Overall, performing arts has been struggling for support in the last few decades. Although there are blockbuster theatres like the Royal Opera House and Paris Opera that command thousands of audience members at each performance, that isn’t true for most companies. People compare the cost of a ballet or theatre ticket with the cost of a movie theatre ticket, without realising that they are very different mediums and very different experiences. Many theatres and companies were struggling to stay out of the red before Covid-19 hit, and now they are largely at a stand still. Today I’m going to share how we can #SupportTheArts in 2021, and how to ensure that we don’t lose a massive part of our culture!
Throughout the pandemic, I’ve noticed a lot of people sharing “Support Small Businesses” posts and “Support Local Restaurants”, things like that. But I’ve not seen many “Support the Performing Arts” posts. If a theatre/property is closing, there seems to be a big push to save it, but little for the companies and performers themselves. Some performing arts can be done “acoustically” or stripped back from home, but many forms are quite limited outside of the theatre.
I can’t count the number of people who have told me that one of their favourite holiday traditions is seeing The Nutcracker, or going to the panto (for my UK readers!). People go to the symphony or the theatre for anniversaries or dates; for graduations and birthdays. The performing arts play a significant role in many of our lives, whether or not we perform ourselves. And to lose it would be a modern tragedy. So, how can we can #SupportTheArts in 2021?
1) Make a Donation
This is more than obvious, but if you have the money, please make a donation to your favourite company or theatre. Even if you can only give $20, it will be more than appreciated. Depending on where they are, they may have little to no government support- ever dollar and pound makes a difference. Many ballet companies, symphonies, operas, theatres are non-profit organisations, so you should be able to get a tax receipt for your donation. There are so many people in the performing arts with limited or no work- not only the performers you see on stage, but the technical and lighting crews, the costuming staff, the front-of-house staff, the ticketing office, the admin staff. While your donation might not bring all of these people back to work, it may help bring some back.
2) Purchase Tickets for Online Events
If your favourite companies are putting online events on, please buy tickets and watch them. Firstly, if they are able to rehearse and come together to put a show together digitally, I can guarantee it will mean the world to them. They love to perform and share their art with you, and albeit taking a different format, that is what they love to do. I know that there is going to someone who replies back to this and says “It’s just not the same” but nothing is the same right now. And to expect that is just unrealistic.
Secondly, those ticket prices are probably nowhere near what you would pay to see a live performance, but it is some form of income for these theatres. There is very little that they can do right now in person in a lot of places, but digital performances allow them to do something. They often have to very creatively choreograph and stage these performances to follow health orders, and I can guarantee have put more work than ever into them. An online ticket purchase is the least we can do (if your budget allows it).
And although you might not realise it, it can be VERY difficult to put a performance ready for online streaming. Most theatres are not set up for filming like the Royal Opera House, and most companies don’t have several pro-shots ready to stream (for free or a paid ticket). These theatres and companies are going above and beyond in impossible times to bring you performances!
3) Engage On Social Media
Follow your favourite ballet companies and theatres on social media, and engage with them. If they have chats with performers and staff on Instagram, watch them! When they ask for your favourite memories or performances, let them know. If they have a Youtube channel, stream their videos! (If they have ads enabled, that might bring in additional funds- though it won’t be a ton.) I can only imagine how disheartening it must be to be barred from your stage and to feel abandoned and left behind. If you love them and miss them, let them know! Every single ballet company, theatre, and opera company that I follow has been very active on social media and are reaching out for their supporters- let them know that you are there. (That kind of goes for everyone you follow- I can’t tell you what a difference it makes to actually have people engaging with the things that you have put all of your time, energy, and heart into.)
4) Support Artists’ Off-Stage Projects
As I said above, depending on where they live, artists who have limited hours or no hours may have very little support. While performers are often masters at the side hustle at the best of times, they have turned to a multitude of different opportunities to make it through the pandemic. If you know of a dancer or an actor or musician who has an off-stage project, support them if it is feasible for you. I’ve seen people selling baking, floral arrangements, artwork, clothing, and pretty much everything you can think of. Some are doing online lessons in their own artform, so if you ever wanted to train with a professional, there has never been a better time!
I think I speak for many of us when I say that I want all performers to be able to return to the stage, and for that to happen, they need our support right now. And you might just discover a new favourite small business in the process!
How are you going to #SupportTheArts in 2021?
Cheers,
The Historian
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