Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performing arts

File:The Anthem COVID-19 marquee.jpg, a music venue in Washington, D.C., that ceased operations during the pandemic]]

File:In The Heart Of The Beast Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota.jpg in Minneapolis]]

Live musical performances in indoor spaces were cancelled. Theatre performances were cancelled or delayed. All Broadway theatres in New York were closed{{Cite web|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2020/10/09/broadway-coronavirus-shutdown-latest-timeline-for-possible-reopening-|title=Broadway League Extends Shutdown Until June 2021|website=www.ny1.com|access-date=Jan 18, 2021}} as well as West End theatres in London.{{cite news|url= https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/west-end-closure-august-covid-lockdown_51712.html|title= West End confirms closure until at least August|work=WhatsOnStage|date=3 June 2020}} Waitress on West End and Frozen on Broadway announced they would close permanently.{{cite news|last=Snow|first=Georgia|date=27 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Waitress confirms it will not reopen after theatre closures|publisher=The Stage|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2020/coronavirus-waitress-confirms-it-will-not-reopen-after-theatre-closures|access-date=28 March 2020}}{{cite news|date=14 May 2020|title=Broadway's Frozen Will Not Reopen Post-Pandemic|work=Playbill|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-frozen-will-not-reopen-post-pandemic}} 9 to 5: The Musical on West End,[https://www.bestoftheatre.co.uk/blog/post/9-to-5-cast-quotes "9 to 5 The Musical - Celebrating A West End Triumph"] bestoftheatre.co.uk, 8 April 2020 Beetlejuice,{{cite web|author=BWW News Desk|title=With Closure Official Beetlejuice Considering Future Production Plans; Tour|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/With-Closure-Official-BEETLEJUICE-Considering-Future-Production-Plans-Tour-20200408|access-date=April 8, 2020|website=BroadwayWorld.com}} The Inheritance,{{cite news|date=12 May 2020|title=Check the Statuses of Broadway Shows During the Coronavirus Shutdown|work=Playbill|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/check-the-statuses-of-broadway-shows-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown}} and Thriller – Live on Broadway and the Endgame and Rough for Theatre II double bill at The Old Vic{{cite web|title=Old Vic becomes first London theatre to cancel performances as Endgame closes early amid coronavirus outbreak | London Evening Standard|date=16 March 2020 |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/theatre/old-vic-endgame-coronavirus-daniel-radcliffe-a4387811.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316154238/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/theatre/old-vic-endgame-coronavirus-daniel-radcliffe-a4387811.html|archive-date=16 March 2020|access-date=16 April 2020}} were already scheduled to end, but were forced to close earlier than expected. Both Hangmen and revival of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? on Broadway cancelled their entire run, though they had a few preview performances prior to the Broadway shut down.{{cite news|last=Meyer|first=Dan|date=20 March 2020|title=Hangmen Is the First Show to Officially Announce It Will Not Return to Broadway|newspaper=Playbill|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/hangmen-is-the-first-show-to-officially-announce-it-will-not-return-to-broadway|url-status=live|access-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320223223/https://www.playbill.com/article/hangmen-is-the-first-show-to-officially-announce-it-will-not-return-to-broadway|archive-date=20 March 2020}}[https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/WHOS-AFRAID-OF-VIRGINIA-WOOLF-Announces-Broadway-Closing-20200321 " 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' Announces Broadway Closing"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321125721/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/WHOS-AFRAID-OF-VIRGINIA-WOOLF-Announces-Broadway-Closing-20200321|date=2020-03-21}} broadwayworld.com, March 21, 2020 Mean Girls announced on January 7, 2021, that it would not be reopening post pandemic, though it intended to resume its tour and the film adaptation of the musical remained in the works.{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Greg|date=January 7, 2021|title='Mean Girls' Broadway Musical Announces Permanent Closure Due To Covid Shutdown|url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/mean-girls-broadway-tina-fey-closing-musical-covid19-shutdown-1234666902/|access-date=January 8, 2021|website=Deadline|language=en-US}} The Secret of My Success, mid-run in its world premiere and pre-Broadway tryout at the Paramount Theatre, was shut down March 13.{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Chris|date=February 23, 2020|title=Review: The Paramount's fine 'Secret of My Success' must drag along a clunky story from the '80s|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/reviews/ct-ent-secret-of-my-success-paramount-theater-review-0224-20200223-6txvqosmnrhitmoo3w553ixuva-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204115924/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/reviews/ct-ent-secret-of-my-success-paramount-theater-review-0224-20200223-6txvqosmnrhitmoo3w553ixuva-story.html|archive-date=December 4, 2020|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=Chicago Tribune}}{{Cite web|date=February 4, 2019|title=The Secret of My Success {{!}} February 12 – March 29, 2020|url=https://paramountaurora.com/events/the-secret-of-my-success/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211005653/https://paramountaurora.com/events/the-secret-of-my-success/|archive-date=February 11, 2021|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=Paramount Theatre|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Gans|first=Andrew|date=February 5, 2019|title=The Secret of My Success Musical Will Make World Premiere in 2020 at Aurora's Paramount Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/the-secret-of-my-success-musical-will-make-world-premiere-in-2020-at-auroras-paramount-theatre|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022072455/https://www.playbill.com/article/the-secret-of-my-success-musical-will-make-world-premiere-in-2020-at-auroras-paramount-theatre|archive-date=October 22, 2020|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=Playbill|language=en}} Shakespeare's Globe called for urgent funding in order to avoid insolvency.{{Cite news|date=19 May 2020|title=Shakespeare's Globe theatre calls for urgent funds to avoid insolvency|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52704754}}

