding cuts. Research indicates a significant drop in new shows staged by top subsidized theatres. The decline is attributed to increased production expenses and reduced public funding. Many in the theatre industry express concerns about the sector's sustainability.
Man Arrested After Theft from Festival Theatre; Stolen Costume Still Missing
A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the theft of a costume from the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh. The stolen item is a faux fur cloak worn by the White Witch in "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." The costume remains missing, and producers have made an appeal for its return. Police Scotland confirmed the arrest following the incident.
Missed our last few newsletters?
April 14, 2025 - Pasadena Playhouse's Comeback & The National Theatre Tries to Meet the Moment With More Backstage Training
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.
April 7, 2025 - The Arts Economic Impact in the US, London Ticket Sales Beginning to Stabilize
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.
March 31, 2025 - Rudin Sets Sights on Return to Broadway; UK Takes Aim at the Resale Market
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.
BroadwayWorld Resources
BroadwayWorld Stage Mag - A Fully Interactive Show Program
The digital solution to your show program needs - want to see what's possible? Check out the Stage Mag's for A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and for The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)! Then start building your own at stagemag.broadwayworld.com.
Add Your Show to our Regional Events Calendar
As audiences get set to return to in-person performances, and as your company works to market your own return to the stage, make sure you've got your upcoming shows in our regional events calendars. Listings are free of charge, with boosting options available. Get your show listed now
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