In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the current state of theater, focusing on financial challenges, donor appeals, ticket pricing, and the dynamics of nonprofit theaters. They explore the impact of rising ticket prices on audience engagement and the necessity for community building within the theater space. The discussion also highlights the importance of effective marketing and scheduling to enhance audience attendance and support for theater productions. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle discuss the impact of the pandemic on theater communities, the importance of storytelling, and the need for nonprofits to engage younger generations. They explore the financial challenges faced by theaters, the significance of audience engagement, and the anticipation surrounding upcoming productions like Wicked. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovation and relevance in theater to attract and retain audiences.

Chapters

00:00 Theater's Financial Landscape and Donor Appeals

09:57 Ticket Pricing Trends and Audience Perception

19:57 Nonprofit Theater Challenges and Community Engagement

30:00 The Importance of Marketing and Scheduling in Theater

36:40 Community Resilience Post-Pandemic

39:09 Theater's Financial Landscape and Audience Engagement

42:09 The Importance of Storytelling in Theater

46:01 Engaging Younger Generations in Theater

51:00 The Future of Nonprofit Theater

56:51 Anticipation for Upcoming Productions

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This podcast is an Em3ry production.

Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Email us at [email protected] Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.Chapters

00:00 Theater's Financial Landscape and Donor Appeals

09:57 Ticket Pricing Trends and Audience Perception

19:57 Nonprofit Theater Challenges and Community Engagement

30:00 The Importance of Marketing and Scheduling in Theater

36:40 Community Resilience Post-Pandemic

39:09 Theater's Financial Landscape and Audience Engagement

42:09 The Importance of Storytelling in Theater

46:01 Engaging Younger Generations in Theater

51:00 The Future of Nonprofit Theater

56:51 Anticipation for Upcoming Productions

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend, colleague or give us some social media love.

This podcast is an Em3ry production.

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Takeaways

Finding purpose in theater is essential.

Avenue Q and Wicked represent different eras in theater.

Tony Awards can significantly impact a show's success.

Word of mouth remains the most effective marketing tool.

Celebrity involvement does not guarantee ticket sales.

Social media's role in ticket sales is limited.

Audience engagement is crucial for theater success.

Theater companies must adapt to changing audience preferences.

Reviews should inform rather than overshadow the audience's experience.

Effective advertising strategies are vital for theater productions. The ticketing experience is evolving, with many opting for direct purchases.

Local theaters provide a personal touch that enhances the audience experience.

The rise of ticketing agencies has changed the pricing landscape.

Broadway productions are facing increasing financial pressures.

Competition among theaters can hinder collaboration and community growth.

Artistic vision is crucial for successful theater productions.

Accessibility and audience engagement are ongoing challenges.

Play development requires audience feedback to succeed.

Innovative models for theater development can enhance community engagement.

The demand for new and extraordinary works is growing among audiences.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Purpose in Theater

06:01 The Impact of Tony Awards on Broadway Shows

11:53 The Role of Reviews and Influencers

18:09 Navigating Ticket Sales and Audience Engagement

24:43 The Importance of Local Theater and Personal Touch

30:23 Competition and Collaboration in the Theater Community

36:24 The Debate on Accessibility and Audience Engagement

45:34 Innovative Models for Theater Development

In this episode of 'The Business of Theater', hosts Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the multifaceted world of theater, discussing the cultural impact of the musical 'Wicked', the differences between live theater and film experiences, and the financial challenges faced by theater productions. They delve into the Edinburgh Fringe Festival's role in the theater landscape, the importance of effective budgeting, and the dynamics of nonprofit organizations in the arts. The conversation also highlights the challenges of board leadership and the need for accountability in theater management. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle Radford discuss the complexities of theater production, the challenges faced by emerging playwrights, and the importance of leadership in nonprofit organizations. They explore the writing process, the significance of understanding one's story, and the necessity of diverse theaters. The discussion also touches on practical steps for aspiring writers, the financial realities of theater production, and the journey of feedback and revision in the creative process.

LINKS:

DO US GOOD - Amanda Gorman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPOVo3_pyos 

EdFringe review: annual income continues to be outstripped by expenditure

https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/edfringe-review-annual-income-continues-to-be-outstripped-by-expenditure 

52nd ANNUAL “THE VIV” AUDELCO AWARDS

https://www.audelco.org/ 

A Chorus Line

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

TKTS Philadelphia

https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/tkts 

Actors Equity Association

https://actorsequity.org/ 

Australian Parliament bans social media for under-16s with world-first law

https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-children-ban-safeguarding-harm-accounts-d0cde2603bdbc7167801da1d00ecd056

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

https://www.macys.com/s/parade/ 

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In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the evolving landscape of theater in the post-pandemic world, emphasizing the importance of live performance while also recognizing the role of digital platforms. They explore the challenges of self-taping in casting, the need for diversity in leadership roles, and the disconnect between theater productions and their audiences. The discussion highlights the relevance of theater today and the necessity for artists to adapt and find their unique voices in a changing industry. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the financial struggles of Broadway shows, the challenges of marketing in theater, and the importance of engaging audiences. They explore the role of education in increasing theater attendance and the need for theaters to create new audiences. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of personal branding and self-promotion for individuals in the theater industry.

Chapters

00:00 The Relevance of Theater Today

06:13 The Role of Digital Platforms in Theater

11:46 Challenges of Self-Taping and Casting

17:46 The Disconnect Between Audiences and Productions

32:15 The Financial Struggles of Broadway Shows

39:32 The Importance of Audience Engagement

44:56 The Role of Education in Theater Attendance

55:16 The Business of You: Personal Branding in Theater

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This podcast is an Em3ry production.

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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

___________________________________________

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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This podcast is an Em3ry production.

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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