Premieres and openings postponed included the world premieres of 101 Dalmatians{{Cite web|author=BWW News Desk|title=Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Postpones 101 DALMATIONS|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Regents-Park-Open-Air-Theatre-Postpones-101-DALMATIONS-20200318|access-date=2020-05-04|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en}} and Identical{{cite web|title=New musical Identical, based on The Parent Trap, to be postponed until 2021 {{!}} WhatsOnStage|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/new-musical-identical-parent-trap-2021_51316.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404104510/https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/new-musical-identical-parent-trap-2021_51316.html|archive-date=2020-04-04|access-date=2020-04-03|website=whatsonstage.com|date=2 April 2020 |language=en-GB}}, Broadway openings as revival of American Buffalo, Caroline, or Change, Diana, Flying Over Sunset, revival of How I Learned to Drive, The Lehman Trilogy, Mrs. Doubtfire, revival of Plaza Suite, Sing Street, Six, and revival of Take Me Out;{{cite web|author=BWW News Desk|title=Breaking: Roundabout Pushes CAROLINE, OR CHANGE and BIRTHDAY CANDLES to Fall 2020|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Roundabout-Pushes-CAROLINE-OR-CHANGE-and-BIRTHDAY-CANDLES-to-Fall-2020-20200325|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401233647/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Roundabout-Pushes-CAROLINE-OR-CHANGE-and-BIRTHDAY-CANDLES-to-Fall-2020-20200325|archive-date=2020-04-01|access-date=2020-04-08|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en}} West End openings including Blithe Spirit, Cinderella,Wood, Alex. [https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/andrew-lloyd-webbers-cinderella-delays-west-end_51104.html "Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella delays opening until October"], WhatsOnStage.com, 5 March 2020 revival of The Seagull{{cite news|date=17 March 2020|title=Emilia Clarke's play The Seagull suspended as London's West End shuts down over coronavirus pandemic|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/17/emilia-clarkes-play-seagull-suspended-londons-west-end-shuts-coronavirus-pandemic-12412909/|url-status=live|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420145715/https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/17/emilia-clarkes-play-seagull-suspended-londons-west-end-shuts-coronavirus-pandemic-12412909/|archive-date=20 April 2020}} and revival of Sunday in the Park with George; Local Hero and 4000 Miles at the Old Vic.{{cite web|title=An update on postponed shows | The Old Vic|url=https://www.oldvictheatre.com/news/2020/04/an-update-on-postponed-shows|access-date=16 April 2020}} Hairspray at the London Coliseum,{{cite web|title=Hairspray in the West End with Michael Ball to reschedule run to autumn 2020 {{!}} WhatsOnStage|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/hairspray-west-end-michael-ball-reschedule_51322.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410220913/https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/hairspray-west-end-michael-ball-reschedule_51322.html|archive-date=2020-04-10|access-date=2020-04-03|website=whatsonstage.com|date=3 April 2020 |language=en-GB}} and What's New Pussycat? at the Leeds Playhouse.{{cite web|title=New Tom Jones musical What's New Pussycat? to be postponed until 2021 | WhatsOnStage|date=20 April 2020 |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/leeds-theatre/news/tom-jones-musical-whats-new-pussycat_51423.html|access-date=20 April 2020}}

