What's Happening?
Southern California's theater scene is grappling with significant financial challenges, marked by rising production costs and the lingering effects of policy changes. A play in a 35-seat theater that cost $20,000 in 2019 now costs approximately $80,000.
This increase is partly attributed to State Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), enacted in 2020, which mandates minimum wage and payroll taxes for most theater workers in California. Additionally, the stage actors' union, Actors Equity Association, eliminated the region's long-standing 99-Seat Theatre Plan in 2015, which had allowed union actors to perform for stipends in intimate venues. This change has led many small companies to produce fewer shows. While some larger institutions like Center Theatre Group (CTG) have seen audiences return post-pandemic by programming commercially successful imports, smaller theaters are struggling to maintain their output and financial stability. Federal funding cuts have also impacted foundations, leading them to reassess priorities and sometimes reduce support for nonprofit theaters.
Why It's Important?
The financial struggles of Southern California theaters have profound implications for the region's cultural landscape and the broader performing arts industry. The increased costs and policy shifts are disproportionately affecting smaller, independent theaters, which historically have been crucial incubators for new plays and emerging talent. As Pasadena Playhouse producing artistic director Danny Feldman noted, 'You can’t have the major leagues without the minor ones,' highlighting the essential role of small venues in developing new work and artists. The decline in productions from these smaller companies could lead to a less diverse and innovative theatrical offering, as fewer opportunities exist for experimental or niche productions. This situation also impacts the livelihoods of theater professionals, from actors and playwrights to technical staff, potentially driving talent away from the region or the industry altogether. The challenges underscore a critical need for sustainable funding models and policies that support the entire spectrum of theatrical production, from grassroots to large-scale institutions.
What's Next?
Theater leaders in Southern California are exploring various strategies to navigate these financial difficulties. Some, like Pasadena Playhouse's Danny Feldman, are focusing on adult education programs to bridge funding gaps, while others, such as the Latino Theater Company (LTC), are finding success with new works that directly address community concerns. Larger institutions like CTG are considering utilizing their smaller spaces, such as the Kirk Douglas Theatre, to present locally generated new work in collaboration with smaller troupes. Many smaller companies are increasingly relying on venue rentals and acting classes as survival mechanisms. The long-term viability of many theaters will depend on their ability to adapt to changing audience tastes, secure diverse funding sources, and potentially advocate for policy adjustments that better support the arts. The ongoing challenge will be to balance commercial viability with the mission of fostering new voices and diverse theatrical experiences.
Beyond the Headlines
The struggles of Southern California's theater scene reflect a deeper societal tension regarding the value and funding of the arts in a rapidly changing economic and cultural environment. The shift in funding priorities from foundations, as described by Barry Edelstein of San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre ('They say, ‘Cancer research.’'), illustrates how arts funding often competes with other pressing social issues. This situation raises questions about the role of government and philanthropy in sustaining cultural institutions, particularly those that may not always be commercially self-sufficient but are vital for artistic innovation and community engagement. The fracturing of cultural tastes, as noted by Danny Feldman, also poses a challenge: how can theaters attract diverse audiences in an era of personalized digital content? The resilience shown by many theater leaders, despite these headwinds, underscores the enduring human need for live storytelling and communal experiences, suggesting that while the models may evolve, the essence of theater will persist.
