nonprofit theater

Nonprofit Theaters Making Cutbacks

Filed under: Art, Charity

Opera isn't the only cultural institution that has hit difficult times. Bloomberg News reveals that nonprofit theaters are struggling as well. A new survey by the Theater Communications Group finds that out of 210 member theaters, a full 77 percent are taking another look at the expenses for the coming year and making cuts where they can, often by replacing big scale productions with more modest efforts. Many expect to hit cash flow problems this year as the economy leads to a decrease in ticket sales and a donations shortfall. Theater salaries which are already low are expected to dip even further. So far around 10 U.S. theater companies in the U.S. have either shut down or sent out a distress call. One of the largest was the American Musical Theatre of San Jose, which had its first show back in 1935 filed for bankruptcy protection on December 23.

Gallery: Culture in Trouble