The 2020 Laurence Olivier Awards ceremony was cancelled, with the awards issued in an alternate manner.{{cite web|last=McPhee|first=Ryan|date=17 March 2020|title=Olivier Awards Cancel 2020 Ceremony|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/olivier-awards-cancel-2020-ceremony|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318000036/https://www.playbill.com/article/olivier-awards-cancel-2020-ceremony|archive-date=18 March 2020|access-date=17 March 2020|publisher=Playbill}} The 74th Tony Awards was postponed.{{cite web|date=March 25, 2020|title=The 74th Annual Tony Awards to Be Postponed|url=https://www.tonyawards.com/news/74th-annual-tony-awards-be-postponed/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325184600/https://www.tonyawards.com/news/74th-annual-tony-awards-be-postponed/|archive-date=March 25, 2020|access-date=March 25, 2020|publisher=Tony Awards}} The 2020 announcement of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama was postponed to May 4 via live stream on the prize's official website.{{cite news|title=Pulitzer Prize Board Postpones 2020 Announcement Date|publisher=Playbill|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/pulitzer-prize-board-postpones-2020-announcement-date|url-status=live|access-date=2020-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410203628/https://www.playbill.com/article/pulitzer-prize-board-postpones-2020-announcement-date|archive-date=2020-04-10}}

Throughout 2021, spikes in the pandemic caused some closures even after markets reopened.Blake, Elissa. [https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/jun/25/hamilton-come-from-away-among-shows-to-close-during-sydneys-snap-covid-lockdown "Hamilton, Come From Away among shows to close during Sydney's snap Covid lockdown"], The Guardian, June 25, 2021[https://www.npr.org/2021/12/16/1065015609/theater-performances-canceled-covid-broadway-west-end "Broadway shows, newly reopened after COVID, face new cancellations"], NPR, December 16, 2021

Most dance companies have cancelled their remainders of the 2019–2020 season, and several companies have cancelled the entire spring season. For example, the American Ballet Theatre 80th Anniversary Season at the Metropolitan Opera House was cancelled, along with New York Premiere of Of Love and Rage and several dancers' debuts.{{Cite news|date=April 8, 2020|title=American Ballet Theater Cancels Spring Season at Met Opera House|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/arts/dance/american-ballet-theater-coronavirus.html}}

At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, all Broadway shows were stopped. This included ceasing the show Riverdance, which was doing a run in Radio City Music Hall for their 25th anniversary tour throughout North America.

In June 2020, the New York City Ballet announced the remaining performance in 2020 are canceled, including the annual George Balanchine's The Nutcracker performances in December, the first time since the ballet premiered in 1954.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/arts/dance/nutcracker-canceled-new-york-city-ballet-virus.html|title=No 'Nutcracker' This Year, New York City Ballet Says|work=The New York Times|date=18 June 2020}} Some companies had to reschedule their future performances and premieres. For example, National Ballet of Canada had to revise their 2020/21 season, with the world premieres of MADDADDAM postponed to fall 2020, Karen Kain's Swan Lake postponed to 2021, and the North American premiere of Victoria postponed to 2022 to make way for Swan Lake.{{cite news |title=National Ballet of Canada cancels remainder of its season due to coronavirus concerns |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/article-national-ballet-of-canada-cancels-remainder-of-its-season-due-to/ |work=The Globes and Mail |date=2 April 2020}}

The performance cancellations had also impacted several dancers' retirement, such as Eleonora Abbagnato of the Paris Opera Ballet, whose departure was already delayed due to a dancers' strike, and is now postponed to autumn 2020.{{cite news |title=Étoile Eleonora Abbagnato in isolation on Ibiza |url=https://www.gramilano.com/2020/04/etoile-eleonora-abbagnato-in-isolation-on-ibiza/ |work=Gramilano |date=12 April 2020}}{{cite web|title=Message to spectators of the performance of Adieux d'Etoile, carte blanche à Eleonora Abbagnato at the Palais Garnier|url=https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/message-to-spectators-of-the-performance-of-adieux-detoile-carte-blanche-a-eleonora-abbagnato|access-date=14 April 2020|website=Opera Nationale de Paris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610134907/https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/message-to-spectators-of-the-performance-of-adieux-detoile-carte-blanche-a-eleonora-abbagnato|archive-date=10 June 2020|url-status=live}} The respective farewells of American Ballet Theatre's Stella Abrera and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Hope Boykin were not rescheduled.{{cite news|date=June 10, 2020|title=When the Dancers Have to Miss the Last dance|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/10/arts/dance/alvin-ailey-retirements-coronavirus.html}}

Most orchestra performances have been cancelled or postponed. For example, the Boston Symphony Orchestra cancelled their Asian tour, Orchestre de Paris had also cancelled their concerts.{{cite news|date=7 April 2020|title=All the major classical music venues, events and concerts closed and cancelled due to coronavirus|work=Classic FM|url=https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/classical-music-events-cancelled-coronavirus/|url-status=live|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409085519/https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/classical-music-events-cancelled-coronavirus/|archive-date=9 April 2020}}

Most opera productions have been cancelled or postponed, by companies such as the Canadian Opera Company, Metropolitan Opera and The Royal Opera. The world premiere of Ritratto, which was commissioned by the Dutch National Opera, was also postponed.{{cite web|title=Corona-update=all performances cancelled until June 1|url=https://www.operaballet.nl/en/news/2020/03/corona-update-all-performances-cancelled-until-june-1|access-date=23 April 2020|website=Dutch National Opera & Ballet}}

