Milwaukee Repertory Theater released an industry report summarizing the findings of From Crisis to Catalyst: Transforming the Regional Theatre Landscape, a three-day industry convening of leaders from more than 40 League of Resident Theatres (LORT) theaters across the country—including The Goodman, Lincoln Center Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Zach Theater, Gulfshore Playhouse, and more—organized and hosted by Milwaukee Rep.
Held March 4-6, the summit addressed how regional theaters can and are innovating to confront the widely reported challenges facing the industry (declining audiences and earned revenue, rising production costs, shifting philanthropic priorities, etc.). Authored by Mike Fisher, dramaturg and former Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel theater critic, the report shares key insights into how leaders are thinking about “building back better” to a new future, including:
- Exploring commercial investments in addition to nonprofit philanthropy to fund development of new works
- Establishing a $50 billion fund for barrier-free access to live performing arts for every child and adult in the United States
- Using theater as a tool to build civic discourse among politically divided audiences
- Collaborations and operational consolidation between institutions that allow for resource sharing and strengthening impact
- Capitalizing on theater’s ability to not just reflect, but catalyze change within our communities
Please find the industry report here, which also includes Ayad Akhtar’s keynote speech from the summit and presentations from key sessions. I would be happy to answer any questions or connect you with Milwaukee Rep leadership, should you be interested in coverage.