“A condensed version of the reports and exhibits prepared by Mathtech, Inc.”

Theater activity, finances, and employment are examined in a report which summarizes research findings and recommendations originally included in a two-part study entitled, “The Conditions and Needs of the Live Professional Theatre in America.” Findings indicated that a substantial increase in federal funds is required to insure the future stability of professional theater in the United States. Theater activity has increased regionally, because of the growth of nonprofit regional theaters and the emergence of truck and bus touring operations. Almost all of the current nonprofit theaters have been founded in the last 20 years, resulting in significant changes in U.S. theater. Theater audiences are better educated and more affluent than the general population. That the economic effects of theatre production are substantial is supported by statistics indicating an almost 300 million dollar contribution to the national economy. While total actor employment has increased, it has not done so as quickly as union membership has grown, and most actors receive low salaries. The study concluded that in the future the theater may have to further control costs and raise revenues, become more dependent on contributions, or decrease its level of activity due to financial constraints. Figures and tables are included.

Consumer expenditures on arts performances reached $12.7 billion, but when adjusted for inflation, year-over-year spending held steady. For other spectator events, inflation-adjusted (“real”) spending declined from 2004 levels.

A comparison of the taxable and nonprofit sectors of performing arts organizations (theater, music, dance) using data from the Economic Censuses of 1992, 1987, 1982, and 1977.

Report on a study of American artists using data derived from the 1990 federal census, focusing on geography, employment, earnings, demographic background, characteristics of artists’ households, and housing.

Detailed survey of 1,218 craft artist organizations in all parts of the United States with data on size, location, media preferences, membership screening facilities, staffing, expenses, and funding.