This week’s budget shows that there’s no easy path to high wages and low ticket prices in theatre. So what’s next? asks Robin Cantrill-Fenwick.
Lockdowns, venue closures, cancelled and postponed events – the era of Coronavirus has created an 18-month crevasse in our databases. Libby Papakyriacou has been assessing the role of historic data in the sector’s recovery.
Auditorium formats that worked well between lockdowns aren’t the answer to achieving full houses as restrictions are lifted. Urgent adaptations are needed to maximise capacity – and revenues – says Robin Cantrill-Fenwick.
In these uncertain times, it’s important to return to our core principles: making the most of the information we have and not being afraid to experiment, explains David Reece.
Even if people are willing to pay for digital performances, are they willing to pay enough? Robin Cantrill Fenwick examines the data emerging from the pandemic’s rush to digitise, and where the income opportunities lie.
As we emerge from the chaos of the pandemic let’s focus on where we want to go, but remember there’s no single way to get there, says David Reece.
Once the initial storm of Covid-19 closures and lockdown subsides, rapid and focused medium-term planning will be essential for the recovery of arts organisations. Robin Cantrill-Fenwick proposes a 5-step plan for getting on track.
Offering discounts? If you don’t have a reason for cutting prices and are inconsistent with your offers, don’t expect your customers to play nicely, says David Reece.
As new customers are more likely to buy high price tickets than existing customers, can we expect Pay What You Can schemes to develop new audiences? Debbie Richards examines the evidence.
The popular misconception that price is the chief barrier to access to the arts has taken hold in the sector, while in reality, price is only one of a complex set of factors affecting engagement with ‘hard to reach’ groups. Tim Baker concludes it’s time to start a debate about the true meaning of affordability.