Dear American Theatre reader,
We write today to ask for your continued support of American Theatre magazine. Over the past year and a half, American Theatre has responded to the unprecedented changes impacting our theatre ecology. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the generational shifts in leadership to the growing movements for justice in our field and beyond, American Theatre has covered it. As we’ve grown the scope and depth of our coverage, we’ve continued to write about the exits, entrances, awards, memorials, and season announcements that theatres and theatre-makers rely on.
We’ve done all this with a diminished staff of only two full-time editors, supported by a growing cadre of regular contributors. We’re writing today to thank this team for their extraordinary work, and to ask you, our readers, to understand the limits of our capacity when we are unable to cover a particular story or conversation.
American Theatre has a unique and essential role in our theatre ecology. As the amount of professional arts journalism has diminished, that role has become even more important. We know that theatres and theatre artists count on American Theatre’s coverage to advance their work and careers. When acts of harm occur in our field, our reporting can provide critical context and accountability. We’re grateful for the trust placed in American Theatre, and understand the importance of our role, but we can only continue that work by supporting the well-being of the editors and journalists who make it possible.
Over the coming months, we’ll be evaluating American Theatre magazine’s business model, considering everything from the potential return of the print magazine to new revenue models. We’ll be further aligning the magazine with our new mission, to lead for a just and thriving theatre ecology, and our strategic priority to center theatres and theatre people of color. This planning process, so necessary to the magazine’s health, will also take time.
How can you support American Theatre going forward? Well, beyond the call for grace we’ve extended above, now would be a great time to become a member of TCG, at the individual and/or organizational level. You’ll not only be supporting American Theatre, but also our convenings, professional development, EDI initiatives, federal advocacy, and so much more. If you’re already a member, thank you, and please consider becoming a donor. Together, we can ensure that the magazine, its editors and journalists, and our whole theatre ecology thrive.
Adrian Budhu, Deputy Director & COO || Teresa Eyring, Executive Director & CEO