SYRACUSE, NY (NCC News) — Last year, Syracuse Stage saw its regular routine of live, in-person theater, flipped upside-down when it was forced to transition to online.
Three of its shows were videoed live in the theater while three others were filmed in unfamiliar locations. One was filmed in an apartment in Chicago, another in a mobile home, and the last one, on zoom.
Director of Marketing and CommunicationsJoseph Whelan says the theater lost money because ticket sales declined.
“Frankly most people weren’t interested in watching theater online,” he stated. “I don’t blame them. I don’t think I would be either.”
While overall income fell, Syracuse Stage gained a more diverse audience as a result of the online shows.
“We had people tune in from five countries and 47 states across the nation,” Whelan added.
Throughout all of the challenges, Syracuse Stage was able to retain all staff throughout the pandemic. It benefited from government programs such as the Payment Protection Plan (PPP) and more recently, Save Our Stages.
With in-person theater resuming, Syracuse Stage is taking precautions to ensure a safe and complete season.
“We are implementing all necessary COVID safety protocols: requiring vaccinations or proof of negative test and people will have to be masked in the theater,” Whelan said.
Additionally, all staff are required to be vaccinated as well.
The first show opened Oct. 13
