Regional venues, such as Olney Theatre and Signature Theatre, report surging ticket sales, increased donations and growing interest from performers seeking alternatives to the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center has faced a turbulent year that has included leadership shake-ups, artist boycotts, falling subscriptions and even a name change adding President Donald Trump’s name to the building.
As controversies continue to surround D.C.’s iconic performance venue, other theaters in the region are seeing more interest and, in some cases, fielding inquiries from performers and groups who may have worked at the Kennedy Center and are seeking new venues.
“We have been notified by our donors. About $50,000 worth of donations have come our way from people who would have put that money toward the Kennedy Center but have since decided to invest in us,” said Debbie Ellinghaus, executive director of the Olney Theatre Center in Olney, Maryland.
Ellinghaus said ticket sales were strong during the holidays, but said it’s hard to know if that’s tied to the ongoing situation at the Kennedy Center. She said there is also a renewed interest in regional theaters and community-driven productions as many look for venues other than the Kennedy Center, which is a major touring house in the region.
“There’s an opportunity for us to remind our community, and perhaps in many instances, maybe share for the first time what a nonprofit regional theater is, and why we are so integral and important in our community,” Ellinghaus said.
In Arlington, Maggie Boland, managing director of Signature Theatre, said the theater is in a period of “really strong” ticket sales with its two musicals — “Fiddler on the Roof” and “In Clay” — completely sold out.
Boland said she can’t speculate on why audiences are choosing Signature, but noted that regardless of the reason, the theater is selling more tickets.
“Whether it has anything to do with the current conditions or not, I am really pleased to say we are selling more tickets and bringing in more revenue right now than we have in prior years,” Boland said.
She also said December was a strong month for fundraising, noting that successful productions often drive donations.
While Signature focuses on its own productions, Olney Theater does bring in other performances and hopes to do more as it nears completion of a $37 million expansion. Ellinghaus said over the past few weeks her “phone rings frequently for rentals or collaborations,” as performers and groups look for alternative venues.
Beyond the headlines surrounding the Kennedy Center, Boland said it’s important to note that the arts are alive and well in the D.C. area, and theaters work together to thrive.
“So, a success at Arena Stage or Shakespeare Theater is good news for Signature and vice versa,” Boland said.