ADVOCACY ALERT
On behalf of the 401 independent producers and non-profit theater members of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, we take New York State's guidelines for the reopening of theaters as a welcome sign that we are beginning the journey back to live performance in indoor venues. And, just as we cannot open a successful production without a script, without rehearsals, without a set, and without selling tickets, we require more than a date to reopen our theaters.
A.R.T./New York supports our members' needs to plan for feasible and successful reopening on their own timelines and encourages our members to reopen when they are ready to do so. We call upon the State for further clarity on the following:
  • The State must approve and publish clear, accessible guidelines for the reopening of theaters to begin on April 2. 

  • Since we are now allowed to reopen our theatres, and if we all agree the direct and indirect economic impact of the performing arts is crucial, then our workers must be vaccinated. Arts and entertainment workers must be eligible for vaccination starting now in preparation for April 2 reopening. 

  • The City must reduce fees and regulations associated with Temporary Permits of Assembly (TPA’s) so that venues can self-certify in order to reduce financial burdens and as venues comply with the important social distancing guidelines for seating.

  • Theaters must receive the necessary financial resources in order to comply with modifications to our spaces to ensure public health and safety in accordance with the State's requirements, union mandates, and CDC protocol. We cannot simply reopen; we require further assistance to do so safely and in compliance with all requisite protocols.

  • The City and the State must invest in a coordinated marketing campaign to encourage audiences to return to the theaters. We rely on the earned income from tickets and subscription purchases that have been decimated by the necessary closure of our venues. A coordinated marketing effort was essential to catalyze a return to theaters after 9/11 and it is crucial now. 
To our members and all theater and performance makers: we are developing summary explanations of the state's reopening guidelines that we will post on our website as soon as they are complete. Please also visit our Reopening Resources page for more information and continue to stay in touch with us about your needs and concerns.
 
We are tremendously grateful to our State elected officials for the good work they have done to secure an expansive new stimulus package, and we are committed to providing all necessary support and data to ensure that New York State’s portion of these stimulus monies can be used to support the above demands.  
We encourage all members of the performing arts community to share this call for clarity using #SupportReOpening.

Please consider using the below sample posts for your social media:
FOR LINKED-IN EMAIL/LINKEDIN/FACEBOOK

SAMPLE 1- Suggested post -
  • We/(I) [INSERT THEATRE NAME] want to reopen our theaters and seek support not permission. We/(I) join @artny72 in asking for support from the Governor’s office. We join them in the field’s collective commitment to excellence & safety first. #SupportReOpening by sharing these demands. 
SAMPLE 2- Suggested post -
  • Theatres & theatre companies have an obligation to their workers and their audiences to keep them safe. It’s crucial that we band together to advocate for the support our industry needs in order to reopen. You can support our efforts by Call to action. #SupportReOpening
FOR INSTAGRAM
SAMPLE 3- Suggested post-
  • Theatres & theatre companies have an obligation to their workers and their audiences to keep them safe. It’s crucial that we band together to advocate for the support our industry needs in order to reopen. You can support our efforts by Call to action. See link in bio. #SupportReOpening
 
SAMPLE 4 - Suggested post-
  • We/(I) [INSERT THEATRE NAME] want to comply, we want to reopen. We/(I) join @artny72 in asking for support, from the Governor’s office, NOT permission. We join them in the field’s collective commitment to excellence & safety first. #SupportReOpening by demanding that XYZ make available the resources required to do so. See link in bio.
IMAGES (to download and attach/post)
We also encourage our members to sign onto the Revive and Rebuild Grants proposal by clicking the button below.