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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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.

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

The conversation explores the idea of nonprofit arts organizations shifting their focus from producing art to producing impact. The guest, Alan Harrison, shares his experience working in the nonprofit arts industry and discusses the need for arts organizations to align their work with the needs of the community. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating measurable results and social value to justify the nonprofit status. The conversation also touches on the challenges of fundraising and the role of money in producing art. The guest's book, 'Scene Change: Why Today's Nonprofit Arts Organizations Have to Stop Producing Art and Start Producing Impact,' serves as a foundation for the discussion.

LINKS:

Alan Harrison - The Arts Journal

https://www.artsjournal.com/author/alan-harrison

Alan Harrison - On Medium

https://medium.com/@501c3guru

The Fourth Turning Is Here - Neil Howe

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Fourth-Turning-Is-Here/Neil-Howe/9781982173739

BUY THE BOOK -

Scene Change - Why Nonprofit Arts Organizations Have To Stop Producing Art And Start Producing Impact.

https://bookshop.org/p/books/scene-change-why-today-s-nonprofit-arts-organizations-have-to-stop-producing-art-and-start-producing-impact-alan-harrison/19872415?ean=9781803414461

Scene Change 2: The Five Real Responsibilities of Nonprofit Arts Boards

https://bookshop.org/p/books/scene-change-2-the-five-real-responsibilities-of-nonprofit-arts-boards-alan-harrison/21087360?ean=9781803416984

__

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.

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

In this conversation, Darnelle and Mitch discuss various topics related to theater, including the challenges of naming their podcast, the quality of certain movies, the history of their podcast, the importance of preparation, the state of the theater industry, audience behavior, and upcoming shows on Broadway. In this conversation, Darnelle and Mitch discuss the importance of reviving shows with new perspectives and changes. They emphasize the need for theater to evolve and speak to the current times. They also touch on the challenges of promoting shows in the digital age and the changing landscape of journalism. They mention the impact of music videos and YouTube in promoting musicals. They also mention their upcoming guest, Alan Harrison, who discusses the nonprofit arts sector. They conclude by promoting their own projects and the need for new voices and perspectives in the theater industry.

Nonprofit theaters face challenges in terms of funding and sustainability.

There is a need for a new funding system that supports the arts.

Artists often struggle to make a living in theater and need to be creative and adaptable.

Effective marketing and promotion are crucial for generating interest in new shows.

Long-running shows can impact the success of new productions.

Finding innovative ways to market live theater is essential. Prioritize your own shows and find creative satisfaction.

Plan for the lack of audience and be prepared for the challenges of funding.

Utilize social media platforms like TikTok, but be aware of their limitations.

Consider the impact of nudity in theater and the reactions of different communities.

Celebrate milestones and continue supporting organizations like We Grow Theater.

In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford discuss various topics related to theater. They share their theater experiences, including seeing the national tour of Frozen and Dreamgirls at the McCarter Theater. They also talk about the importance of opening nights and creating a special experience for the audience. Additionally, they discuss the lack of diversity in theater schools and the representation of black men in leading roles. This conversation explores the challenges of diversity and accessibility in the theater industry. It discusses the lack of diversity in theater showcases and the financial barriers that prevent marginalized individuals from accessing opportunities. The conversation also highlights the issue of unpaid internships and the need for more inclusive internship programs. It emphasizes the importance of networking and making connections in the theater community, as well as the value of translating theater skills to other industries. The conversation concludes with discussions on the role of Theater Philadelphia in connecting theater companies and the future of Broadway.

In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford discuss the relevance of award shows in the theater industry and the challenges faced by the theater community. They explore the need for subsidization in theater and the impact of ticket prices on accessibility. They also touch on the widening gap between the rich and the poor and its effect on the arts. The conversation delves into the challenges of auditions and casting, as well as the importance of connection in the audition process. They conclude by discussing the benefits and challenges of digital auditions. This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in the theater industry, focusing on auditions, the lack of feedback, and the need for change. The hosts share their personal audition experiences and discuss the differences between theater and TV acting. They also discuss the importance of supporting playwrights and new work, as well as expanding theater beyond major cities. The conversation highlights the need for theaters to engage with their local communities and find new ways to subsidize their work. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for new conversations and ideas to shape the future of the theater industry.

In this conversation, Darnelle and Mitch discuss potential working titles for their podcast and the challenges of finding the right one. They also talk about the production of Little Shop of Horrors and the practice of replacing leads in long-running shows. The conversation then shifts to the different endings in theater and film adaptations. They discuss the opportunities for ensemble members in shows like Little Shop of Horrors and the casting choices for the production. The conversation also touches on Kit Harrington starring in Slave Play and the concept of blackout nights in theater. They conclude by discussing the comfort of theater seating and their experiences at theaters in Philadelphia. In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford discuss the future of theater, the impact of the pandemic on the industry, and the challenges faced by Broadway. They explore the need for change in the theater model, including the role of nonprofit organizations and the high cost of producing new shows. They also touch on the success of long-running shows and the importance of variety in theater. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of critics and influencers in the theater industry and the cost of theater experiences for audiences.

In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford discuss various topics related to the business of theater. They talk about the high cost of Broadway tickets and the challenges of opening new productions. They also explore the changing audience for theater and the decline in Broadway theaters. The conversation touches on the importance of location for theaters and the challenges of managing costs. Overall, they provide insights into the complexities of the theater industry and the need for innovative approaches to sustain it. This conversation explores the struggles and challenges faced by theaters and the need for change in the industry. It discusses the closure of theaters and the impact of capitalism, as well as the challenges of producing in New York. The conversation also highlights the shift in priorities in nonprofit theater and the need for operational changes. It explores different approaches to regional theater and the importance of realism in theater operations. The conversation delves into the role of marketing and the board of directors in theater success, and the need for transparency and communication in theater leadership. It also discusses new production models, the importance of effective marketing, and the need for collaboration and rethinking the theater industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of budgeting and making choices in theater productions, as well as the need for substance and originality in theater. It concludes by highlighting the importance of new play development and finding new ways to navigate the changing landscape of the theater industry.

Takeaways

The theater industry is facing challenges and resistance to change.

Work conditions in the theater industry need improvement.

Budgeting and financial challenges are a major concern for theater companies.

The theater industry needs to adapt to changing audience expectations and preferences.

The development of new works is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the theater industry.

Nonprofit theaters need to rethink their structures and staffing.

Fundraising and planning are essential for the success of theater companies. Preparation for auditions and staffing is a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination.

Finding housing for out-of-town talent can be a challenge and requires building relationships with local communities.

Financial challenges and high ticket prices are issues that need to be addressed in order to make theater more accessible.

Theater companies need to adapt to changing audience preferences and provide unique and immersive experiences.

Innovation and open discussions are necessary to address the challenges and opportunities in the theater industry.

Engaging younger generations in theater requires understanding their preferences and creating experiences that resonate with them.

Theater companies should create opportunities for community engagement and involve local residents in their productions.

Participation and collaboration are key to fostering creativity and creating a sense of community in the theater industry.

Making theater more accessible and affordable is important to attract a wider audience and ensure its sustainability.

Theaters should play a larger role in the community by offering their spaces for various events and activities.

Offering discounts and membership programs can help attract and retain patrons, while also supporting the financial sustainability of theater companies.

The theater industry needs to embrace change and collaborate with other organizations to address the challenges it faces.

Art and grant funding should be more accessible and supportive of the diverse needs of the theater industry.