DIGITAL RECCE OF THE NEW YORK THEATER INDUSTRY
Theater is a popular tourist attraction and NYC has had a significant theater presence for over 300 years. During the 20th century, “Broadway musicals” culminating in the production of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammestein became enormously influential forms of American popular culture. Nobody second-guesses the fact that the contributions of this industry have been instrumental in making NYC the cultural capital of the world.
The growth trajectory of the industry has not always been positive. It has struggled and sustained enormous economic pressure over the centuries. Post the civil war it had to move from downtown to mid-town seeking less expensive real estate. Soon after in the 20s, the competition with motion pictures posed as a major challenge. Critics speculated for long if cinema would replace theater. But resilient to its core, the industry today is a reflection of the diversity and culture of NYC.
Intrigued by this resilience factored by the capability of the industry to reinvent itself time and again, I decided to do a digital recee of 47 theatres currently operational in midtown. These buildings that invite people in to listen to alluring stories, interestingly enough have a story to tell themselves.
Almost all theaters are housed in buildings that are 3–4 storey high, constructed in the late 19th century or the earlier 20th century. The modest façade is broken by a horizontal runner along the ceiling of the ground floor, which visually divides the building. This divide is more evident when the ground floor is renovated over and over again to attract audience. Looking at the sample set, this divide is prevalent on streets which are narrower (this could be because the street view of the building does not extend beyond the horizontal banner or the billboard).
This one in particular is a personal favorite. The metal work in copper from the early 20th century is covered with a graceful layer of patina, which provides a natural contrast between the red-brick wall of the façade and its extensions.
Other prominent theatres which often double up as recreation space and serve as a tourist attraction are the open theatre at the time square and the Radio City Music hall.
Here are some interior shots which are often a contrast to the exterior facades. It gives an insight into the glamour of the theatre world.
Today the theatre industry is plagued with negative working capital. In addition to the single ticket income, it is sustained by subscription income, support from foundations, fundraising events and fiscal contribution from local, state and federal levels. Capital campaigns over the years have increased theatres’ long-term investments and fixed assets, but the success of those campaigns has not translated into sufficient levels of readily-available funds to meet daily needs.
According to a study published by the Theatre Communications Group in 2013, the working capital has been negative in each of the 5 years for which the study was conducted (2009–2013). The positive ray of hope highlighted in the study was the increase in single ticket income for four of the five years.
The journey thus far has been a roller coaster for the industry and its stakeholders. Reflecting at the struggles and the perseverance with which the artists contribute to the stage, it appears that it will be a while until the curtains come down.
