Having been deeply involved in the theater industry for half a century, I’ve had the privilege of observing the rich tapestry of experiences within this vibrant world. My interactions with thousands of theater companies, ranging from modest endeavors to grand productions, have allowed me to witness the diverse talents and unique narratives that unfold on stage.
In addition to my involvement in the theater, my passion for history has provided me with perhaps a broader perspective, enabling me to see the evolution of this art form over time. As I approach retirement, I beg your indulgence if I share some insights garnered from these collective experiences. Looking back, I see the resilience of artists struggling against the ever-changing trends that have shaped theater. Looking forward, I am gripped by a disconcerting and unwelcome vision.
The Fading Echoes of Live Theater
In days gone by, live theatre stood as a vibrant tapestry intricately woven into the cultural fabric, uniting diverse communities through shared laughter, tears, and gasps. It wasn’t merely an artistic expression; it was a powerful conduit of human connection, reflecting the immediacy and raw emotions of the society it served. The collective sentiment reverberated through the theater, underscoring the value society placed on this communal experience. So it had been since the first humans gathered around a fire and one of them told a story to the others.
However, the evolution of entertainment mediums has cast a shadow over live theatre. The mesmerizing allure of the silver screen and the narratives beamed directly into living rooms via television captivated the masses. As society’s gaze shifted, live theatre found itself relegated to the background, its once-dominant position usurped by the cinematic and televised spectacle.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of people preferring to stay home and stream entertainment, making streaming platforms the primary source for most. This shift underscored society’s changing entertainment preferences and habits, which were already underway before the pandemic.
The Modern Theater Landscape
In the contemporary landscape, live theatre has adapted, albeit in a drastically altered form. It no longer commands the spotlight as the popular pulse of the zeitgeist. Instead, it has found a specialized niche, standing alongside opera and ballet as relics of a bygone era. Preserved in ornate theaters and concert halls, these performances often cater to the tastes of the elite, accessible primarily to the upper echelons of society. They are respected as cultural artifacts, valuable yet somewhat distant from the everyday lives of the majority. Or worse, relegated to cramped quarters and minimal sets, scratching out an existence from show to show.
This transformation underscores a broader societal shift where audience preferences and values have evolved. Live theatre, once a cherished tradition, now stands as a reminder of a time when it was more than mere entertainment. It was a revered communal experience that bound people together, transcending barriers of class and background.
In the contemporary context, live theatre has taken on multiple roles. Firstly, it has furthered the grand spectacle of Broadway, a dazzling display of music, lights and sound where visual extravagance often overshadows the subtleties of the script. This transformation comes at a considerable cost. High ticket prices and limited integration into everyday life contribute to its status as an extraordinary rather than ordinary pastime.
Secondly, live theatre has transformed into a perceived stepping stone for aspiring actors aiming for success in film and television. For many, it’s a means to an end, a pragmatic route rather than an art form cherished in its own right. The focus often shifts from artistic expression to pragmatic skill (and resumé) development, as actors hone their craft with an eye toward video and screen productions, reflecting the evolving reality of entertainment.
Simultaneously, live theatre serves as a workshop for new plays, where budding playwrights craft their narratives, seeking validation within the theatre world itself. However, in this pursuit of acceptance, there’s a risk of diluting the authenticity and power that live theatre once offered, as creative choices bend to cater to specific, insular interests. The prevalent themes, often centered around marginalized perspectives, can create a divide where viewers who don’t share these views feel alienated or preached to, undermining the very inclusivity that theatre believes it promotes.
The Changing Face of Theater Attendance
Amidst these changes, the audience attending regular community and regional theatre has significantly dwindled. And not in proportion of the population, but in real numbers. Those who still venture out to these shows are primarily limited to friends and relatives of the actors, and a handful of individuals who genuinely appreciate the immersive experience of live performances. However, this latter group, as we must politely acknowledge, is gradually diminishing. The core supporters of live theatre, once a diverse and enthusiastic community, are aging out. You and I have seen the same thing: the average live theatre audience is over 50, white, female, upper-middle class, and already loves “the arts”. Up until a hundred years ago, live theatre had a place for every segment of society. This demographic shift raises poignant concerns about the future vitality and relevance of this once-vibrant art form. Live theatre, once the heartbeat of cultural expression, is now a muffled echo. We hardly know where we stand in a world that no longer listens to us.
The Illusion of Change: A Call For Reflection
What can be done? In my fifty years of working in this business I’ve heard the same proposed solutions. None of these are new, although technology has changed the wording. Every single one of them brought up now in 2024 we were proposing in 1973, and doubtless before that as well:
- Accessible and Diverse Programming: Offer a variety of productions to cater to different interests and demographics.
- Educational Initiatives: Promote theatre education in schools and communities to nurture future enthusiasts.
- Innovative Productions: Embrace technology like virtual and augmented reality for immersive theatre experiences.
- Community Engagement: Involve local communities in productions, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
- Affordability: Make theatre more affordable with discounted tickets for students and lower-income individuals.
- Hybrid Models: Combine live performances with digital streaming to reach a global audience.
- Support for New Talent: Provide funding, mentorship, and platforms for emerging playwrights, actors, and directors.
- Promotion and Advocacy: Raise awareness about theatre’s cultural significance through marketing and advocacy campaigns.
- Collaborations with Other Art Forms: Partner with music, dance, or visual arts for multidisciplinary performances.
- Cultivating Community: Foster a sense of community among theatre enthusiasts through online forums and local clubs.
Your theatre is probably trying a number of these fixes, possibly all of them. They break down into two categories: 1) increase the numbers of those who attend your shows, and 2) change theatre into something that it’s not. I don’t mean to disparage the effort, but they don’t work. Mainly because it ignores the central issue: theatre to most people is a bother, a chore, a hassle, made by people who consider themselves morally superior to the audience. For most folks, theater just doesn’t feel like it’s one of us anymore. Modern society has voted with their dollars and their time. They don’t mind if theatre disappears.
“Is it possible that the problem is not in the doing nothing but in the illusion there is something that can be done?”