Theater News

Too many Theaters?  Who says?

Well, Rocco Landesman, the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts thinks so.  The Producer who brought "Angels in America" and "The Producers" to Broadway, has the theater blogosphere ranting with his comments about supply and demand of theaters.  Speaking at a conference about new play development at Arena Stage in Washington, he said: "You can either increase demand or decrease supply.  Demand is not going to increase, so it is time to think about decreasing supply."  He then defends his comments in a telephone interview with Robin Pogrebin.  "There is a disconnect that has to be taken seriously - our research shows that attendance has been decreasing while the number of the organizations have been proliferating," he said.  "That's a discussion nobody wants to have."

Surprising words coming from the head of the organization with such an extensive background in theater.

Here are some opinions:

“How sad that Darwinian capitalism has become the lens through which the NEA now appraises the value of theater in America.” — Mark, New York

“Rocco needs to think through things a bit more before making controversial statements that don’t stand up to the facts. Can too many high school youth see excellent productions of ‘Romeo and Juliet’? How many high school youth in the United States are too many? Nope, Rocco got this one wrong. There is ever-increasing demand; he’s just looking in the wrong pockets.” — BD, Los Angeles

“His comments will feed the forces looking to cut government spending, and they aren’t just looking at various art disciplines — they want to cut out the NEA and NEH altogether.” — dcb in nyc, New York

Others thought Mr. Landesman's comments were rooted in reality:

“There are certain areas of the country that couldn’t care less about having a professional theater in their midst, yet the instigators of these well-meaning institutions bravely stand their ground, tighten their belts, and try every trick in the book, even resorting to occasionally booking commercial tripe, in an effort to survive. If a community doesn’t support their own theater, there’s your answer, they don’t want it. Close it; try elsewhere.” — Will MacAdam, Manhattan

“He’s right. Too many theaters exist simply for the sake of existence. It’s not about doing theater; it’s about getting funding. . . . Never mind whether anyone actually wants to see it or whether it’s any good. The important thing is just to stay in business.” — Mick Smith, New York

Personally, I think it is ridiculous.  I have to agree with BD from Los Angeles when they said "there is an ever-increasing demand, he's just looking in the wrong pockets".  In today's economy not everyone can run and see a show for 60-80$'s.  So some of the smaller, experimental theaters are bringing in crowds for 10-20$'s.  I personal love seeing artsy shows in small intimate spaces.  It gives freedoms to the ones creating, and isn't that what its about?  With art cuts in the schools, where else can young people see and create art?  Boo on you Mr. Landesman.