How Does the Current Social, Economic and Cultural Situation Affect the Attitude and Attendance of the Theatre Audiences of Today?

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

The objective of this document is to question the attendance and public support, regarding Theatre events in the current economic and social climate. From the research that I have conducted from numerous publications including Government Statistics, Theatre publications, general media and also interviews with Theatre Management, the Public, and community leaders I will show how the theatres and production companies have reacted to influences such as: The Recession, the increasing unemployment numbers of the UK and the increase in immigration. In addition I will show how the Public have reacted to these conditions and how the Public still seek live Theatre entertainment but across a wider range of productions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

The business problem for theater operators6

Substitutes7

Buyers9

Suppliers10

Barriers to entry11

Rivalry11

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY19

Scope of the Study21

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION22

Strategic Choices in Theatre Houses Management22

(A) Artistic Objectives30

(B) Economic Objectives31

(C) Marketing Objectives33

(D) Social Objectives35

Theatre Context: A Case of Slovakia36

Management Models and Strategic Choices in Slovak Theatre Houses37

Implications for a New Management Model in the Slovak National Theatre37

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION40

REFERENCES42

BIBLIOGRAPHY51

APPENDIX55

CAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Since the onset of the current economic climate which began in late 2007 and has been getting progressively more serious, and with significantly higher unemployment and record youth unemployment I am keen to explore the impact this has had on Theatres. Whilst the financial climate has been devastating for many types of business the question of how have the Theatre world coped with this situation, have their audience numbers been maintained and if so they have done anything differently to keep the audience levels. How have they adapted to this changing financial climate including types of promotions, types of shows what have they had to change if indeed anything, to maintain the audience numbers - are they seeking more international tourists, perhaps conducting overseas promotions. The question of are they recession proof, and indeed are any of them actually seeing increasing audience numbers and so are “bucking the trend?”. I am very interested in providing this research to establish any trends and to demonstrate that the Theatre is very much alive and well. My interviews with Theatre Management along with media research will help give an insight into how Theatres are reacting to the current economic climate. My research will show how audience attendance has changed both in London and regionally, in addition to demonstrating an increase in the newer specialist Theatres and Productions catering for the immigrant ...