German teenagers turning 18 will be offered a €200 (£175/$208) culture pass as a birthday present from the Government, to rekindle an interest in arts and live entertainment following the COVID-19 pandemic. The €200 ‘Kulturpass’ will aim to encourage young adults to experience live culture, get outside and give a financial boost to the arts …
Sherman Theatre introduces cost-of-living initiatives
Sherman Theatre in Cardiff has introduced a number of initiatives to support audiences and those in the industry during the cost-of-living crisis. Schemes include ‘pay what you can’ previews and free workspaces for creatives to use. According to a report from The Stage, the theatre has started a scheme called ‘open house’ to encourage creatives …
Maryland Ensemble Theatre offers Pay What You Will initiative
Maryland Ensemble Theatre has introduced a Pay What You Will initiative for MainStage and Fun Company productions. The theatre, which is located in Frederik, Maryland, is hoping the scheme will boost its aim to create anti-oppressive artistic spaces and dedication to producing work that is representative of the community. The initiative will also mean the …
ENO seeks u-turn after calling Arts Council funding cuts and relocation plans “absurd”
The English National Opera (ENO) has called the Arts Council England (ACE)’s plan to cut its funding unless it considers relocating to Manchester as “absurd” and “insane”. ENO’s annual funding of £12.8m ($14.6m/€14.6m) was cut by ACE on Friday and was instead replaced with £17m over three years, if the Opera considered relocating, potentially to …
Cost-of-living crisis reveals disparity among audiences
A recent survey conducted among 38 theatres across the UK has shown that the concerns and repercussions of the cost-of-living crisis are not spread evenly across audiences. Some 20% of theatre-goers that said they are more likely to purchase the best available seats said they expect their disposable income to reduce a lot, or have …
English National Opera to relocate after funding is cut
Arts Council England (ACE)’s investment announcement has seen more funds donated to organisations outside of London, impacting major institutions such as the English National Opera (ENO). The ENO is currently based at London Coliseum and will now look to relocate – reportedly to Manchester – as it has lost £12.6m ($14.4m/€14.4m) of annual funding from …
Lena Horne becomes first black actress to have Broadway theatre named after her
The late actress Lena Horne has become the first black woman to have a Broadway theatre named after her. Horne, who died in 2010, was the first black woman to be nominated for a Tony Award, the highest theatrical honour on Broadway for starring in the 1957 musical Jamaica. Years later in 1981, Horne also …
Ticketpipe set to launch at World Trade Market London 2022
Ticketpipe, a trade-friendly ticket agency for West End shows, is set to launch at the upcoming World Trade Market London event. The company was created by travel industry veterans John Wales and Sean Sweeney, who were also part of the founder team behind Encore Tickets. Ticketpipe will work with travel agents, tour operators, group travel …
The Lion King anniversary performance to benefit Entertainment Community Fund
Broadway’s 25th anniversary of The Lion King will see a select number of tickets benefit the Entertainment Community Fund. Formerly the Actors Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund supports those working in the entertainment and performing arts industry. The Lion King’s 25th anniversary performance is set to take place on November 13 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre, …
Shaftesbury Theatre reveals further transformation plans
The West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre has unveiled the second phase of its multi-million-pound renovation. The Grade II listed building is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with new updates including a new 1911 Stalls bar; a private hospitality suite called The Taffner Suite; new toilets; re-roofing to include energy efficient insulation; an air conditioning system to help …