I'm just going to leave this here for discussion.
This little article sums up a lot of the math we did at SDC with regards to the cost of performing in theatres. As we don't own our venue our break even would price us out of our market to the point of costing us substantial amounts to perform
https://www.middleclassartist.com/post/the-post-covid-concert-hall-catastrophe-why-audience-attendance-is-the-least-of-our-problems
Thanks for sharing. One of the comments stuck out to me:
"Computers can handle at least part of the seating problem. Just give the computer the rules: no more than 4 people to a family group, three empty seats between groups or individuals. Let the ticket buyers define the family members. Then there is the challenge of getting people into and out of their seats without violating the distancing rules."
Does anyone know if Tessitura is creating seating algorithms to help with this?
Hi Chris,
It is definitely not financially viable, but I think many performance venues don't really have (or haven't come up with) any other options. So I think it would be used, assuming that physical distancing is required but large indoor gatherings are permitted.
There's a theatre in Arkansas that is hosting a concert on MAY 15, using seating arrangements they call "fan pods." Pollstar had a wee article about them: https://www.pollstar.com/article/arkansas-theatre-reduces-capacity-sets-up-fan-pods-to-host-may-15-concert-144495
As far as getting people into the theatre once they've purchased: is there any way to modify timed entry areas without remapping our whole facility? I'd like to look at the possibility of staggering patron entry times, so that we wouldn't have as many in line/lobby/finding seats at the same time.
Best,
Darryl