The Business of Theater, A Working Title

In this episode of 'The Business of Theater,' hosts Darnelle Radford and Mitchell Weiss discuss the current state of theater in 2026, reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, the economics of theater production, and the challenges of maintaining community and connection within the industry. They emphasize the importance of human interaction and the need for a supportive environment for artists, while also addressing the rising costs of theater and the need for a renewed sense of community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Business of Theater

00:56 Reflections on the Golden Globes and Theater's Cross-Over

02:41 The Impact of the Pandemic on Theater

05:01 The Struggle for Audience Engagement

07:49 The Rising Costs of Theater Tickets

10:38 The Reality of Working in Theater

13:29 The Financial Strain on Artists

16:12 The Toll of Performance on Actors

19:00 The Changing Landscape of Auditions

21:39 Community and the Future of Theater

24:44 Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges in Theater

27:04 The Financial Landscape of Theater

33:00 Rebuilding Community Connections

39:04 The Importance of Gathering Spaces

46:24 Preserving Theater Traditions and Community

WORKING TITLE:

We’re Still Here

REJECTED TITLES:

Looks like we made it?

LINKS:

CBS Sunday Morning: Noah Wyle Interview: 

https://youtu.be/cKL-hKPhbqw?si=DepoJSh4cIaP3ZCQ 

Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, & More Win Golden Globe Awards - Full List of Winners:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Jessie-Buckley-Rose-Byrne-More-Win-Golden-Globe-Awards-Full-List-of-Winners-2026011258?utm_source=sniply&utm_campaign=sniply&utm_medium=sniply 

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This podcast is an Em3ry production.

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In this episode, Darnelle Radford and Mitchell Weiss explore the current state of theater, reflecting on the past year while looking forward to the future. They discuss the impact of streaming and television on live performances, the importance of diversity in entertainment, and the role of regional theaters in fostering creativity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of marketing and audience engagement, the need for new voices in theater, and the significance of education in theater etiquette. They celebrate unique productions like the One Man Nutcracker and share their hopes for the theater landscape in 2026.

Chapters

00:00 The Business of Theater: A Year in Review

02:46 Nostalgia and Classic TV: A Year-End Reflection

05:21 The Impact of Politics on Theater

08:07 Diversity in Entertainment: A Double-Edged Sword

10:44 The Role of Nonprofits in Theater

13:14 Emerging Trends in Television and Theater

16:22 The Future of Theater: Challenges and Opportunities

18:53 Funding and Support for New Works

21:33 Audience Engagement: What Draws Us to Theater?

30:49 The Power of Word of Mouth in Theater

32:05 Nostalgia and the Rehashing of Classics

33:34 The Role of Previews and Press in Theater Success

35:15 Marketing Strategies: Budgeting and Hype

36:52 The Impact of Star Power on Ticket Sales

38:29 The Challenges of Filling Seats in Theater

39:12 Cultural Support for the Arts vs. Sports

41:20 The Nature of Theater: Community Engagement and Scarcity

43:23 The Importance of Audience Education and Etiquette

50:41 Creating a Positive Theater Experience for Young Audiences

52:56 Looking Ahead: New Productions and Future Trends

LINKS:

Kennedy Center Honors Draws 35% Fewer Viewers Than Last Year

https://www.theatermania.com/news/kennedy-center-honors-draws-35-fewer-viewers-than-last-year_1816361/ 

Kennedy Center vows to sue musician who canceled performance over Trump name change

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/27/g-s1-103808/kennedy-center-lawsuit-chuck-redd-cancellation-trump 

Kennedy Center Confirms More Than 20 Show Cancellations Or Postponements Since Donald Trump’s Takeover

https://deadline.com/2025/03/trump-kennedy-center-cancellations-1236313914/ 

Broadway League releases audience demographic report for 2024-2025

https://www.broadwaynews.com/broadway-league-releases-audience-demographic-report-for-2024-2025/?utm_source=sniply&utm_campaign=sniply&utm_medium=sniply 

Why ‘Heated Rivalry’ Can’t Compete at the Emmys — and Likely Won’t Be Able to for Season 2, Either

https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/heated-rivalry-emmys-eligibility-season-2-1236619236/ 

STARMITES (Musical)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starmites 

ONE SINGULAR SENSATION:

One-Man Nutcracker (Chris Davis)

Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York

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This conversation explores the challenges faced by theater artists, including financial struggles, the impact of the pandemic, and the importance of equitable wages and housing. The hosts discuss the role of arts organizations in supporting artists and the need for community and support within the theater industry. They also address the challenges of funding and budgeting for theater, emphasizing the importance of growth and sustainability for the future of the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Business of Theater

