because by pricing so many people out, it does nothing to build future theatre-loving audiences. I still go to the theatre here in NYC by finding ways to get steep discounts like a TDF (Theatre Development Fund) membership, entering lotteries, etc. But I don’t go nearly as much anymore as I used to go. I think I saw 6 or 7 shows this past spring. Three of them were Broadway shows (one I paid full price for, the other two I won lotteries which meant I could buy good seats in the orchestra for $50 instead of $200+). The others were Off-Broadway. One was Off-Off Broadway.
I actually prefer Off-Broadway over Broadway shows because with less money invested they can afford to take more chances, stay less safe and be more creative. That said, I loved the Broadway shows I saw this year, especially Sunset Boulevard.
But, I repeat: if too many people, especially young people, are priced out of going to the theatre, no future audience is being built.
