All articles tagged with #theater industry
Warner Bros.' potential acquisition by another major Hollywood studio has raised alarms among theater owners and industry insiders, who fear it could lead to reduced film releases and legal challenges, further endangering the already struggling cinema sector.
Broadway's musicians' union reached a tentative labor deal with producers, avoiding a strike that could have shut down nearly two dozen shows, including hits like 'Hamilton' and 'The Lion King.' The agreement includes wage and health benefit increases, and the deal now awaits ratification by union members. This comes amid a strong box office recovery, with the 2024-2025 season earning a record $1.9 billion, highlighting Broadway's economic importance and the unions' leverage in negotiations.
Broadway musicians' union reached a tentative three-year labor agreement with producers, including wage and health benefit increases, preventing a strike that could have shut down 23 shows, amid Broadway's strong financial recovery post-pandemic.
Broadway actors, represented by Actors' Equity, are preparing to strike over unresolved contract negotiations with the Broadway League, primarily concerning healthcare contributions, which could halt 32 productions during peak season, highlighting ongoing labor disputes in the entertainment industry.
Over 500 theater industry members signed an open letter condemning Patti LuPone for making racially and misogynistically charged comments about fellow Broadway artists Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald, calling for accountability and respect within the theater community.
Audra McDonald responds to Patti LuPone's claims of a rift between them, stating she is unaware of any feud and hasn't seen LuPone in over 11 years. The controversy stems from LuPone's comments in The New Yorker about a supposed conflict, which has sparked backlash from the Broadway community, highlighting issues of race and professionalism in the industry.
Indhu Rubasingham has been appointed as the first woman and person of color to lead London's National Theater, ending a long history of white male artistic directors. Rubasingham, currently the artistic director of the Kiln Theater, will join the National Theater next spring and will share the role of chief executive with Kate Varah. She will face the challenge of managing a shrinking budget, repaying a loan, and producing successful transfers to the West End and Broadway. Rubasingham's appointment marks a significant milestone in diversifying leadership in the theater industry.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert film is extending its run in theaters, aiming to break more box office records. Initially scheduled to end on November 5th, the film will continue to be screened, benefiting both the film and the box office. The concert film has already shattered records, earning over $150 million domestically and over $200 million globally. It is expected to add another $10 million domestically this weekend and potentially reclaim the top spot at the box office. While it currently holds the title of the highest-grossing concert film release of all time, it falls just short of "Michael Jackson's This Is It" in terms of global earnings. The film's success comes at a time when other films have departed the theatrical calendar due to labor strikes, making it a significant boost for the theater industry.
Playwrights, including Pulitzer Prize winners Tony Kushner, Martyna Majok, and Lynn Nottage, successfully lobbied the Writers Guild of America to allow the Tony Awards to proceed despite the ongoing screenwriters' strike. The union agreed to a compromise that would not picket the ceremony as long as the show does not rely on a written script. The Tonys are a crucial marketing moment for the struggling theater industry, and this year's ceremony features an unusually diverse group of nominees. The event will take place with a live audience and performances, but there will be no scripted material or opening number.