New York, NY – May 20, 2022 – The Broadway League announced today that the owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theatres in New York City will extend the current mask requirement for audiences through at least June 30, 2022.

Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League said, “We’re thrilled that nearly a quarter of a million people are attending Broadway shows weekly in this exciting spring season. As always, the safety and security of our cast, crew, and audience has been our top priority. By maintaining our audience masking requirement through at least the month of June, we intend to continue that track record of safety for all, despite the Omicron subvariants.”

Audience masking protocols for July and beyond will be announced in June.

And for all theatre lovers around the world, tune into the Tony Awards^® on June 12 beginning at 7:00pm EST on Paramount Plus and at 8:00pm EST on CBS to see the finest Broadway has to offer!

For more information visit BroadwayLeague.com or follow @BroadwayLeague on Twitter and visit us at Facebook.com/BroadwayLeague. Follow @Broadway on Instagram for more Broadway content.

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New York, NY – April 15, 2022 – The Broadway League announced today that the owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theatres in New York City will extend the current mask requirement for audiences through at least May 31, 2022, but many will no longer check vaccination status after April 30, 2022.

Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League, said, “Since resuming performances last fall, over five million attendees have seen a Broadway show, and the safety and security of our cast, crew, and audience has been our top priority. Our intention is that by maintaining strict audience masking through at least the month of May, we will continue that track record of safety for all. And of course, we urge everyone to get vaccinated.”

While masking mandates will remain in place at all Broadway theatres through at least May 31, many theatres may no longer require that audience members provide proof of vaccination. Please consult the show website or point of purchase for information about proof of vaccination requirements for your show. 

Audience masking protocols for June and beyond will be announced in May.

Courtesy of The Broadway League.

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Several of Broadway’s best shows will take over the streets of New York City with special performances from the casts of “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations,” “Chicago,” “Jagged Little Pill,” “Diana: The Musical,” “Jersey Boys,” “Mean Girls,” “Rent” and an appearance by the cast of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”The night will also showcase special sneak peaks at Broadway shows coming in 2021.

“One Night Only: The Best of Broadway” will feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Patti LaBelle and appearances from Annaleigh Ashford, Lance Bass, Kristen Bell, Ron Cephas Jones, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Peter Gallagher, Josh Groban, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sean Hayes, Nathan Lane, Camryn Manheim, Alanis Morissette, Jerry O’Connell, Leslie Odom Jr., Billy Porter, John Stamos, Aaron Tveit, Blair Underwood, Vanessa Williams, Susan Kelechi Watson and more. Donations during this special will help provide groceries and medication, health care and emergency financial assistance to those in the Broadway community who are struggling through a pandemic that threatens their health and will shutter their industry for more than a year. For more than 25 years, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has been helping to support and strengthen The Actors Fund’s safety net of social services, enabling thousands in the entertainment industry receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling and emergency financial assistance.

In addition to the telecast, NBCUniversal is making a donation to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.To find out how you can help please go to broadwaycares.org/help2020.

“I’m so happy to be a part of this night, raising money for Broadway Cares, and to watch these mega talented people do what they do best,” Fey said.

“With Broadway being crippled by current events, it’s never been more vital to showcase these incredible performers and remind audiences of their extraordinary talents for when they return to the stage,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs, NBC Entertainment. “We’re proud to partner with Broadway Cares and do our part to help those in that tight-knit community during these difficult times.”

“We are deeply grateful to NBC for making this special evening possible and to the spectacular lineup of Broadway’s best who are so generously sharing their time and talent,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “The joy that this special will create will translate into meals and medication, health and hope for those within our Broadway community who are struggling during this pandemic and extraordinary work shutdown.”

