The “More” That Really Matters on Broadway

If you work in the business of theatre, arts and culture, there is so much to be proud of. We facilitate experiences and stories that bring people together and make the world a better place. I believe this, and it’s what makes working in this business so satisfying. On one hand, I’d like that to be enough in terms of a legacy. It would be an easier path. But the thing that keeps me up at night is that in a few short weeks another year will be in the books where over 2 million seats have gone empty in Broadway theaters in 2019…again. This pattern of 2 million empty seats has been an annual fact since I stumbled into this amazing business.

Imagine the potential impact these 2 million empty seats represent…

For example, there are 1.25 million public school students in NYC. They’re a fundamental part of the fabric of our city — not to mention our future leaders and workforce. And approximately 74% of them qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches which is considered a common poverty marker. (Yes, you heard that right, 74%!!!) This means that a typical Broadway show experience is likely out of reach for 3 out of every 4 NYC public school students.

Theatre has the ability to have a profound impact on people’s lives. Again, it’s why most of us are in this business. But by no fault of their own — other than the zip code they…