Theater Plays
Considering the current state of the American stage theater industry, it seems reasonable to argue that while the industry has suffered a number of set backs in recent years, the industry appears to be rebounding with greater strength. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many production companies in cities such as New York and Chicago witnessed massive strikes based on low wages and job insecurity. To assuage many of the problems, many smaller production companies began merging with the intent of being able to provide more stability in the industry. Although it is too soon to tell what the implications of these mergers will have on the industry as a whole, for the time being, the process appears to have economically stabilized the industry and appeased those who work within it.
Despite the stability that has been garnered for employees in the industry, reports on the activities of stage theater production groups across the United States seem to suggest that other substantial changes have resulted as a consequence of downturns in the economy. For instance, non-profit production companies that rely on investments to keep their operations financially viable have found that loses in the stock marked have served as the basis to limit new production. What this essentially means is that while old productions-i.e. such as Annie Get Your Gun or My Fair Lady-will continue to be a mainstay for production, new plays will not be developed and produced-at least for the time being.
Critically examining how this trend may impact the stage theater industry, it seems reasonable to argue that suspending new production could lead to decreasing interest in the theater productions. This is especially true when one considers that the motion picture industry is rapidly expanding and tickets for shows are markedly cheaper than what a production company charges its patrons to see Oklahoma! yet again. In other words, the stage theater industry may suffer in the long-term because of its decision to stop producing original work. The public may grow tired of seeing the same productions time and time again. This could lead to a loss of interest in theater productions and lost revenues for the companies producing these shows.