Fey’s Broadway musical adaptation “Mean Girls,” based off of her 2004 cult classic film that she wrote, opened at the August Wilson Theater in 2018. Directed by Casey Nicholaw, and with music written by her husband Jeff Richmond, the show received 12 Tony Award nominations, including Fey for best book. Currently, Fey is in production on NBC’s “Mr. Mayor,” which she is writing and executive producing with Robert Carlock. Fey and Carlock are also executive producing “Girls5Eva,”a comedy series for NBCU’s upcoming streaming platform, Peacock.

The “One Night Only: The Best of Broadway” telecast is a production of Brad Lachman Productions with Lachman serving as executive producer. Bill Bracken is co-executive producer.

Please like us on http://www.facebook.com/nbc and follow us at http://twitter.com/nbc.

BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised more than $300 million for essential services for people affected by HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts. Broadway Cares also awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., providing lifesaving medication, healthy meals, counseling and emergency assistance.

For more information, please visit Broadway Cares online at broadwaycares.org, at facebook.com/BCEFA, at instagram.com/BCEFA, at twitter.com/BCEFA and at youtube.com/BCEFA.

Image courtesy of NBC.

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BROADWAY UPDATE ON PERFORMANCE CANCELLATIONS

New York, NY – October 9, 2020 – The Broadway League announces the continued suspension of all ticket sales for Broadway performances in NYC through May 30, 2021.   Dates for each returning and new Broadway show will be announced as individual productions determine the performance schedules for their respective shows.  The League will provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.

“With nearly 97,000 workers who rely on Broadway for their livelihood and an annual economic impact of $14.8 billion to the city, our membership is committed to re-opening as soon as conditions permit us to do so. We are working tirelessly with multiple partners on sustaining the industry once we raise our curtains again,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League.

Theatregoers holding tickets for dates through May 30, 2021 should contact their point of purchase for details about exchanges and refunds.

Broadway performances were initially suspended due to COVID 19 on March 12, 2020. At that time, 31 productions were running, including 8 new shows in previews. Additionally, 8 productions were in rehearsals preparing to open in the spring.

#  #  #

THE BROADWAY LEAGUE (Charlotte St. Martin, President), founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers who present in nearly 200 markets in North America. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. The Broadway League has recently added a new category for International membership to collaborate with professionals from around the world who produce and present Broadway quality theatre. The Broadway League annually co-presents the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards®, one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry.

Key League programs and resources include: Kids’ Night on Broadway®, The Jimmy Awards®, Stars in the Alley®, Internet Broadway Database® (ibdb.com), Broadway.org, SpotlightonBroadway.com, Commercial Theater Institute (with Theatre Development Fund), as well as numerous conferences and forums for our members. Broadway Bridges®, with the support of the New York City Department of Education, is aimed at giving every New York City public high school student the opportunity to see a Broadway show before graduation. Careers.Broadway is a one-stop resource for anyone who wants to know what to do, where to look, and how to build a career on Broadway. TheatreAccess.NYC (co-produced with TDF) is the one-stop website of accessible Broadway performances for theatregoers with disabilities. Broadway.org is the League’s official on-line headquarters for Broadway in NYC, on tour, and internationally.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announces the Broadway industry’s support for the Save Our Stages Act at a press conference in Times Square on September 18, 2020. Photo: Jeremy Daniel for The Broadway League.

NEW YORK—September 18, 2020 – The Broadway League today joined Senate Minority Leader, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) in Times Square in support of the Save Our Stages Act. The Broadway industry is urging Congress to pass this bill to provide vital support for Broadway as theatres continue to be shuttered due to COVID 19. This bipartisan legislation will benefit Broadway by providing much-needed financial assistance for theatrical productions, as well as for organizers, promoters, producers, managers and host of concerts, comedy shows, and other live events nationwide.

“The Great White Way has, for generations, led the way in what has made this city the envy of the world in the arts, and that’s why it’s so important to provide dedicated federal assistance to Broadway—because it really is a part of what defines New York, and we have to fight for it,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “The Save Our Stages Act will help Broadway and other live venues keep the lights on and the curtains calling when this is all over, and so I’ll fight to include this funding in upcoming legislation.”

