NEA Announces Report on Nonprofit Theaters
12.23.2008WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nonprofit theaters in the United States have seen
unprecedented expansion across the United States, according to new
research from the National Endowment for the Arts.
All America's a Stage examines developments
in the growth, distribution, and finances of America's nonprofit
theater system since 1990. While the research indicates broad growth
and generally positive fiscal health, it also reveals decreasing
attendance rates and vulnerability during economic downturns.
"America has created a magnificent national network of nonprofit
theaters," said NEA Chairman Dana Gioia. "Our challenge now is to use
them ambitiously to bring the power of theater to our citizens,
students, and communities."
Nearly 2,000 nonprofit theaters were analyzed for the study, which
draws from several data sources such as the Internal Revenue Service,
Theater Communications Group member survey data, the U.S. Census
Bureau's Economic Census Data, and data from the NEA's Survey of
Public Participation in the Arts. The investigation revealed that NEA
funding is a likely catalyst in drawing sizeable contributions from
other sources. Each dollar in NEA grant support is associated with an
additional $12 from individual donors, $1.88 from businesses, and
$3.55 from foundations.
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