The New Challenges Facing New York City's Indie Theater Scene

WNYC News | Oct 1, 2019

For decades, New York City's indie theater scene has been where new artists showcase their talent and bring their creative ideas to life. That's especially true for artists of color, women and people from other  marginalized communities who are still underrepresented on Broadway. 

Diep Tran, senior editor of American Theatre magazine, says Off-Off Broadway is thriving, but the soaring cost of space rentals and less government funding make it nearly impossible for those productions to pay their artists living wages— and with New York City housing costs going up, it's becoming a big problem.

"It's a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and all the money is going to renting [theater space] — and hopefully you'll make maybe $80 back in ticket prices," Tran said. "It's definitely a labor of love."

 

Listen to Tran's conversation with "All Things Considered" host Jami Floyd, above. 

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