NEW YORK CITY: To encourage the return of live, in-person theatre, New York state is offering a New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit to productions that sign on for qualified diversity and arts job training programs. Among the programs that qualify are those offered by the Black Theatre Coalition and The Theatre Leadership Project (TTLP), according to a spokesperson for TTLP.
The tax credit program is a two-year, $100 million program designed to accelerate the return of entertainment and tourism industries and encourage Broadway productions to come back sooner after the COVID-19 pandemic’s shutdowns. Productions can satisfy the training program’s requirement by having staff participate in TTLP’s or BTC’s program. TTLP will assist in the recruitment and continued development of Black, Indigenous, and people-of-dolor (BIPOC) creative producers and company managers by offering supplemental opportunities for continued learning and mentorship.
“TTLP looks forward to working with Broadway productions to actualize our efforts towards a more diverse and equitable field that will strengthen our industry for years to come,” TTLP Program Manager Leah Harris said in a statement.
To request an application for a production to work with TTLP as an approved tax credit program, producers can email info@ttlp.org. TTLP plans to work collaboratively with producers and new hires to map out learning goals and design a bespoke fellowship for each individual that identifies and addresses areas of growth and ensure their continued development.
The Theatre Leadership Project was first launched in April 2021 by Broadway producers Barbara Broccoli, Lia Vollack, Alecia Parker, Patrick Daly, and Travis Ballenge. It aims to equip BIPOC arts leaders with the practical skills, knowledge, and professional networks within the commercial management sector by administering three-year fellowships in general management, company management, and creative producing. It helps to eliminate barriers to participation, provide sustained funding and support over three years, and work toward permanent job placement of its fellows.
