Industry Pro Newsletter: The Arts Economic Impact in the US, London Ticket Sales Beginning to Stabilize
Catch up on this weekend’s big winners at the Oliviers, and see what previous Olivier winners are currently playing Broadway.
By: Alex Freeman Apr. 07, 2025
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.
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Managing Director - The Laguna Playhouse
The Managing Director of Laguna Playhouse will serve as the organization's strategic, financial, and operational leader, co-leading with the Artistic Director to fulfill The Playhouse’s artistic vision and mission. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director will oversee all operational and administrative functions, including fundraising, marketing, human resources, community engagement, technology, and financial sustainability. The Managing Director and the Artistic Director will collaborate on season planning and the development of budgets and educational initiatives.
Industry Trends
Arts and Cultural Activity Contributed $1.17 Trillion to the United States Economy in 2023
The U.S. arts and culture sector contributed $1.17 trillion to the economy in 2023, representing 4.4% of the GDP. This data, released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Endowment for the Arts, highlights the sector's significant financial impact. The data shows growth in several sectors, and a strong return to pre-pandemic numbers.
David Henry Hwang To Receive Dramatist Guild Lifetime Achievement Award
David Henry Hwang will receive the Dramatists Guild's Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his significant contributions to American theater. The ceremony will be at the Dramatists Guild Awards.
Broadway/New York
From London to NYC: See These Olivier Award Winners on Broadway This Season
This article highlights several productions that won Olivier Awards in London and are now playing on Broadway. These shows have garnered critical acclaim in the West End and are now bringing their award-winning performances to New York audiences.
No More Midnight Sign-Ups: Equity Ends Unofficial Lists at Auditions
Actors' Equity Association has announced the end of unofficial sign-up lists at auditions, eliminating the practice of overnight and early-morning queuing. This decision aims to create a more equitable and organized audition process for performers. Equity will implement new procedures to manage audition sign-ups. This change seeks to reduce the stress and logistical challenges associated with auditioning.
Regional
Dallas Children's Theater Appoints Emily Ernst as Artistic Director
Emily Ernst has been appointed Artistic Director of Dallas Children's Theater, bringing theater education and performance expertise to the role. She will oversee the theater’s artistic vision and programming, and will focus on expanding educational outreach.
Jonathan Berry Will Step Down as Artistic Director of Penobscot Theatre Company
Jonathan Berry will step down as Artistic Director of Penobscot Theatre Company at the season’s end; the theater will begin a search for a replacement. Berry has led the company through several seasons, and helped to expand the theater's reach. The theater has stated that they will be looking for a candidate that will continue to build on the existing success of the company.
American Theatre: Speakeasy Stage Appoints Dawn M. Simmons as Artistic Director
Dawn M. Simmons is the new Artistic Director of Speakeasy Stage. Simmons brings a wealth of experience to the role, and has a strong history with the company. She will guide the theater’s artistic direction, and help to further the companies commitment to diverse works.
International
Olivier Awards 2025 - Full List of Winners
It was the West End’s biggest night over the weekend - catch up on all the winners from this year’s Olivier Awards!
The Ontario government is investing $35 million to rebuild the Shaw Festival's Royal George Theatre, modernizing the venue and improving accessibility. The rebuild will enhance the audience experience, and ensure the venue remains a key part of the festival.
The Stage: West End audiences plateau, SOLT report
West End theater audiences have plateaued, according to a Society of London Theatre (SOLT) report. Audience numbers have stabilized, indicating a pause in post-pandemic growth. The report provides detailed attendance and revenue figures for major West End productions. The report indicates that while numbers are stable, there is still work to be done to increase audience numbers.
Missed our last few newsletters?
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.
March 24, 2025 - Unions Questioned at Kennedy Center, UK Artists Fight Against AI Use
From the financial strains detailed in TCG’s "Theatre Facts 2023" report to leadership transitions at major institutions like Lincoln Center Theater and Theatre Horizon, the industry grapples with economic realities while seeking innovative paths forward. Simultaneously, the sector confronts evolving issues such as the impact of AI on creative rights in the UK and debates over labor costs in the US.
This week, BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster announced a new partnership, and we’re taking a realistic look at the arts' ongoing recovery from the pandemic. Plus, we've got updates on Broadway's new "In Memoriam" and some positive labor news. Regionally, we're covering the happenings at the Kennedy Center, theaters tackling financial hurdles, and leadership changes. On the international front, we're highlighting the incredible resilience of Ukrainian artists and a potential game-changer for England's cultural funding.
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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