The Business of Theater, A Working Title – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the multifaceted nature of the theater industry, focusing on the financial aspects, the challenges of accessibility, and the importance of creativity and entrepreneurship. They explore the changing landscape of Broadway, the struggles of theater management, and the journey of actors navigating their careers. The discussion emphasizes the value of experience, mentorship, and the need for a proactive approach in the theater world. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the complexities of the theater industry, focusing on the value of internships, the financial landscape of Broadway, and the challenges of ticket pricing. They discuss the impact of nonprofit versus for-profit theater, the importance of community engagement, and the need for a balance between artistic integrity and financial sustainability. The conversation highlights the evolving expectations of audiences and the necessity for theaters to adapt to changing economic conditions while maintaining accessibility.

Chapters

00:00 The Business of Theater: Money Matters

03:12 The Changing Landscape of Broadway

05:46 The Importance of Accessibility in Theater

08:50 Navigating the Challenges of Theater Management

12:05 The Role of Creativity in Theater

15:11 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Theater

18:00 The Journey of Actors and Their Challenges

20:58 The Value of Experience and Mentorship

24:07 The Future of Theater and Its Opportunities

34:26 The Value of Internships in Theater

36:23 The Financial Landscape of Broadway

38:55 The Impact of Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Theater

41:12 The Challenge of Ticket Pricing

44:53 The Role of Community in Theater

51:12 Audience Engagement and Expectations

58:32 The Future of Theater Pricing and Accessibility

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the challenges facing the theater industry, particularly in attracting audiences post-pandemic. They explore the importance of community engagement, the impact of Broadway on regional theaters, and the need for theaters to establish their unique identities. The discussion also touches on the effectiveness of membership and subscription models in fostering audience loyalty and the necessity of creating enriching experiences for theatergoers. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle explore the challenges faced by theater companies in engaging audiences, the importance of community connections, and the balance between work and passion in the theater industry. They discuss the changing landscape of employment in theater, the financial dynamics of Broadway, and the need for community support to ensure the future of the arts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Business of Theater

02:02 The Challenge of Attracting Audiences

06:05 Post-Pandemic Theater Landscape

10:00 Community Engagement and Theater Identity

13:57 The Impact of Broadway on Regional Theater

18:01 Creating a Unique Theater Experience

21:54 Engaging New Audiences

26:09 Membership vs. Subscription Models

30:05 The Future of Theater Audiences

36:52 The Challenge of Audience Engagement

39:11 Creating Community Connections

41:38 Balancing Work and Passion in Theater

46:29 The Changing Landscape of Theater Employment

52:53 The Financial Dynamics of Broadway

01:05:57 The Future of Theater and Community Support

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LINKS:

THE FARM - https://wegrowtheater.com

Donna McKechnie - https://www.donnamckechnie.com/

How To be A Working Actor - https://www.amazon.com/How-Working-Actor-5th-Television/dp/0823088952

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WORKING TITLE:

Ready for my close up!

What the hell is going on?

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In this episode, Darnelle Radford and Mitch engage with author Alan Harrison to discuss the evolving responsibilities of nonprofit arts organizations. They explore the impact of these organizations on communities, the implications of 501(c)(3) status, and the often-overlooked realities of fundraising and supporting artists. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in focus from merely producing art to creating meaningful community impact. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of support for artists, emphasizing the inadequacies of traditional nonprofit structures and the need for community-centric approaches. They explore the potential of commercial ventures in the arts as a viable alternative to nonprofit models, advocating for a shift in focus towards community needs and sustainable practices.

ABOUT SCENE CHANGE 2

Release Date: January 1, 2025

In SCENE CHANGE 2, we offer specific board responsibilities in order to create the space for the kind of charity for which communities are clamoring. This is a targeted list of the ways in which today's nonprofit arts organizations (theaters, symphonies, ballets, museums, operas, and all the rest) will have to significantly change their whole structure and the prism in which they do work. Companies that make these changes will be giving themselves the best chance to succeed in 2024 and beyond. Those that don't, won't.

LINKS:

What’s Next, Fair Harvard? The Alois Hitler Theaterzentrum? (09/10/2024)

https://www.artsjournal.com/scenechange/2024/09/10/whats-next-fair-harvard-the-alois-hitler-theaterzentrum/

Continuing relationships with toxic donors.