In response to the cancellation of many of its planned productions, Finnish National Opera commissioned, created, and produced Covid fan tutte, a comic opera about life during the pandemic using music from Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, starring a Finnish cast and premiering 28 August 2020 with small audiences and social distancing restrictions.{{cite news |last1=Tanner |first1=Jari |title=Mozart meets COVID-19: Finnish opera adapts classic piece |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/mozart-meets-covid-19-finnish-opera-adapts-classic-piece/2020/08/28/9f8bc160-e941-11ea-bf44-0d31c85838a5_story.html |access-date=6 October 2020 |newspaper=Washington Post |agency=Associated Press |date=28 August 2020}}

Many performing arts festivals are cancelled, including the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, cancelled for the first time in 60 years. The 2020 edition of Hong Kong Arts Festival and Oerol Festival are also cancelled, though the Holland Festival is attempting to convert to online event.{{Cite web|last=Ekker|first=Jan Pieter|date=2020-04-22|title=Holland Festival 2020 afgelast, online festival in voorbereiding|url=https://www.parool.nl/gs-bd64d796|access-date=2020-04-23|website=Het Parool|language=nl-NL}}

Live stand-up comedy ended early in the pandemic, comedians managed to adjust their performance around COVID-19. Many used Instagram Live to reach audiences; front-facing camera comedy became the dominant form during the pandemic, replacing the comedy special.{{Cite news |last=Zinoman |first=Jason |date=2020-03-30 |title=An Emerging Star Suited for This Moment |language=en-US |pages=C4 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/29/arts/television/instagram-live-comedy-virus.html |access-date=2022-05-13 |issn=0362-4331}}

File:Capitol Hill Chorale socially distanced outdoor rehearsal on October 10, 2020 14.jpg participate in a socially-distanced outdoor rehearsal, wearing singers' masks, in Alexandria, Virginia on October 10, 2020]]

Individual actors, such as Patrick Stewart and Sam Neill, entertained from isolation in order to "...be in this together and that this has to take the form of being apart", as Neill described his contribution of comedic relief.{{Cite news|last=Craven|first=Peter|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/when-the-going-got-tough-sam-neill-got-out-his-ukulele-20200330-p54fd8.html|title=When the going got tough, Sam Neill got out his ukulele|date=1 April 2020|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=2 April 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403001108/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/when-the-going-got-tough-sam-neill-got-out-his-ukulele-20200330-p54fd8.html|archive-date=3 April 2020}} Stewart, a trained Shakespearian actor, broadcast himself reading one sonnet each day via Instagram,{{cite web|url=https://londonist.com/london/books-and-poetry/patrick-stewart-is-treating-twitter-to-one-shakespearan-sonnet-a-day-during-lockdown|title=Patrick Stewart Is Treating Twitter To One Shakespeare Sonnet A Day During Lockdown|date=2020-03-25|website=Londonist|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326143110/https://londonist.com/london/books-and-poetry/patrick-stewart-is-treating-twitter-to-one-shakespearan-sonnet-a-day-during-lockdown|archive-date=2020-03-26|url-status=live}} readings described as "more than light entertainment, they're moments of connection".{{Cite news|last=Marshall|first=Konrad|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-force-for-good-how-the-coronavirus-crisis-is-sweetening-our-collective-tune-20200227-p5452j.html|title=A force for good: how the coronavirus crisis is sweetening our collective tune|date=10 April 2020|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=10 April 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410201732/https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-force-for-good-how-the-coronavirus-crisis-is-sweetening-our-collective-tune-20200227-p5452j.html|archive-date=10 April 2020}} The Sydney Theatre Company commissioned actors to film themselves at home discussing, then performing, a monologue from one of the characters they had previously played on stage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/stc-virtual|title=STC Virtual|website=Sydney Theatre Company|language=en|access-date=2020-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417210549/https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/stc-virtual|archive-date=2020-04-17|url-status=live}}

