The provision would provide $10 billion in grants to live venue operators, producers, promoters and talent representatives in the entertainment industry whose business has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Broadway leaders applaud inclusion of Save Our Stages in revised Heroes Act
The provision would provide $10 billion in grants to live venue operators, producers, promoters and talent representatives in the entertainment industry whose business has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Hearing this news was quite delightful. Even the president of the Broadway League states that if this is passed, it would bring broadway as close to as it was pre-covid than anything else. I read last week about how a theater union, Actors Equity Association, sent a statement to congress about demanding more aid for theatrical artists and producers. I don't know if that did anything to prompt the inclusion of Save Our Stages in the Heroes Act, but there is some serious action taking place. Though the article says that the act is unlikely to make it through the Senate, I still think it is a good and important thing that it is going to their attention. Funding for broadway and theater arts is quite demanding and a lot, and it will take many waves for actions for a grant to finally take action. It is essential for the survival of many theater art platforms, so it is important to keep going until action is taken.
I had been hearing on the news about the push for this, but this blog was actually my first time hearing that “Save Our Stages” would be included in The Heroes Act. During such uncertain times, it is nice to see the live entertainment industry receiving some recognition and hopefully support. For the sake of the entertainment industry, many more industries, and many individuals of the United States, I truly hope that The Heroes Act passes as soon as possible. It is nice to see that there are specific provisions to dedicate these funds to the smaller theater companies, although I hope this does not lead to the job loss of those who are under larger companies. It is interesting that this relief could last through December of 2021. I am happy to hear that in a time of uncertainty, if this passes, there will at least be a pillow of relief for a while. I simultaneously hope that this pandemic does not necessitate the theatre industry to remain closed through 2021, but safety is the priority. I truly hope for the best for the industry as a whole, the individuals affected, and the lives and health of everyone during these trying times.
-Ariel Bernhard
Hearing that the industry is being thought of on a national level and leaders in our government have now at least introduced the idea of helping the performance industry is great. Even though the article makes it clear that it is unlikely for the Heroes Act to pass through Senate as is, the Save the Stage clause now has a chance of carrying over to the next iteration of the bill. It is interesting to me that it didn't exist before considering how it is most definitely one of the hardest hit businesses, especially because theater districts like Broadway don't even have the financial capability to use their theaters for things like streaming, and will have one of the longest roads to recovery if they aren't given any help. I really like the quote included in the article, about how the money won't save them because they're not going to die - it would just help them back on their feet, which is what everyone needs a little of today.
I hadn’t realized the Save Our Stages Act had made it into the Heroes Act, and that’s great news for Broadway and the theatre industry as a whole. Although some companies have been limping by doing outdoor shows and livestreams, the winter and cold weather that is arriving is going to severely limit those opportunities to recoup losses for stages in many parts of the country. The assistance plan laid out in the act would go a long way to making sure small companies can survive this crisis - it’s all well and good for Broadway to say “It’s not saving us because we’re making it through anyway”, but that’s not the case for most others. It really would save small theaters. I’m glad that we were able to bring this to national attention. I’m not glad that it has to make it through the Senate Republicans. I hate the underlying ‘of course, this probably won’t actually happen’ and that this is even something we have to be arguing for. Regardless, it’s a big step forward and I’m happy to hear about its inclusion.
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