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Until the Curtains Rise: How to Support U.S. Theater Artists By Amanda Finn The novel Coronavirus-19 shuttered America’s theaters in 2020 and, while there is hope for 2021, the majority of theaters are still closed for in-person performances for the foreseeable future. Nine months into the pandemic, with cast recordings on repeat and recorded plays aplenty online, theater fans are clamoring for new ways to support artists in this difficult time. Though the holidays are over, it’s never too late to give back to the companies we love and ones we’re just discovering for the first time. No matter where you are in the country there are ways to invest in the arts. First and foremost, the easiest way to support theater artists is by sharing their current work or donating to crowdsourcing funds. Financial relief for artists has all but dried up, but if you aren’t able to give money be sure to share the fundraising efforts wherever you can. Word of mouth is, of course, a great way to bolster support. One reason why streaming theater performances can be a great source of support is because those shows inspire us to give back or find other ways to sustain companies and artists. Watching theater even from a distance also reminds us why theater means so much to us. It keeps the arts in front of the mind so, when the arts are live again, seeing them won’t feel so foreign. While you’re waiting for theaters to reopen, you can still buy gift cards! Even if you can’t see a show right now, you can plan ahead and give local theaters some cash now by purchasing gift cards or certificates to use at a later date. This is also something you can do to support your local businesses as well. Although the holidays are over, consider giving back to local companies by buying merchandise from them. Many theater artists are also major side hustlers and have opened Etsy or other online shops to support themselves. Seek out those sites to directly support artists wherever they are. For example, the performers who were laid off at Walt Disney World are finding creative ways to support themselves and fellow former cast members. While slightly different than your average live theater performer, the performing cast members at Disney World are actors too! Crowdsourcing within our own communities is a great way to help everyone stay afloat. 28 | artsscene