The original West End cast of Mamma Mia!, reunited via a group video call, sang "Thank You for the Music" in tribute to NHS and a cast member with coronavirus.{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/theatre/mamma-mia-original-west-end-cast-nhs-tribute-coronavirus-a4409146.html|title=Mamma Mia! original West End cast sing tribute in self-isolation to NHS and cast member with coronavirus|work=Evening Standard|date=7 April 2020|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414195936/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/theatre/mamma-mia-original-west-end-cast-nhs-tribute-coronavirus-a4409146.html|archive-date=14 April 2020|url-status=live}} Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of the musical Hamilton (including original performers Leslie Odom Jr., Anthony Ramos and Renée Elise Goldsberry) reunited on John Krasinski's Some Good News to surprise a nine-year-old girl named Aubrey who was a "superfan" of Hamilton but was unable to see the show due to the coronavirus. They also sang "Alexander Hamilton" for Aubrey.{{cite news |last1=Haylock |first1=Zoe |title=Hamilton Cast Reunion Happens in Separate Rooms |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/04/john-krasinski-some-good-news-hamilton-cast.html |access-date=April 13, 2020 |work=Vulture |date=April 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413205734/https://www.vulture.com/2020/04/john-krasinski-some-good-news-hamilton-cast.html |archive-date=April 13, 2020 |url-status=live }}

Kathy Lette presented a Zoom performance of The One Day of the Year with five actors performing from their homes.{{cite web|title=Anzac Day Saturday 25 April 2020 - The Gallipoli Association|url=https://www.gallipoli-association.org/events/anzac-day-saturday-25-april-2020/|access-date=27 May 2020|archive-date=27 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527225043/https://www.gallipoli-association.org/events/anzac-day-saturday-25-april-2020//|url-status=dead}}

The Old Vic have announced a socially distanced performance of Lungs by Duncan Macmillan starring Claire Foy and Matt Smith to be performed live from the Old Vic stage and relayed on-line to a ticketed audience of the same size as Old Vic's usual capacity.{{cite web|url=https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2020/lungs-in-camera|access-date=27 May 2020|title=LUNGS: in Camera – Coming Soon | The Old Vic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527225045/https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2020/lungs-in-camera|archive-date=27 May 2020|url-status=dead}}

The Royal Opera House had its first performance on 13 June, which was broadcast via YouTube and BBC Radio 3. The performance included classical music and a new dance by Wayne McGregor.{{Cite news|date=5 June 2020|title=BBC to broadcast Royal Opera House reopening concert|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52920423}}

Many ballet companies ran classes via Zoom to their dancers which were also broadcast.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/arts/dance/ballet-class-coronavirus.html|title=Dancers Still Need Daily Class. No Barre? Just Grab a Chair.|work=The New York Times|date=25 March 2020|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402114825/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/arts/dance/ballet-class-coronavirus.html|archive-date=2 April 2020|url-status=live}} Ballet dancers, including principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, James B. Whiteside and Isabella Boylston, as well as the artistic director and a lead principal dancer of the English National Ballet Tamara Rojo, offered live classes on social media.{{cite news|url=https://www.pointemagazine.com/online-ballet-class-2645499567.html?rebelltitem=14#rebelltitem14|title=Take Virtual Class From Your Kitchen Counter With These Pros|last=Lansky|first=Chava|date=16 March 2020|access-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410202357/https://www.pointemagazine.com/online-ballet-class-2645499567.html?rebelltitem=14#rebelltitem14|archive-date=10 April 2020|url-status=live}}

Musicians had performed at-home concerts during quarantine.{{cite news|url=https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/coronavirus/self-isolating-choirs-orchestras-perform-concerts/|title=Self-isolating choirs and orchestras are performing powerful at-home concerts during coronavirus outbreak|work=Classic FM|date=7 April 2020|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409084521/https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/coronavirus/self-isolating-choirs-orchestras-perform-concerts/|archive-date=9 April 2020|url-status=live}}

The Maltings Theatre, St Albans performed an interactive production of Twelfth Night with both cast and audience being Zoom participants.{{cite web|url=https://theatreweekly.com/review-twelfth-night-live-from-the-maltings-theatre/|access-date=15 June 2020|title=Review: Twelfth Night Live from The Maltings Theatre - Theatre Weekly|date=12 June 2020 }}

The Original Theatre Company announced a performance of Birdsong using live performance and video tech as a fundraiser for The Royal British Legion directed by Alastair Whatley.{{cite web|url=https://www.birdsongonline.co.uk/|access-date=19 June 2020|title=Birdsong Online}}

The Lockdown Theatre Festival is a BBC radio festival comprising a debate about the future of theatre and four radio plays that had either had curtailed runs or failed to start due to COVID-19: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's Love Love Love by Mike Bartlett,

Manchester Royal Exchange's Rockets And Blue Lights by Winsome Pinnock (this had no performances, and was to have been a world premiere),

Orange Tree Theatre's The Mikvah Project by Josh Azouz,

and

Royal Court Theatre's Shoe Lady by E.V. Crowe.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000jvhz|access-date=13 June 2020|title=BBC Radio 3 - Free Thinking, The future of theatre debate}}

