NEW YORK CITY: On March 13, Theatre Communications Group launched a snapshot survey with TCG Member Theatres about the novel coronavirus and its impact on the theatre field. A total of 168 TCG Member Theatres of varying budget sizes contributed information and comments about preparedness, cancellations, performance alternatives, compensation, lost revenue, and more.

“I’ve found great inspiration and comfort in the theatre community during this time, as I always do,” commented one anonymous respondent. “Other managing directors have been very open and willing to share what they’re thinking and doing. There’s a strong feeling that we’re all in this together. And I do believe that some creative solutions for how we make and share art will emerge out of this. Constraint breeds creativity. But I also know we have a tough road ahead. I’m concerned for our artists and organizations, in the short-term and long-term.”

Some of the key takeaways from the survey include substantial revenue losses, with an estimate of nonprofit theatres losing more than $500 million through June. Of the respondents, 56 percent have committed to offering some kind of compensation for artists and production staff involved in cancelled performances, and 67 percent are exploring performance alternatives and virtual programming. The full report can be found here.

TCG will continue to track the  impact of the pandemic on the field in a variety of areas with additional surveys.