“Broadway is labor.  That’s why we must support the tens of thousands of costumers, musicians, stagehands, performers and theatre staffs who make up Broadway’s 14 unions,” said Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League.   “We are indebted to Senator Schumer, our most valuable partner in Washington, for his leadership on the Save our Stages Act (SOS).  He knows that Broadway is essential to the heartbeat of New York, bringing in nearly $15B annually and supporting 97,000 jobs.  New York needs Broadway and Broadway needs SOS.”

“Broadway in NYC and our presenters and venues in every state are facing the worst crisis in our history. Our vibrant national industry provides hundreds of thousands of jobs, supports small local businesses and generates $20 billion of economic impact in NYC and in over 200 cities nationally each year. We are urging Congress to pass the Save Our Stages Act and support live theatre across the country,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League.

The Save Our Stages Act (S. 4258), introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), provides vital support for performing arts venues that have lost nearly 100% of their revenue since the pandemic began in March.  The companion bill in the House (H.R. 7806) is led by Representatives ​Peter Welch (D-VT) and Roger Williams (R-TX).

In the 2018-2019 season, Broadway attendance reached a record high of 14.8 million admissions, topping the attendance of the ten professional New York and New Jersey sports teams combined. The 2018-2019 season saw record breaking attendance on the road with 18.5 million admissions for touring Broadway shows. Every year, Broadway contributes over $12 billion to the New York City economy and supports nearly 97,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Touring Broadway has contributed $3.8 billion to local markets across the United States.

Broadway performances were suspended due to due to COVID-19 on March 12, 2020. At that time, 31 productions were running, including 8 new shows in previews. Additionally, 8 productions were in rehearsals preparing to open in the spring.

 # # #

THE BROADWAY LEAGUE (Charlotte St. Martin, President), founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers who present in nearly 200 markets in North America. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. The Broadway League has recently added a new category for International membership to collaborate with professionals from around the world who produce and present Broadway quality theatre. The Broadway League annually co-presents the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards®, one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry.

Key League programs and resources include: Kids’ Night on Broadway®, The Jimmy Awards®, Stars in the Alley®, Internet Broadway Database® (ibdb.com), Broadway.org, SpotlightonBroadway.com, Commercial Theater Institute (with Theatre Development Fund), as well as numerous conferences and forums for our members. Broadway Bridges®, with the support of the New York City Department of Education, is aimed at giving every New York City public high school student the opportunity to see a Broadway show before graduation. Careers.Broadway is a one-stop resource for anyone who wants to know what to do, where to look, and how to build a career on Broadway. TheatreAccess.NYC (co-produced with TDF) is the one-stop website of accessible Broadway performances for theatregoers with disabilities. Broadway.org is the League’s official on-line headquarters for Broadway in NYC, on tour, and internationally.

For more information visit BroadwayLeague.com or follow @BroadwayLeague on Twitter and visit us at Facebook.com/BroadwayLeague. Follow @Broadway on Instagram for more Broadway content.

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THE BROADWAY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES FALL PERFORMANCE CANCELLATIONS

WHILE WORKING ON PROTOCOLS FOR CURTAINS TO RISE AGAIN

Broadway Theatres Extend Ticket Refunds and Exchanges through January 3, 2021 

Tickets For Early 2021 To Go On Sale In Coming Weeks

New York, NY – June 29, 2020 – The Broadway League announced today that Broadway performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19. The League has released updated information regarding performance cancellations and ticketing. Broadway theatres are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through January 3, 2021.

The Broadway League continues to work with city and state officials as well as leaders in science, technology, and medicine to formulate the best plan to restart the industry.  Some of the logistics being currently reviewed for audience members and employees include: screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding inside theatres, backstage protocols, and much more.

Returning productions are currently projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates in early 2021. Tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. For regular updates on ticket sales, individual show announcements, performance dates, and more, please check Broadway.org for information as it becomes available.