Considering how to host to audiences at internal venues, the Kings Theatre, Southsea has that announced its 2020 pantomime will be performed for a reduced audience of 400 (compared to its usual 1400) capacity, who will have their seats allocated by the venue, be directed to specific entrances and arrival time, and will have to pre-book refreshments.{{cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/plymouth-theatre/news/kings-theatre-portsmouth-socially-distanced-pantom_51735.html|access-date=11 June 2020|title=Kings Theatre Portsmouth's pantomime to go ahead with limited capacity this Christmas | WhatsOnStage|date=5 June 2020 }}

In June, Gran Teatre del Liceu reopened, though the performances were live-streamed and the audience was filled with plants.{{cite news|url= https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/06/22/881943143/barcelona-opera-reopens-with-an-audience-of-plants|title= Barcelona Opera Reopens With An Audience Of Plants|work=NPR|date=22 June 2020}}

In June, the musical Six announced that their West End and UK touring casts will perform drive-in performances in 12 open spaces across the UK, making them the first West End musical to resume performances.{{cite news|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/six-musical-will-play-drive-in-style-across-the-uk|title=SIX Musical Will Play Drive-In Style Across the U.K.|work=Playbill|date=29 June 2020}} However, in July, the tour was cancelled due to local lockdowns in the UK.{{Cite news|last=Wiegand|first=Chris|date=2020-07-15|title=UK tour for hit show Six and top music acts axed due to local lockdown concerns|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/jul/15/uk-drive-in-tour-musical-six-kenny-wax|access-date=2020-07-15|issn=0261-3077}}

In August, Hungarian-American composer and playwright Bálint Varga and lyricist Lia Barcellona Tamborra released their album musical/audiobook, d'ILLUSION: The Houdini Musical, inspired by the life of illusionist/stunt performer Harry Houdini (played by Julian R. Decker). All of the participating actors, voice talents and musicians recorded their parts remotely from all over the world while quarantined inside their homes.{{Cite web|author=BWW News Desk|title=d'ILLUSION: The Houdini Musical Releases Theater Audio Experience|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/dILLUSION-The-Houdini-Musical-Releases-Theater-Audio-Experience-20200807|access-date=2020-09-12|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en}}

In August, the musical Diana announced that the Broadway production will be recorded with no audience to be released on Netflix on October 1, 2021, ahead of its newly scheduled opening on December 1, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-diana-musical-to-be-filmed-for-netflix-release|title=Broadway's Diana Musical to Be Filmed for Netflix Release|work=Plabill|first=Ryan|last=McPhee|date=August 12, 2020|access-date=August 13, 2020}}

The 2020 Royal Variety Performance was held in Blackpool at the Opera House within the Winter Gardens, on the evening of 29 November. As a consequence of the pandemic, the show that has been attended by royalty since 1912 was performed to an empty auditorium. The audience was invited to make a donation to the Royal Variety Charity instead of buying tickets. Screens placed on the auditorium seats allowed performers to see the faces of their virtual audience.{{Cite web|date=2020|title=Royal Variety Announcement|url=https://www.royalvarietycharity.org/royal-variety-performance-home/royal-variety-announcement|website=Royal Variety Charity}} The recorded show was broadcast in iTV on 8 December.{{Cite news|last=Whitehead|first=Joanna|date=8 December 2020|title=Royal Variety Performance 2020 Line:Up - What Time it's on ITC Tonight and Who the Performers Are|work=iNews|url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/royal-variety-performance-2020-line-up-when-time-itv-tonight-performers-list-786674}}

In late 2020, users of the social media app TikTok crowdsourced the creation of a musical based on the 2007 Disney/Pixar film Ratatouille. Beginning when one TikTok user created a short comedic song in tribute to Remy, the main character of the film, users then remixed and added to each other's videos to envision a full musical, including scenic design, choreography, and more songs. A virtual concert presentation of it, produced by Seaview Productions, streamed for 72 hours on TodayTix beginning January 1, 2021 to benefit The Actors Fund. It was directed by Six co-creator and co-director Lucy Moss from a script adaptation by Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley, both of whom co-executive produced the concert with Jeremy O. Harris. The cast included Kevin Chamberlin as Gusteau, Andrew Barth Feldman as Linguini, Titus Burgess as Remy, Adam Lambert as Emile, Wayne Brady as Django, Priscilla Lopez as Mabel, Ashley Park as Colette, André De Shields as Anton Ego, Owen Tabaka as Young Anton Ego and Mary Testa as Skinner. The concert raised $1 million for The Actors Fund.{{Cite web |last1=Alter |first1=Rebecca |title=Broadway Is Closed, But Ratatouille the Musical Is Cooking on TikTok |work=Vulture |date=2020-11-19 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/ratatouille-musical-tiktok.html |language=en-us |access-date=2020-11-20 |df=mdy-all }}{{Cite magazine |last1=Dickson |first1=E. J. |title=An Oral History of 'Ratatouille: The Musical' |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=2020-11-18 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/ratatouille-tiktok-musical-oral-history-1091547/ |language=en-US |access-date=2020-11-22 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/ratatouille-the-tiktok-musical-streaming-concert-to-benefit-the-actors-fund|title=Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical Streaming Concert to Benefit The Actors Fund|last=Meyer|first=Dan|work=Playbill|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 9, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/original-video-creators-tapped-to-provide-music-for-ratatouille-the-tiktok-musical-lucy-moss-to-direct|title=Original Video Creators Tapped to Provide Music for Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical; Lucy Moss to Direct|first=Dan|last=Meyer|date=December 17, 2020|website=Playbill|access-date=December 24, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/ratatouille-the-tiktok-musical-cast-wayne-brady-tituss-burgess-adam-lambert-1234661967/|title='Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical' All-Star Cast To Include Wayne Brady, Tituss Burgess & Adam Lambert|first=Greg|last=Evans|date=Dec 28, 2020|access-date=Jan 18, 2021}}