Tha Sacklers

Nonprofit Arts Organizations: What’s a “Community?” (09/17/2024)

https://www.artsjournal.com/scenechange/2024/09/17/nonprofit-arts-organizations-whats-a-community/

The definition of Community

What nonprofits miss about Community

Nonprofit Arts Organizations Don’t Support Artists; They Employ Them (09/24/2024)

https://www.artsjournal.com/scenechange/2024/09/24/nonprofit-arts-organizations-dont-support-artists-they-employ-them/

Nonprofits do not support artists, they employ them.

How Does Your Nonprofit Arts Organization Use History to Tangibly Make Things Better? (10/01/2024)

https://www.artsjournal.com/scenechange/2024/10/01/how-does-your-nonprofit-arts-organization-use-history-to-tangibly-make-things-better/

Historical perspective seem to fall into four categories, in descending order of reliable empirical data: experienced history, consumed history, learned history, and third-person history.

Is Pay-What-You-Can a Real Community Issue for Arts Organizations to Solve? (10/08/2024)

https://www.artsjournal.com/scenechange/2024/10/08/is-pay-what-you-can-a-real-community-issue-for-arts-organizations-to-solve/

What about companies whose model is PWYC? Not just one-offs

SIDEQUEST THEATER

https://sidequesttheater.com/

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALAN HARRISON AND SCENE CHANGE:

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On today’s podcast, we return from summer break to catch on the changes in the business and the lives lost over the summer.

BROADWAY FLEA MARKET

FOR GOOD: Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction raised a record-breaking $1,421,675 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

LOTTERIES (Eating TKTS’ lunch)

Any updated theater books?

OFF-BROADWAY is Booming - https://www.fox5ny.com/news/off-broadway-week-is-back-heres-what-shows-participating  

THE FARM - We Grow Theater - https://www.wegrowtheater.com/  

SUMMER STOCK - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_stock_theater 

Supreme Court - Ownership of Artistic 

Carol Burnett - https://playbill.com/article/what-happened-when-carol-burnett-fell-asleep-onstage-in-once-upon-a-mattress 

ALL THINGS WE EVER DID ARE LEFT BEHIND

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Gavin Creel - https://playbill.com/article/tony-winning-actor-gavin-creel-passes-away-at-48 

“Gavin Creel, Beloved Tony-Winning Star of Hello, Dolly!, Thoroughly Modern Millie and More, Dies at 48” by Broadway.com’s Hayley Levitt - “Tony Award winner Gavin Creel, who launched his celebrated Broadway career as Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie and whose stage credits include She Loves Me, Hello, Dolly! and Into the Woods, died at home in Manhattan on September 30. His death was confirmed by his partner, Alex Temple Ward. He had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma in July, receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering before moving to hospice care at home. He was 48.” https://bway.ly/4husdd

INTO THE WOODS, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, SHE LOVES ME

Ken Page - https://playbill.com/article/beloved-baritone-ken-page-dies-at-70 

CATS, THE WIZ, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Adrian Bailey - https://playbill.com/person/adrian-bailey-vault-0000031982  

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Maggie Smith - https://playbill.com/person/maggie-smith-vault-0000066955 

LETTICE AND LOVAGE

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WORKING TITLE: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

In this conversation, Darnelle and Mitch discuss the 15th annual Jimmy Awards, a high school level Tony Awards. They also talk about the reinterpretation of musicals, such as Cats and Company, and the value of learning the history of musical theater. 

They explore the idea of infusing different styles, like ballroom culture, into musicals and the importance of advancing the art form. They also touch on the challenges of updating classic musicals and the impact of gentrification on storytelling. 

The conversation covers various topics related to the arts, including the impact of remakes and new versions of movies, the significance of costume design in films, the erasure of certain actors in marketing campaigns, the challenges faced by artists in the theater industry, the importance of arts education, and the power of storytelling in theater. 

The hosts also discuss the closure of a college in Philadelphia and the implications for arts and culture in the city. They touch on the role of politics in funding for the arts and the need for a well-rounded education that includes the arts. The conversation concludes with a mention of the upcoming production of Disney's Hercules on the West End and the historical trend of shows starting in London before coming to Broadway.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Naming

