The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the U.S. Theater Industry

Abstract

The article focuses on the effects, responses and consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on the U.S. theater industry. The author considers the economic contribution of the industry to the U.S. economy in the pre-covid years, restores the chronology of the shutdown (the longest closing of Broadway in history), lists the damages incurred, analyzes the measures taken, including at the federal level, to survive, and predicts the prospects for its development in the conditions of "new normality" and "New Deal" (on equality, diversity, inclusiveness and belonging). The main negative consequences of a year and a half of industrial downtime are the sharp decrease in tourist flow and the shortfall of billions of dollars in trade both for the theatre and related industries (hotels, restaurants, transportation and other business sectors), as well as the growth of budget deficits, losses of direct and induced jobs and reduced incomes. As practice shows, it will take at least 4-5 years for the industry in order to achieve the level and indicators of 2019, even with a complete return to normal life. Nevertheless, the author concludes that despite the temporary financial losses suffered by the theater industry, it demonstrates all the capacities for recovery, simultaneously mastering new artistic techniques and innovative ways to convey its products to the audience, as well as to systemic restructuring and transformation.