Jason Laks appointed as new president of The Broadway League, with a focus on evolving beyond 2019 standards.
The Broadway League, a prominent trade organization representing commercial theater producers and theater owners, has appointed Jason Laks as its new president. Laks, a seasoned official at the organization, has been involved with the League since 2012 and has held various roles, including director of labor relations. He has been serving as the interim president since February, following the departure of the previous leader, Charlotte St. Martin.
The Broadway League is well-known for co-presenting the annual Tony Awards, a prestigious event recognizing outstanding plays and musicals on Broadway. In addition to its involvement in the Tony Awards, the organization plays a crucial role in negotiating labor contracts with unions, advocating for the industry in government relations, promoting diversity in American theater, and overseeing the Jimmy Awards, a national high school musical theater competition.
With an annual budget of $12 million and a staff of 33, the Broadway League has 830 members, including Broadway theater owners, touring show presenters, general managers, vendors, and suppliers. Despite the industry’s previous success, Broadway has faced challenges in recovering from the pandemic-induced shutdown, with audience numbers still below pre-pandemic levels. Factors contributing to this include changes in work patterns, entertainment consumption habits, and concerns about costs and safety.
Laks acknowledges the ongoing recovery efforts post-pandemic and emphasizes the importance of not just returning to pre-pandemic levels but also focusing on growing and diversifying audiences. He believes that attracting people back to the city to experience Broadway shows is crucial for the industry’s future success.
In conclusion, the Broadway League’s choice of Jason Laks as its new president comes at a critical time for the theater industry as it navigates the challenges of post-pandemic recovery and works towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Source: The NY Times
