Broadway in Seattle Generated $42.6M Economic Impact, New Data Shows

Seattle Theatre Group (STG), in partnership with the Broadway League, has released economic impact data for the 2023-24 Touring Broadway season.

In Seattle, the Touring Broadway shows that were part of STG's Broadway at The Paramount season contributed approximately $42.6 million in economic spending, with $18.1 million of that amount reflecting spending by audience members on local dining, transportation, shopping, and lodging tied to their theatre experience. 

According to the Broadway League's report, the Economic Impact of Touring Broadway 2023–2024, Touring Broadway drove $5.7 billion in economic impact across the US in the 2023-24 season. It continues to generate substantial direct spending from producers, presenters, and venues, while also drawing audiences into downtown areas where they support local businesses. In Seattle, the continued revitalization of the downtown neighborhood benefits from STG's Broadway seasons, contributing to the flourishing vibrancy of the area and its economy. 

“We love seeing members of our community spend time downtown and at The Paramount Theatre,” said Josh LaBelle, Executive Director of Seattle Theatre Group. “Broadway's value is tenfold—it's not only entertaining and inspirational, but a continued catalyst for economic growth and community connection. I'm proud that STG continues to be an essential part of Seattle's economy and that we do so while creating memorable arts experiences for all who walk through our theatre doors.”  

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, STG was proud to welcome over 1 million attendees to events across its historic venues. The Paramount Theatre hosted nearly 579,000 of those audience members, with over a third of that number being attendees of Touring Broadway productions. 

STG continues to report strong attendance numbers for Broadway at The Paramount seasons. In the current 25-26 season, the recent two-week engagement of Les Misérables had at-capacity houses for all 16 performances, and the upcoming two-week engagement of The Phantom of the Opera in May is nearly sold out. As operator of the historic 5th Avenue Theatre, STG has expanded its Touring Broadway offerings in Seattle. Each year, one to two Broadway engagements are co-presented in partnership with The 5th Avenue Theatre Company, the producing nonprofit musical theatre company that has been primary tenant in the building since the 1980s.