Arts Policy Tsunami

So, in the arts world you can go weeks without finding something to talk about (other than a play review) - and then suddenly be swamped with really important news.

First things first:  the NEA just released a report on a study of theater audiences.  Playgoer has an important summary of what everything means.  But the important part (to my mind) is this: 

But breaking the numbers down more specifically reveals at least one more surprising (and disturbing) trend: a real decline over the years in theatre attendance by the entire "college educated" demographic as a whole. (Including advanced degrees.) In other words: our core demographic, supposedly.

Conclusion? Well here's a radical one: maybe we shouldn't consider upper-class highly-educated our core audience anymore? Problem is, though, they're who tickets are priced for. At the current ticket values, they're the only ones who can afford theatre. And they not coming as much anymore. So...who's got a new business model?

So, my first idea: have your friends attend plays.  Plays can be really really fun to watch, and musicals even more so.  Also, look around for options.  I found some great news on the NYT for all the people who can't afford tickets to the theater - LOTS OF FREE THEATER!  If you're in NY, I heartily recommend that you attend.

Of course, free theater brings up another issue: How theater artists survive if they aren't getting money from tickets - especially in an age when film and the internet in particular are making it easy to market your work.  So, please go read this post at Createquity - it talks about the near-unlivable costs of being a theater artist, and the incredible competition that greater equity fosters.  All the hullabaloo about "free theater" is great - but it is still really important to remember that artists are people as well, people who need food and shelter.

And just for kicks, a shout-out to the city I live in for being amazing re. new plays and new theater work.