why do we have to "bring in the money"?

[bwaykaykrazy]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 12:27pm

i am wirting this paper for school and i had to pick a social issue. well i decided to write about how people forget about the art in musical theatre and we have to do shows that will "bring in the money". i was wondering if anyone had a views on this topic or new of websites that would help me research stuff on this....smiles...thanks everyone!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 12:32pm

The emphasis is on the BUSINESS in show BUSINESS. You can do things for the artistic value but that is not what Broadway is about.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 12:43pm

Unlike movies and TV, there are very few avenues for art for art sake in theater. TV has cable (IFC, SUNDANCE CHANNEL, PBS) and film has Art Houses, Film Festivals, etc. where TV shows and movies can be created and exhibited without the need (or the aid) of big stars or studios. These mid to low budget projects have the freedom to be more creative. Much of theater these days gets limited funds, runs and exposure, so they must 'go for broke' to cut through the clutter and get an audience and, more importantly, backers. Add to that, they need to appeal to the broadest audience possible, which these days is tourists.

There's limited theater space on Broadway, too. It sucks, but it's reality. Most 'art for art sake' is relegated to off-off broadway, regional, or hole-in-the-wall theaters.

[grizzabella]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 2:38pm

To expand a bit on the excellent points that Singingbackup has made, broadway shows depend on backers. More often than not, these backers are individuals or corporations who are less interested in "art" than in making a healthy return on their investment. They are more likely to finance something they consider reasonably "safe," that is, something that will appeal to the broadest audience possible, than risking losing their investment on something that's non-formulaic or cutting edge. Remember, Broadway shows don't have commercials inserted (except in the Playbills) or tax dollars behind them. It's very true that many of the most creative and artistic shows begin life Off or Off-Off Broadway, and in regional or even smaller venues. Show Business is exactly that, a business driven by the need to make a profit in order to continue at all, just like any other business. If Broadway theatres were filled with cutting-edge shows that were artistic, but appealed to a very narrow audience, there would be fewer people attending, the profit margin would diminish, people would be less willing to invest, and eventually it would close up shop entirely.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 2:25pm

Well said Griz....and sad that it rings so true. Will it ever change? Doubtful. Pray that in 25 years, we still have a Broadway as we know it.

[SkierRob02]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 2:29pm

Yeah, it will be called "DisneyWay"

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 3:27pm

I'd like to point out that investors choose Broadway not solely to make money - there are much less risky investments out there - but because they love theater and want to be involved in some way.

But yes, it's a business - of course it is. If you owned a dry-cleaning establishment and you weren't making enough money to keep it running, what would you do? You'd have to close it down - everyone needs to eat and pay their rent/mortgage.