In February 2021, the planned narrative film adaptation of the musical Come from Away was cancelled in favor of recording the Broadway production with its cast reprising their roles. It was filmed that May with invited frontline workers and survivors of the September 11 attacks in the audience and was released on September 10, 2021, a day before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/come-from-away-broadway-movie-eone-1234685571/|title=eOne To Make Feature Production Of Tony-Winning Broadway Musical 'Come From Away'|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=February 2, 2021|access-date=March 31, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-entertainment-health-travel-arts-and-entertainment-11a22a883ceda51e94da681c7b9ee814|title=Tears triggered at filming of stage musical 'Come From Away'|work=Associated Press|first=Mark|last=Kennedy|date=September 7, 2021|access-date=April 11, 2023}}

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To allow performers to begin performing publicly again during the pandemic, a variety of organizations have begun to develop and market specialized personal protective equipment. A variety of specialized masks for singers have been created; traditional cloth masks can be sucked into the mouth while performing and muffle performers' voices, so singers' masks contain an interior superstructure that provides a resonant space while keeping cloth further away from the face.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kwqc.com/2020/08/08/muscatine-vocal-music-department-using-singers-masks/|title=Muscatine Vocal Music Department using 'Singer's masks'|first=Marci|last=Clark|website=kwqc.com|date=8 August 2020 |access-date=Oct 26, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdtv.com/2020/08/21/wvu-professor-creates-masks-for-singers/|title=Professor creates masks for singers|first=Jasmin|last=Adous|website=wdtv.com|date=21 August 2020 |access-date=Oct 26, 2020}} Proceeds from the sale of some masks are designated for charity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayreliefproject.com/singersmask|title=The Singer's Mask|website=Broadway Relief Project|access-date=Oct 26, 2020}} Other masks for woodwind and brass players, including components to cover the bells of instruments as needed, have also been produced,{{Cite web|url=https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/coronavirus/bespoke-masks-coverings-brass-musicians/|title=Someone is designing bespoke masks for brass and woodwind players to stay safe amid coronavirus|website=Classic FM|access-date=Oct 26, 2020}} and are being sold through standard equipment retailers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.johnkealmusic.com/c-247-ppe-for-musical-instruments.aspx|title=John Keal Music Company Inc. - PPE for Musical Instruments|website=johnkealmusic.com|access-date=Oct 26, 2020|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029210705/https://www.johnkealmusic.com/c-247-ppe-for-musical-instruments.aspx|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/plexiglass-dividers-and-shields.list|title=Plexiglass Shields, Dividers, and Masks | Sheet music at JW Pepper|website=jwpepper.com|access-date=Oct 26, 2020}} Sound and virus shields, including portable examples meant to be attached to a music stand in various configurations, also exist.{{Cite web|url=https://msretailer.com/hal-leonard-distributes-masks-and-shields-to-fight-covid-19/|title=Hal Leonard Distributes Masks and Shields to Fight COVID-19|date=Sep 3, 2020|access-date=Oct 26, 2020}}

Some musicians have designed themed face masks to raise money for charity.{{Cite web|url=https://hers-magazine.com/musicians-design-ppe-masks-for-covid-19-relief-charity/|title=Musicians Design Masks for COVID-19 Relief | HERS Magazine|first=Hannah|last=Chalker|date=30 April 2020 |access-date=Oct 26, 2020}} Conductor Iván Fischer designed a mask with plastic cups attached at the ears to enhance the acoustics of a live performance as experienced by the wearer.{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/70701/hungarian-conductor-ivan-fischer-devices-a-mask-for-better-concert-experience|title=Why let Masks Ruin your Concert Experience?|website=outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/|date=8 October 2020 |access-date=Oct 26, 2020}}

