A recent article in The New York Times noted that local and regional American theaters, even after recovering somewhat after the epidemic, are struggling to fill seats. The focus of the article, though, was two theaters that have bucked this trend, and why they believe that’s so.
Kristen Coury, artistic director at Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida, says she selects shows that are upbeat and well-known, not “poke-you-in-the-eye theatre” that’s good for you. At Milwaukee Rep, the theater has three goals – to entertain, provoke and inspire. Chad Bauman, the executive director at Milwaukee Rep, believes that some theaters get in trouble when they’ve concentrated too much in one of these directions.
Monica DiBiasio, theater artistic managing director at Durango Arts Center, says she usually looks at a season thematically, then considers what fits DAC’s mission and what they can technically support, including the availability of local talent. This year’s theme was “Lovers and Sinners.” Next year’s is “The State We Are In” to reflect the 250th and 150th anniversaries of the United States and Colorado.
DiBiasio said budgetary concerns like cast size and licensing fees are big factors in what they can program, but the audience is always top of mind.
“We definitely try to cater to our regular audience but always look for pieces that might bring in new faces, too. It’s a balance,” she said.
Felicia Lansbury Meyer, chair of Fort Lewis College’s Performing Arts Department, said that each fall, a Season Selection Committee meets regularly to shape the upcoming year. They consider genres, styles, and historical periods that will challenge and inspire student performers. Two elected student representatives play an active role throughout the process.
“Our priorities are clear: create opportunities for student growth, offer productions that engage and delight our community, and build a season that is both ambitious and achievable,” she said.
Brendan Burke, artistic director of Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville, New York, said there is a balance of both artistic and practical considerations.
“We tend to see the plan of an ideal season like a meal. Start off with a tempting appetizer or two, get into the meat of the season and maybe end with a dessert,” said Burke, who served as a director during Durango PlayFest’s sixth annual festival. “Then come the important practical considerations such as budgetary constraints, talent schedules, rights availability and expected draw.”
Nick Chase, co-artistic director at Local Theatre Company in Boulder, considers new plays exclusively. When reading potential plays, he said their goal is to find a story that speaks to the current moment in a way that has not been done before: a new characterization or a new way of telling a familiar story.
Chase, who served as a director for Durango PlayFest in 2025, said they also look for what audiences may be craving. “Next fall will be a midterm election, a period of high stress for our nation. Therefore, our audience may not be keen to watch an epic, four-hour drama.”
Mandy Mikulencak is managing director of Durango PlayFest and an author of historical fiction. She’s worked in the nonprofit sector for 35 years.
