Broadway with Social Distancing = 27% Capacity

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/broadways-closure-exposes-its-sway-on-the-economic-ecosystem

I haven't seen this one posted yet and know there's other threads on the topic but there's some newer info here from Charlotte St. Martin and others who say that they studied opening with social distancing and why they say it won't work. 

MCW1227 said: "I agree that 27% capacity won’t work financially. I’m curious to know if any of the theater owners who undoubtedly received federal money have invested that money into updated ventilation systems and other safetyprotocols that would allow for a higher capacity? If some have then maybe a smaller production with big name stars could be the first one back even if it isn’t initially profitable. It’s like the first person back in the ocean after a shark sighting.It’s even worth multiple producers who have made a ton of $ in the past to make this investment to kick start the return of theater. As Gov Cuomo said recently, it has to be brought back, it’s not coming back on its own."

As has been rehearsed over and over, there is no combination of factors that makes Broadway theatres safe enough AND economically viable enough. This has been the case since the beginning and will be the case until those theatres can open in the normal fashion. When they do reopen it will be without social distancing. For many Broadway theatres, fixing the ventilation is not possible; these are not old airplanes. And of course there is the other rehearsed problem, that scaring up an audience is going to be a tough undertaking for many.

Jordan Catalano said: "Ironically, it’s not impossible to imagine a lot of shows being at 27% anyways once they do reopen, due to people not wanting to be in a space like that."

Even before the pandemic there were a few shows that had 30% seating capacity (yes of course they eventually closed.)

I wonder if Delacorte Theater will reopen this summer. It's open-air (not indoors) and tickets in the past were free so they can always have the theater be filled at 27% capacity and not 'lose' money. 

This was already posted as its own thread a few days ago.

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1124505

 

With this new announcement from the Governor about pop-ups. He also said he would see a show with up to 150 people. Why not start with off-Broadway venues? The main focus seems to be Broadway. Off-Broadway tends to follow Broadway's lead but maybe in this situation, Off-Broadway could be the leader in getting people back into theaters. Just my thoughts.

 

 

BizBuzz said: "27% doesn’t work for current in situ shows. However, if this is what it will be for a year or two then some act, show or producer will make something work..!"

It will not be a year or two, it will be 8-9 months. Someone may do something sooner but it will not be on  Broadway. Patience. It's a virtue I hear.

Awesome! This is perfect for a return engagement of Ruben & Clay!