03:32 The Talent and Level of Performance at the Jimmy Awards

07:44 Reinterpreting Musicals: Bringing New Life to Familiar Stories

13:03 Infusing Ballroom Culture into Musicals

16:11 Challenges of Updating Classic Musicals

24:18 The Impact of Remakes and New Versions of Movies

26:09 Challenges in the Theater Industry

29:17 The Importance of Arts Education

32:28 The Closure of a College and its Implications

35:09 The Role of Politics in Arts Funding

37:25 The Need for a Well-Rounded Education

46:37 The West End as a Tryout Venue for Broadway Shows

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The hosts discuss the recent Tony Awards and the challenges faced by the theater industry. They highlight the importance of supporting artists and the need for infrastructure to sustain their careers. They also explore the idea of universal theater that can resonate with diverse audiences. The conversation touches on the financial struggles of artists and the need for funding and mentorship. They discuss the impact of social media and the Tony Awards on ticket sales and the perception of theater. The hosts propose ideas for supporting emerging talent and creating a more sustainable theater industry. The conversation explores the importance of connecting with potential theater supporters through their creative interests and finding ways to be inviting without constantly asking for money. They discuss the need for transparency in the theater industry and the value of sharing behind-the-scenes information with audiences. They also touch on the high costs of producing theater and the challenges of fundraising. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the need for theaters to rethink their foundation and structure in order to move forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Naming the Podcast

03:13 The Importance of Supporting Artists

08:08 Financial Struggles and the Need for Funding

14:49 Universal Theater and Resonating with Audiences

28:46 Funding and Mentorship for Emerging Talent

34:04 Creating a Sustainable Theater Industry

38:28 Connecting with Supporters Through Creative Interests

40:45 Inviting Without Constantly Asking for Money

45:05 The Importance of Transparency in Theater

48:36 Sharing Behind-the-Scenes Information with Audiences

51:23 The High Costs of Producing Theater

56:51 Rethinking Theater Foundation and Structure

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The conversation discusses the financial challenges and communication issues faced by arts organizations, particularly in the theater industry. It highlights the impact of funding delays, lack of transparency, and the struggle to sustain operations. The conversation also delves into the need for better financial planning, realistic budgeting, and improved communication with donors and supporters. 

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the challenges and opportunities in the theater industry, including financial planning, grant funding, infrastructure, diversity, and the impact of the pandemic. It also delves into the role of nonprofit organizations, the need for support, and the changing landscape of theater production.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Arts Industry and Financial Challenges

03:02 Impact of Funding Delays and Lack of Transparency

07:59 Prioritizing Financial Stability and Effective Communication

15:27 Sustainability and Advanced Financial Planning

36:04 Challenges of Infrastructure and Business Management in Theater

45:42 Diversity and Inclusivity in Storytelling and Audience Engagement

48:48 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Theater Industry

57:28 The Role of Nonprofit Organizations in the Changing Theater Landscape

The conversation revolves around the challenges and complexities of fundraising galas in the theater industry. The hosts discuss the high costs of attending galas and the aggressive marketing campaigns used to solicit donations. They also explore the elitism and exclusivity associated with these events, as well as the struggle for nonprofits to balance financial goals with artistic integrity. The conversation touches on the impact of the pandemic on theater funding and the need for subsidies and support from the government and successful theater companies. The hosts also discuss the importance of creating sustainable models for theater funding and the role of grassroots campaigns and community involvement. 

The conversation explores the challenges faced by the theater industry, including funding, tax credits, and the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It highlights the lack of financial support for theaters, the lengthy process of receiving tax credits, and the limitations of grant programs. The conversation also delves into the need for new leadership in nonprofit theaters and the importance of addressing DEI issues. The hosts share their thoughts on recent theater productions and discuss the impact of the pandemic on the industry.

LINKS:

The Lucille Lortel Awards

https://lortelaward.com/2024-nominees/

68th Annual Drama Desk Awards

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2024-Drama-Desk-Awards-Nominations--The-Full-List-20240429

Outer Critics Circle Awards

https://playbill.com/article/dead-outlaw-leads-2024-outer-critics-circle-award-nominations-read-the-full-list

2024 Tony Awards (June 16th on CBS)

https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/

Forbidden Broadway on Broadway

(Postpones Run)

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/26/theater/forbidden-broadway.html

Theatre Exile on Tick Tock

https://www.tiktok.com/@theatreexile

Disney Bets $60B Its Parks Will Power the Future

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-josh-damaro-theme-parks-investment-1235879041/

BEST MUSICAL NOMINEES

https://outsidersmusical.com/

https://www.hellskitchen.com/

https://www.waterforelephantsthemusical.com/

https://notebookmusical.com/

https://suffsmusical.com/

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This podcast is an Em3ry production.

Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.