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The Lights Are Bright...
If you're into the creative scene, particularly that of Hollywood and Broadway, then you know it takes A LOT of money to finance these projects. The upside is that these projects create jobs and get people working toward a common goal. The downside is that during economic hardships, funding for these types of projects is usually the first to go.
That's Entertainment.
Broadway used to be a happy medium between art and money, but in recent years the shift has been much like Hollywood's. It's all about what can sell. Creativity has long since been stifled to make room for cookie-cutter work with a guaranteed audience. But, even with all of that money, times are still tough and investors are scared—to say nothing of individual donors.
The response from Broadway to this problem is to cancel shows. While there are many that don't agree with simply canceling shows as the solution to the financial problem, the more "radical" suggestions won't be implemented until there are no other options.
What say you, patrons of the arts? Are investors right to pull out from their creative interests in favor of more sustainable investments? And what are arts organizations to do in times of crisis? Tell us if your plans for the coming year include taking in shows and films as a means to "forget your troubles, c'mon, get happy."
This is tough. I am so partial to the arts, and, like LauraLee said, it's not surprising that they are feeling the pain of the poor economy. It's understandable that people are trying to cut back on expenses, but so disappointing.
Sure, so many Broadway shows are expensive, but we can still support some of the smaller, local arts organizations. Those tickets are often free and cheap. And supporting those artists will ensure that, when the economy does improve, we will still have talented people around to keep us entertained and smiling.
I think we should always think of entertainment as a luxury and not a necessity. Despite the artistic value, it's still an "extra" that we should really think about each time we shell out money. Do we NEED to see that movie at the theater, or could we wait till it comes out on DVD?
I think Lizzie makes a good point. It's sad that the economic troubles have hit theatre too, but really, it's not surprising. Just about everyone is affected by the recession in some way. I admit that I probably won't be going to any shows this year because it’s too expensive, whereas I’m sure I’ll still go to movies. Granted, I probably won’t go to as many movies, but I’ll still go occasionally.
I think the problem is in affordability for the customer. TV and movies are the one industry that rarely suffers in an economic downturn, because tickets are often cheap and people need entertainment. If I'm faced with paying even $12 for a movie (where if I arrive early enough I can get the best seat in the house), or $65 for a crappy seat touching the roof at a Broadway theater, I'm going for the movie. Maybe they should try dropping ticket prices first and sacrificing the profit margin just to stay afloat through the downturn??