“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” said Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League Thomas Schumacher.  “The alchemy of 1000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses.  Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience.  The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever.”

“Our membership is working closely with the theatrical unions and in concert with key experts and some of the greatest minds inside and outside of the industry to explore protocols for all aspects of reopening. We are focused on identifying and implementing necessary measures that will enable us to resume performances safely for Broadway audiences and employees,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “We are determined to bring back the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood, and to welcome back all those who love this vital part of New York City, as soon as it is safe to do so.  As so many of us in the Broadway community have been saying during this time – We’ll be back, and we have so many more stories to tell.”

Those holding tickets for performances through January 3, 2021 will receive an e-mail from their point of purchase with detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. Any customers holding tickets through January 3, 2021 that have not received an e-mail by July 13^th are advised to contact their point of purchase for assistance after this date.

Broadway performances were suspended on March 12, 2020. At that time, 31 productions were running, including 8 new shows in previews. Additionally, 8 productions were in rehearsals preparing to open in the spring.

THE BROADWAY LEAGUE (Charlotte St. Martin, President), founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers who present in nearly 200 markets in North America. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. The Broadway League has recently added a new category for International membership to collaborate with professionals from around the world who produce and present Broadway quality theatre. The Broadway League annually co-presents the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards®, one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry.

Key League programs and resources include: Kids’ Night on Broadway®, The Jimmy Awards®, Stars in the Alley®, Internet Broadway Database® (ibdb.com), Broadway.org, SpotlightonBroadway.com, Commercial Theater Institute (with Theatre Development Fund), as well as numerous conferences and forums for our members. Broadway Bridges®, with the support of the New York City Department of Education, is aimed at giving every New York City public high school student the opportunity to see a Broadway show before graduation. Careers.Broadway is a one-stop resource for anyone who wants to know what to do, where to look, and how to build a career on Broadway. TheatreAccess.NYC (co-produced with TDF) is the one-stop website of accessible Broadway performances for theatregoers with disabilities. Broadway.org is the League’s official on-line headquarters for Broadway in NYC, on tour, and internationally.

For more information visit BroadwayLeague.com or follow @BroadwayLeague on Twitter and visit us at Facebook.com/BroadwayLeague. Follow @Broadway on Instagram for more Broadway content.

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West End LIVE 2020 to stream two specially commissioned highlights programs on June 20 and 21.

LONDON–West End LIVE have announced two specially commissioned highlights programs to be streamed on 20 and 21 June in place of the popular live event held at Trafalgar Square, which has sadly had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Two programs featuring the best of West End LIVE performances over the last 5 years will be broadcast live on West End LIVE’s Facebook page, one on the Saturday and the other on the Sunday. Both programs will be captioned and available to watch for 24 hours after premiering. There will also be a whole host of on-line activities throughout the weekend, with a schedule to be realized in advance, for fans to engage with and share their favorite West End Live memories.

West End Live is run by Westminster Council and the Society of London Theatre and has established itself over the years as a highlight of the theatrical year. It is a unique event for a world capital and one that provides a brilliant free taster of our wonderful shows and an introduction into the wider West End for tens of thousands of visitors who go on to enjoy shops, restaurants, and other attractions. We very much look forward to bringing it back bigger and better than ever before next year.

Sky VIP was due to partner with the live event this year so have commissioned a series of fifteen-minute videos of a selection of West End shows to share with their Sky VIP customers in the run up to what would have been West End LIVE weekend. These videos will then be available on Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel for everyone to see after June 20 and 21.

The theatre world has seen mass closures and cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. With audiences unable to come to our theatres we have no income and our actors, musicians, technical teams, front of house and everyone involved in making theatre are facing a very uncertain future. We would be so grateful if everyone who enjoys West End LIVE would consider making a small donation to our charity to help support our sector at these unprecedented times. Full details will be available over the weekend. 

westendlive.co.uk | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

#WestEndLIVE

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