Our Chicago: The League of Chicago Theatres
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The League of Chicago Theatres says theater is "essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens."
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Chicago is fortunate to have more than 200. But they do face challenges, such as rebuilding audiences lost during the pandemic and maintaining funding sources.
Marissa Lynn Jones, executive director of the League of Chicago Theatres, joined ABC7 to discuss the issues they are facing.
"Funding is the first challenge that we have. In the past we had the subscription model where people would buy tickets in advance for the whole season. We're seeing that those numbers are down by about 65% as of 2022. And 2019 pre-pandemic numbers were higher," Lynn Jones said.
Jones also explained some of the reasons why people aren't going to see stage performances.
"A lot of people now are engaging in shorter intervals, so we have those 30 second videos on social media. We have quick performance; we have quick access. And so, having to come and experience something where you can't have your phone out in the traditional way, you can't broadcast it and have that kind of social engagement it shifts people to go to
things that have live concerts or that you know exactly what you're going to get," Jones said.
The League organizes Chicago Theatre Week runs February 5 through the 15th.
Tickets go on sale January 6.
For more information on Chicago Theatre Week, visit:
