West LA Times

The U.S. theater industry may find a path to a more sustainable future by adopting practices learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by UCLA professor Barbara Fuchs and Rhonda Sharrah, a UCLA doctoral candidate in English. Fuchs emphasized the importance of collaboration among theater companies, producers, and stakeholders to attract greater public and private support, stating, “The pandemic accelerated that crisis yet also led to unprecedented government funding, which demonstrated how much money could be made available for the sector.”

The report presents recommendations for nonprofit theaters in Los Angeles and New York City, as well as the larger theater landscape in the U.S. It suggests expanding access for audiences by reaching out to families, young people, and underserved communities through initiatives like lower ticket prices. Additionally, it encourages the continued use of livestreaming to engage new audience members.

One crucial aspect highlighted in the report is the need for theater organizations to prepare for climate catastrophes, such as fires, storms, and flooding, which are increasingly disrupting productions. Companies are advised to integrate climate resilience and decarbonization into their organizational models and future goals.

Sharrah emphasized the importance of addressing the precarity of working conditions in the theater industry, stating, “Preexisting inequalities and the creative workforce’s unique needs made it one of the hardest-hit economic sectors.” The report also makes a case for increased government funding for the arts, highlighting the benefits of revitalizing downtowns and supporting workforce development.

Fuchs and Sharrah will present the recommendations in a livestream event on April 3, featuring discussions with key industry figures. The report is part of an international study on pandemic preparedness in the live performing arts, funded by the British Academy. Fuchs, who authored the book “Theater of Lockdown: Digital and Distanced Performance in a Time of Pandemic,” brings valuable insights into the industry's response to COVID-19.