Theater Crisis: Dark Stages and Hope for Recovery

Nonprofit theaters across the United States are facing a financial crisis as attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels and costs continue to rise. Theaters such as Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles and The Public Theater in New York have already implemented cost-cutting measures and layoffs. The lack of a new model for producing theater and the depletion of government funding have exacerbated the situation. Nonprofit leaders are calling for increased funding from the federal government to support the National Endowment for the Arts and provide grants to theaters. Theaters are also exploring innovative approaches and seeking philanthropic support to navigate the challenging landscape.