Cost-of-Living Crisis and Ticket Sales Woes Plague Small Theatres, While Fringe Festival Sees Growth
Introduction: Financial Strain on South Australia’s Theatre Scene
Small and independent theatres in South Australia are grappling with dwindling audience numbers and rising costs, exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. While the Adelaide Fringe Festival brings temporary relief to the sector, local theatres are still feeling the financial strain as ticket sales continue to lag. The recent cancellation of Dear Evan Hansen‘s Adelaide season underscores the challenge of attracting audiences to larger productions.
Financial Struggles for Independent Theatres
Martha Lott, the artistic director of Holden Street Theatres, explained that the venue has lowered its ticket prices to attract audiences, acknowledging that it’s a struggle to make a profit. “We deliberately put our ticket prices down… it’s better to have a full house at a lower price than half a house at a higher price,” she said. Despite these efforts, the venue’s audience numbers have dropped by around 40%, and many productions are being run with voluntary work to keep costs down.
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Lott stressed that, for many small theatre companies, producing shows is more about passion than profit, with many artists working for little to no compensation in pursuit of their craft. The cost-of-living crisis has made it harder for people to justify spending money on theatre tickets, impacting both large and small venues alike.
Impact of Cancellations on Larger Productions
The cancellation of Dear Evan Hansen‘s Adelaide season last month highlights the difficulties even large, well-known productions face in the current market. Despite a strong run in Melbourne and Sydney, the show couldn’t generate enough interest in Adelaide and Canberra, resulting in the cancellation of those legs of the tour.
Ruth Weldon, co-chair of the Arts Industry Council, described the decision as disappointing but unsurprising given the tough economic climate. The high costs associated with running a venue, including purchasing props and materials, are forcing many venues to reconsider their operations. She noted that several independent venues have closed in recent years, and attendance at local productions has become more difficult to sustain.
Regional Theatres Hit Hard by Financial Pressure
Country Arts SA, which brings performances to regional areas such as Whyalla and Port Pirie, has seen attendance rates drop by 12% over the past year. CEO Anthony Peluso attributes this decline to the financial pressures faced by audiences, with people prioritizing other spending over theatre tickets. Many ticket purchases are now happening last-minute, adding stress to promoters and venues that rely on advanced bookings to ensure a successful show. Some performances have even been cancelled due to low ticket sales in advance.
Adelaide Fringe: A Bright Spot for Local Theatre
Despite the financial challenges facing the local theatre scene, the Adelaide Fringe Festival has been a success, with ticket sales up 15% compared to last year. The festival, which kicks off on Friday, has already sold over 314,500 tickets. Artistic director Heather Croall attributes the Fringe’s success to its affordability and innovative marketing strategies, making it accessible to a broader audience.
With an average ticket price of just $32, the Fringe allows people to attend shows without breaking the bank. Croall is optimistic about hitting her goal of one million tickets sold by the end of the festival. However, the nature of ticket sales remains nerve-wracking for artists, as most tickets are sold on the day of the performance. “It’s a bit of a pattern here in Adelaide and South Australia, people do buy tickets late,” Croall said.
Conclusion: The Future of South Australia’s Theatre Sector
While the Adelaide Fringe offers a much-needed financial boost to local theatres, the ongoing challenges faced by independent venues highlight the need for continued support in the sector. With high costs and declining attendance, many theatres are relying on the festival’s temporary success to keep their doors open. The state government’s upcoming cultural policy could offer a glimmer of hope for struggling venues, but for now, the focus is on navigating the financial pressures of a tough market.