02:32 Financial Constraints in Theater

05:27 The Hustle: Balancing Theater and Other Work

07:53 Income and Wage Disparities in Theater

10:42 Housing and Living Conditions for Theater Workers

13:33 The Impact of Location on Theater Work

16:22 Funding and Compensation in the Arts

18:52 The Future of Theater: Balancing Art and Economics

21:33 The Importance of Workplace Environment

24:13 Caring for Artists and Staff

26:09 Union Standards and Compensation

28:09 The Role of Small Gestures in Management

29:56 Budgeting and Financial Challenges in Nonprofits

31:37 Growth and Purpose in Theater Organizations

33:08 Compensation and Financial Sustainability

35:57 The Value of Frontline Staff

38:35 Opportunities for Growth and Development

42:29 Navigating Financial Constraints in Theater

LINKS:

“Tom Stoppard, Master Playwright Whose Work Spanned Six Decades, Dies at 88” by Broadway.com’s Beth Stevens - “Stoppard wrote more than 30 plays, building a body of work that blended big ideas with theatricality. His breakthrough Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead was first staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1966. It then moved to the National Theatre and later to Broadway, where the comic riff on two minor characters from Hamlet won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1968. ... His plays soon became fixtures on Broadway. 

His work also earned major acclaim in London where he received three Olivier Awards (for Arcadia, Heroes and Leopoldstadt). The Royal Court, the National Theatre and the West End all staged his plays throughout his career and helped build his reputation across the U.K. He was knighted in 1997 and became one of the most honored dramatists in British theater.” https://bway.ly/qr6roa

“It’s a Homophobic Slur. What’s It Doing in So Much Theater?” by The New York Times’ Erik Piepenburg - “Adam Greenfield, the artistic director of Playwrights Horizons, where “Prince F****t” had its premiere this summer in a Soho Rep co-production, said our relationship to a play starts when we first hear about it. That’s especially true with “Prince F****t.” “Whether it’s distaste or anxiety or intrigue, the title positions you in the play before you know anything about it,” he said.” https://bway.ly/y7sqyo

Heart, Hustle, Survival - Report Sheds Light on Realities of Making a Living and a Life in the Theatre

https://www.tcg.org/Web/News/Press-Releases/new-report-hhs.aspx 

ONE SINGULAR SENSATION:

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In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford explore the captivating elements of storytelling in cinema, particularly focusing on the transformative power of films like 'The Wizard of Oz'. They discuss how characters and narratives engage audiences, turning them into passionate fans and 'nerds' of the story.

Chapters

Introduction and Working Titles - 00:00:00

The Unique Nature of Live Theater - 00:03:00

The Role of Regional Theaters - 00:09:00

Audience Engagement and Financial Dynamics - 00:15:00

Imagination and Cultural Expression in Theater - 00:21:00

Commitment to New Play Development - 00:27:00

The Evolution of Theater with Society - 00:33:00

LINKS:

WHAT DO THE CRITICS THINK OF WICKED FOR GOOD

https://playbill.com/article/what-do-the-critics-think-of-wicked-for-good 

Tom Felton Sends Harry Potter Stage Box Office Flying, and More From Last Week's Broadway Grosses

https://playbill.com/article/tom-felton-sends-harry-potter-stage-box-office-flying-and-more-from-last-weeks-broadway-grosses 

C-R-I-T-I-C-S! Reviews Are Out for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Revival

https://playbill.com/article/c-r-i-t-i-c-s-reviews-are-out-for-the-off-broadway-spelling-bee-revival 

Here Are the Lyrics to the New Songs in Wicked: For Good

https://playbill.com/article/here-are-the-lyrics-to-the-new-songs-in-wicked-for-good 

All the Changes Wicked: For Good Made to Act 2 of Wicked

https://playbill.com/article/all-the-changes-wicked-for-good-made-to-act-2-of-wicked 

ONE SINGULAR SENSATION:

Darnelle Radford - New Executive Director of Theatre Philadelphia

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/theatre-news/theatre-philadelphia-names-darnelle-radford-as-new-executive-director 

Mitch Weiss - 10 years of The Business of Broadway

https://www.amazon.com/Business-Broadway-Insider%C2%92s-Producing-Investing/dp/1621535568 

CHESS - THE MUSICAL

https://chessbroadway.com/ 

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The conversation delves into the challenges faced by creative artists in the industry, particularly focusing on the competitive nature of festivals and the lack of support for artists trying to develop their work. It highlights the need for better systems to help artists promote their concepts and scripts effectively.

