wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

I was most intrigued by Gibson's comments about theater as community and sustaining work that further connects audiences to the artist. And YES, residences to help artists to feel like they are connected for a bigger community. I think the residency topic, and how it relates to the community, could be a interview topic by itself.

Read more of my thoughts at my blog: http://cli.gs/8GDX7E

At the end of the segment, a caller suggested that actors take a pay cut to lower Broadway prices. Callers should understand that performer salary and benefits are one of the smallest components of Broadway costs. Only high salaries are given to "stars," often transplanted from TV, movies or pop music. Chorus performers are lucky to work on Broadway one year in five, otherwise are living on self-generated work or other "day jobs." Average chorus compensation is lower than most city employees, also lower than that of Broadway musicians, stagehands and technicians. Some shows pay more for a single costume than the weekly payroll of the entire chorus. Health insurance comes with high premiums, a deductible and is not automatic upon employment. Yes, Broadway has high costs and those push up ticket prices. But it is not because of performer compensation.

Actors don't get paid that well for theater. Even the stars don't (usually). That's not why it costs that much, anyway. It's the unions and the producers that keeps costs high.

Arts Organizations that are not producing Broadway shows (off and off-off) across the country are cutting staff and losing real estate - can someone comment on that?

As a performing musician in a volunteer performing group(Westchester Symphonic Winds) I am hopeful of seeing a larger audience for our concerts at the Tarrytown Music Hall.

Ticket sales are down? At $150.00 per ticket how long should we cry for the angels?

I love Broadway, Lincoln Center, Art Museums, etc. This isn't Europe. We rely on very little Government support,( pardon me, small 'g' for US-big 'G' for AIG).
Eventually, this will pass-and so will my gas. All the same.
It's nice to add to a Forum, but, will anything change-doubtful.

While it's horrifying to see so many shows closing in such a short span of time, the inability for theaters to sell their seats and thus offering special discounts and promotions has been beneficial to at least one group - students. Between getting tickets online through TDF and buying student rush tickets the day of the show, over the past few months, I've been able to see shows that I normally wouldn't have been able to afford, since I've seen considerably more shows, and bigger name shows at that, offering student rush tickets and cheaper tickets on TDF. I've been doing student rush since high school, and I'd obviously much rather see a thriving economy where shows are able to stay open and I can't afford the hundred plus dollars for an orchestra seat, but in the meanwhile, I'll be taking advantage of the student rush and cheap tickets, and hopefully others will as well.

As expected in any economic meltdown, the first to be hurt are the Arts as galleries fold up and play productions gets cancelled. Weeks before the Wall St. downspin, most artists have been notified that some art galleries are in serious dire straits and won't be able keep their doors open for another year. The current predicament have caused some artist to spend more time with their side jobs to keep ends meet and unfortunately, less time for creative work which was the reason why they live in NYC in the first place. One could only hope that artists would see their situation as a challenge for them to create serious artworks; an art for pure self expression- a chance for their 'inner child' to be more playful,innovative and passionately committed. These are the times for great art and artistic integrity.