President of Actors’ Equity Kate Shindle and the NEA Director of Theater & Musical Theater Greg Reiner discuss the current challenges, strategic innovations, and the evolving landscape of American theater. Shindle provides an overview of the history and evolving mission of Actors’ Equity in safeguarding actors and stage managers. While Reiner discusses the NEA’s strategic funding to support theaters nationwide, highlighting the critical need for sustainability in the sector. Both emphasize the creative resilience and artistic innovation within the theater community while exploring the significant financial and structural challenges faced by the industry during and post-COVID-19. They share optimism over the leadership transitions within the theater community, which focuses on the representation of diverse voices in leadership roles but also see the need to support these leaders who have stepped up in a fraught time. We also discuss the implications of digital streaming for live theater, considering its potential to enhance accessibility and audience engagement. And Shindle, who is stepping down from Equity leadership, reflects on her tenure while both share their aspirations for the future of theater in America.
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