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Economics

In this section, theatremakers explore the economic realities of producing art and making a career in our industry. Topics explored include internship culture, economic precarity, unions, dynamic pricing, and more.

The Latest

Essay
How Pub Theatres Create a Haven for Independent Performance in the United Kingdom
by Sophie Pell
16 October 2025
Essay
Strategizing Against Fracture and Dissolution at the 2025 Under the Radar Symposium
by Ashley Malafronte
14 April 2025
Essay
Twin Cities Funders and Theatres of Color Are Transforming Relationships, Part Two
by kt shorb
23 October 2024
Image from Broken Fences.
Essay
14 November 2013

Dani Snyder-Young reviews Steven Simoncic’s Broken Fences at 16th Street Theater, and highlights the play's message... and how audiences have failed to recieve it.

All you need it love.
Essay

Navigating the Gray Areas of a Love or Money Industry; Part Three: All you Need is Love

10 November 2013

The key to successful “amateur” theatre is communication. Danielle Rosvally reminds us that outsiders need transparent frame works so the relationship with the company be a success.

Essay
22 December 2011

Annah Feinberg offers insight on her experiences as an intern.

Essay
26 September 2011

After 24 years, Florida Stage — one of the largest LORT theatres dedicated to new and developing works — filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Nancy Barnett, who served as Managing Director, reflects on how the company fell in the wake of the 2007-2008 economic recession.

Critical Stages in Malawian Contemporary Theatre
Series

Critical Stages in Malawian Contemporary Theatre

In Critical Stages in Malawian Contemporary Theatre, Fumbani Innot Phiri Jr. interviews established theatre artists from all backgrounds to explore the precarious journey of theatre in a modern world, define its problems, and find better solutions to sustain performing arts in a generation of motion pictures. Fumbani leads discussions with established performers, directors, and writers who are exploring ways to greet these challenges while their works inspires their communities.

Series

Theatre DIY Don’ts by

In this series, Ricky Young-Howze shares his experience of starting his own not-for-profit theatre company and offers advice.

Series

Los Angeles Labor

A series of posts about Los Angeles theatre, the values applied to our art and business choices, and how we collectively address the challenges and the need for change.

Series

Ensembles Making and Paying for Art

Jeffrey Mosser does three case studies of established ensemble theatres exploring the creating and paying for the art.

Series

Love or Money Series

A series examining the meaning of "professional" and "amateur" theatre, and proposes a model to encourage healthy dialogue between the two.

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