Sunday, April 23, 2023 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 56 SPONSORED CONTENT PROVIDED BY THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE The pandemic changed arts communities across the world. In March 2020, when many organizations and businesses were required to close, theaters were hit hard. According to SMU Data Arts, it’s estimated that through December 2021, the nonprofit performing arts industries lost more than $3.2 billion due to pandemic related closures. “Before the pandemic, nearly 300,000 people experienced the transformational beauty of musical theater,” explains Bill Berry, producing artistic director at The 5th Avenue Theatre, a nonprofit theater company based in Seattle, “which also fueled the local economy to the tune of $27.3 million.” A shift like this can also be felt on an individual level as arts organizations are seen as a valuable part of a community. A 2018 study found that 79% of people in King County believed the arts benefited their personal well-being with 28% of those people feeling that arts and culture promote social change at a community level. As the world continues to change and audiences return, local theater organizations are evolving to better reflect and support the communities they serve. “Musical theater is at the heart of what we do at The 5th,” says Berry. “As we continue to move forward, we will produce work that is culturally relevant and accessible to all of our community.” Powerful programming The pandemic not only had an economic impact on the theater world, but it prompted organizations to look at their place in the community. “The 5th has changed its lens,” says Berry, “[and] is looking at things through an engagement perspecKeeping musical theater in tune with the times The 5th Avenue Theatre is one of America's leading musical theater companies. We enrich the community we love with the art form we love — giving the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions. Learn more at www.5thavenue.org. tive. What can we do for the community? But also understanding and asking what can we learn from the community?” Part of this is producing work that does more than just entertain. Berry notes that they try to tell stories that showcase the rich diversity of the people who live here. They put on a production of “And So That Happened” last season which featured a mostly all-local cast and creative team that showcased the talent Seattle has to offer. Investing in local talent Creating opportunities and support for local artists that take the stage and those that work behind the scenes is key to supporting the community. “The 5th strives to hire local artists and theater makers to stay true to our roots,” says Berry. “We want to amplify the voices of the people in our community. We can’t do that if we’re not allowing them to take the stage.” One of the ways they do this is by holding open auditions. Berry describes that in Spring 2022 and 2023 they held open auditions with a significant refresh to the process. They worked to adjust language in the open call posts and submission form to continue to root out barriers to access and participation. He mentions that the changes were well received, and artists felt called to share in the process and collaborate. Along with onstage talent they work to develop and create opportunities offstage. Administrative staff are given tools to professionally advance by attending courses, webinars and conferences to engage and learn more about their careers. Supporting arts education Another way to support and invest in the community is through arts education programs for the youth. “Access to the arts has been challenging for so many students in our community,” says Ariel Bradler, director of Education and Engagement. “As we come out of the pandemic, students and youth need more support. An arts education helps students become better learners — providing an outlet for creative expression.” Educational programs like those that The 5th offers help create enriching opportunities for students to explore theater and create a gateway to local art traditions. Part of this work also includes supporting educators. Many schools may not have the resources to support arts education curriculum and programs like The 5th’s Rising Star Project help facilitate that. These programs can be incredibly impactful by not only providing a creative outlet for young people in the community, but it can help empower them to pursue what they are passionate about. (John Curry Photo) Donate today! The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Rising Star Project production of “Into the Woods.” (Cesar Cabrera photo)
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