Theatre Washington has published a report analyzing the economic impact of the DC-area theater industry. The report’s quantitative data show that beyond its prolific artistic output, the region’s theater industry is a powerful economic engine.
Collectively, local theater organizations create thousands of jobs and volunteer opportunities, pay nearly 70 million dollars annually to artists and staff, and steward over one billion dollars in combined assets. These figures underscore theater not only as a cultural cornerstone but also a major contributor to the region’s economic health and vitality.
Theatre Washington conducted an assessment of the financial and operational scope of this sector by analyzing publicly available IRS Form 990 data for 89 theater organizations in the Washington region.
Read more and view the full report and report snapshot.
“This analysis is the first of its kind for our region and is critical in understanding – and quantifying – the significant economic impact of the theater industry in the Washington DC-area. As a collective industry, we have strong footholds in workforce development and real estate, while generating millions of dollars for the local economy. Our study offers valuable insights that reaffirm what those of us in the theater community already know: that Washington theater is both essential to the vibrancy of our region and economically significant,” said Amy Austin, President & CEO of Theatre Washington.
The report was first presented at an arts advocacy workshop to a group of theater-makers and partners, including staff and board members from area theaters and civic leaders, who convened on Wednesday, October 8 at Shakespeare Theatre Company at Harman Hall in Downtown DC. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Eric Colchamiro, principal at Colchamiro Public Strategies; Victoria Murray Baatin, principal of Apex Arts Consultants; Beth Brummel, Chief Operating Officer of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts; David Grosso, partner at ArentFox Schiff and former At-Large Councilmember of the DC Council; and Suzan E. Jenkins, CEO, Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland.
The report is published with gratitude to the Theatre Washington Advancement Committee, led by Co-Chairs John Hauge and Michelle Pendoley, and the ad hoc Advocacy subcommittee including Nathan Ainspan, Eric Colchamiro, Nicole Hertvik, Mary Beth Leidman, and Craig Pascal. The report is authored by Theatre Washington Advancement Manager, Katherine Ross, M.A, and Nathan Ainspan, Ph.D.
About Theatre Washington
Through collaborative partnerships, advocacy and programs, Theatre Washington supports the Washington, DC-area’s professional theater community to celebrate artistic achievement, strengthen the theatrical workforce, support institutional growth and advancement, and cultivate collective action. Theatre Washington’s core programs include: the Helen Hayes Awards, Theatre Week, Theatre Work, and the Taking Care Fund.