LINKS:

A Broadway Tradition is Fluttering Into History - NYTimes (10/28/2025)

Broadway plans to replace the cast-change slips that are stuffed into Playbills with QR codes. Some understudies and theater buffs will mourn their loss.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/theater/broadway-cast-change-slips-playbill.html 

BATBOY - NY City Center

https://www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2025-2026/bat-boy-the-musical/ 

ART New York - Alliance of Resident Theatres

https://www.art-newyork.org/ 

Just Me - Perri Gaffney

https://www.perritales.com/index-3.html 

ONE SINGULAR SENSATION:

MITCH: CHESS - Broadway

https://chessbroadway.com/ 

DARNELLE: BLUE MOON

https://www.sonyclassics.com/film/bluemoon/ 

NOTES:

__

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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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In this engaging conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the intricate world of theater, touching on the recent Oscars, the impact of Broadway shows like Wicked, and the challenges faced by the industry in terms of pricing, audience engagement, and the evolution of live performances in the age of streaming. They discuss the disconnect between award shows and the general public, the rising costs of theater productions, and the prevalence of adaptations in musical theater, all while emphasizing the unique experience that live performances offer. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the evolution of musical theater, the challenges of adaptations, and the unexpected hurdles faced in theater production. They explore the importance of understudies, the changing role of directors, and the courage required to take risks in theater. The discussion also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the theater landscape and the ongoing issues of accessibility and inclusivity within the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Business of Theater

03:03 Oscars and Broadway Performances

06:03 The Impact of Wicked on Broadway

09:00 The Disconnect Between Award Shows and Audience Engagement

11:46 Theater Pricing and Accessibility Issues

14:48 The Challenges of Production Costs

18:01 The Evolution of Theater and Audience Expectations

20:55 The Future of Live Theater vs. Streaming Platforms

23:58 Adaptations in Musical Theater

26:33 Evolution of Musical Theater

27:54 Adaptations and Their Interpretations

30:45 Unexpected Challenges in Theater Production

36:17 The Role of Understudies in Theater

40:31 The Changing Role of Directors

45:09 The Courage to Take Risks in Theater

49:40 Navigating Post-COVID Theater Landscape

54:22 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Theater

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This podcast is an Em3ry production.

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In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the challenges facing the theater industry, particularly in light of funding cuts and the impact of government policies on the arts. They explore the cultural landscape of Buenos Aires, the importance of arts in society, and the ongoing protests against political decisions affecting theater. The discussion highlights the need for community support and the role of artists in advocating for their craft. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the complexities of the theater industry, focusing on the challenges of funding, the importance of resilience, and the need for trust within the arts community. They explore the balance between commercial and nonprofit theater, the impact of funding cuts, and the necessity of taking risks in artistic production. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of accessibility in the arts and the lessons learned from failures, ultimately advocating for a more supportive environment for artists.

Chapters

00:00 The Business of Theater: An Introduction

01:23 Art in Crisis: The Impact of Funding Cuts

03:55 Cultural Experiences: Theater in Buenos Aires

08:57 The Role of Arts in Society

12:40 Government Support for the Arts

17:02 Protests and the Future of Theater

22:01 The Intersection of Politics and Art

23:38 The Broken System and Outrage

25:20 Discerning Trust in the Arts

27:46 Resilience in Theater and Unionization

29:35 Frustrations with Arts Organizations

31:02 Funding Cuts and Community Impact

32:43 The Balance of Commercial and Nonprofit Theater

34:56 Accessibility in the Arts

36:52 The Importance of Risk in Theater

39:20 The Role of Nonprofit Organizations

42:37 Learning from Failure in the Arts

45:30 The Challenges of Nonprofit Funding

48:41 Finding New Paths in Art Production

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In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the current state of theater funding, the impact of the Grammy Awards, the challenges faced by artists, the importance of communication in the arts, and the stressful moments that arise in theater production. They also explore the resilience of theater artists, the role of general managers, and the chaos that can ensue during productions. The conversation highlights the complexities of the theater industry and the need for effective communication and decision-making. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle explore the multifaceted challenges of theater production, from attracting audiences to the impact of streaming services and the importance of star power. They discuss the evolution of marketing strategies, the chaos of production, and the future of funding in the arts. The conversation highlights the stress and complexities faced by theater professionals while also celebrating the joy and excitement of successful productions.

Chapters

00:00 The State of Theater Funding

03:03 The Impact of the Grammy Awards

05:58 Challenges Faced by Artists

09:12 Communication in the Arts

11:56 Stressful Moments in Theater

14:48 Unexpected Challenges and Resilience

17:59 The Role of General Managers

20:59 The Ghosts of Theater

24:02 The Chaos of Production

26:58 The Importance of Communication and Decision-Making

30:28 The Challenge of Attracting Audiences

33:55 The Evolution of Theater Marketing

37:44 Navigating the Chaos of Production

39:54 The Impact of Streaming on Theater

44:50 The Role of Star Power in Theater

50:31 The Future of Theater Funding

55:47 The Business of Theater Today

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