Thesis
Can performing arts centers with 1,800 seats be sustainable?: a case study of Trenton's War Memorial
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Mar 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7676
Abstract
Performing Arts Centers (PACs) require market demand, political will, funding resources and strong leadership to survive and thrive. The sustainability of PACs is challenged today due to shifting generational priorities and competing entertainment offerings that are often accessible at at one's convenience. PACs with 1,800 seats are especially challenged because of the mixture of escalating costs, a large number of seats to fill, high artist fees for artists who can fill those seats, and other challenges to management such as space functionality and other limitations. However, through my thesis research I have found that with creative approaches, significant resources and solid leadership, these PACs can be sustainable and become the future home of tomorrow's arts experiences. Literature on PACs explores how this can be achieved. A case study complete with original research (interviews, focus groups and surveys and archival research) shines light on the Trenton War Memorial, a PAC in a unique struggle, as it is the only PAC in the country owned and operated by a state government. My thesis research explores the market demand, funding climate, political will and managerial capacity for this PAC. As a result of my findings, it appears that market demand is there, political will must wait for the next administration, funding resources must go beyond state borders and leadership must be solicited and cultivated. It further includes a recommended path forward that may prove useful to other PACs, and elements that are relevant to the performing arts field as it seeks to meet the demands of tomorrow.
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Details
- Title
- Can performing arts centers with 1,800 seats be sustainable?
- Creators
- Marisa N. Benson - DU
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 184 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 7676; 991014631952304721