The concert hall in London is feeling the pain - and asking the British government to make masks and proof of vaccination required for venues its size. - BBC
The COVID-caused cancellation comes at an terrible time for the performers and staff. Many other shows are canceling for the weekend or week as well. In November, the NYT published an article about the workers' worries about Radio City's COVID-19 protocol. - The New York Times
Studio executives and box-office pundits expected audiences to show up for In the Heights, Dear Evan Hansen and West Side Story, and not just fans of the movie musical but general audiences, as well. After a year without movies, audiences would crave the spectacle. It didn’t happen. - The Guardian
"The Met is the first major performing arts organization in the city to announce a booster-shot mandate that will apply to audiences as well as staff members; the new rule will take effect Jan. 17." - The New York Times
The site has no paywall; the model is like that of public radio in the US: convince visitors to contribute. Now more than 1 million people worldwide make recurring donations, nearly double the number three years ago. (The Guardian also has 100,000 print subscribers.) - Axios
"Nathan Pearce from theatre ticket agency Seatplan said: 'As soon as Omicron was reported as a serious threat we saw a 30% drop in sales almost overnight. And when Boris made his announcement we saw another 40% drop.'" - BBC
For several years, a mixture of denial and deep optimism have kept up the facade. News outlet leaders believe that, since others are perceived to have success with podcasting, their payoff must be right around the corner. - NiemanLab
With infections of the Delta and Omicron variants rising, the government has instituted what it calls "Plan B": audiences and staff at theatres, concert halls, and cinemas must wear masks, and proof of vaccination will be required at large nightclubs and indoor sports events. - The Hollywood Reporter
"The pass shows proof of vaccination, or recovery from the virus within the last six months. It will be needed to enter theatres, cinemas, music venues, sports events, restaurants and bars until (at least) mid-January." - BBC
“With the terror of a global pandemic sending anxiety sky high and rendering TV one of the few safe entertainment outlets, the desire for comfort has become particularly noticeable.” - The New York Times
When performances started up again in the UK over the summer, masks weren't made mandatory (much to the alarm of some visitors from abroad). But with Delta and Omicron coronaviruses continuing to sicken people, venues are starting to insist that patrons wear face coverings. - The New York Times
The creator of Hamilton says the show's filmed version o on Disney+ has only increased demand for tickets to the staged production. (If only all shows could be hits like that one …) Lynn Nottage's new play, Clyde's, is streaming as well and could offer more data. - Playbill
Hosting platform Acast says that the average episode length of its 100 most popular podcasts is 38'10" — but it's not that simple. Comedy shows average 55½ minutes, news/politics programs 28 minutes. Podcasts aimed at commuters run about 40 minutes, those for people doing chores about 20. - Inside Radio