Numerous music schools have devised protocols regarding the use of personal protective equipment as part of their return to on-campus studies and live performance.{{Cite web|url=http://www.uta.edu/music/ensembles/bands/PPE.php|title=The Department of Music at UT Arlington|website=uta.edu|access-date=Oct 26, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://music.ku.edu/covid-19-protocols-concert-bands|title=COVID-19 Protocols for Concert Bands|date=Jun 30, 2020|website=School of Music|access-date=Oct 26, 2020}}

Due to the closure of productions and the simultaneous shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) several theatre costume departments – including that of the Berlin State Opera – converted to creating face masks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bz-berlin.de/kultur/masken-statt-kostueme-theaterwerkstaetten-stellen-um|title=Masken statt Kostüme: Theaterwerkstätten stellen um|website=bz-berlin.de|date=31 March 2020 |access-date=2020-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404061400/https://www.bz-berlin.de/kultur/masken-statt-kostueme-theaterwerkstaetten-stellen-um|archive-date=2020-04-04|url-status=live}} The English National Opera produced face masks and scrubs for distribution to workers at the National Health Service.{{Cite web|url=https://www.classicfm.com/artists/english-national-opera/crafts-face-masks-for-hospitals-coronavirus/|title=This wonderful opera company is making scrubs and masks to protect NHS workers tackling coronavirus|website=Classic FM|access-date=Oct 26, 2020}}

The filmed version of the stage musical Hamilton, originally scheduled for an October 15, 2021 theatrical release, but was later moved up to July 3, 2020, exclusively on Disney+, as announced by the show's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda on May 12, 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/may/12/disney-fast-tracks-hamilton-film-for-july-lin-manuel-miranda|title=The living room where it happens: Hamilton film to premiere on Disney+|work=The Guardian|date=12 May 2020}} This push-up can also be seen as allowing the film to be watched in observance of a more relevant holiday from Halloween to Independence Day, as Act I of the musical is set during the American Revolutionary War—which Independence Day commemorates—and the play has Founding Fathers as characters.

Some professional performing arts companies have released previously recorded productions. For example, Andrew Lloyd Webber released recordings of his musicals on YouTube;{{cite news|date=3 April 2020|title=Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Show Must Go On series: Musicals including Joseph to be streamed online for free|work=Evening Standard|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/theatre/andrew-lloyd-webber-musicals-stream-free-online-joseph-jesus-a4404846.html|url-status=live|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404150349/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/theatre/andrew-lloyd-webber-musicals-stream-free-online-joseph-jesus-a4404846.html|archive-date=4 April 2020}} the Royal Opera House released performances of the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera;{{cite news|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/royal-opera-house-free-stream-online_51597.html|title=Royal Opera House announces more free productions heading online|work=WhatsOnStage|date=15 May 2020}} and Cirque du Soleil released one hour specials on YouTube each week.{{cite web|title=Cirque du Soleil is performing for free on YouTube every week|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/cirqueconnect-with-cirque-du-soleil|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408104126/https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/cirqueconnect-with-cirque-du-soleil|archive-date=2020-04-08|access-date=2020-04-10|website=Time Out London|date=3 April 2020 }} Actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge made the video of her play Fleabag available online for donations of at least £4.{{cite news|date=6 April 2020|title=Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag play to be streamed online|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/apr/06/phoebe-waller-bridges-fleabag-to-be-livestreamed|url-status=live|access-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410161533/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/apr/06/phoebe-waller-bridges-fleabag-to-be-livestreamed|archive-date=10 April 2020}}

{{see also|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic}}

Due to the closures, reductions in revenues for cultural organisations reliant on ticket sales were expected to cause devastating effects on organisational staffing, and on independent artists and professionals, partly due to the fact that the arts and culture is an economic sector characterised by a particularly high proportion of self-employment.{{cite web|url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/arts-council-england-emergency-relief-fund-1814829|title=Arts Council England Has Launched a $190 Million Emergency Relief Package for Creative Organizations and Artists|date=2020-03-25|website=artnet News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327135630/https://news.artnet.com/art-world/arts-council-england-emergency-relief-fund-1814829|archive-date=2020-03-27|url-status=live}} For example, by March 20, Cirque du Soleil had laid off 95% of its workforce and closed traveling circus performances operating in seven countries.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/cirque-de-soleil-canada-coronavirus-staff-fired-1493386|title=Cirque du Soleil lays off 95 percent of its workforce after coronavirus forces closure of all its shows globally|last=Cole|first=Brendan|date=2020-03-20|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=2020-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328172851/https://www.newsweek.com/cirque-de-soleil-canada-coronavirus-staff-fired-1493386|archive-date=2020-03-28|url-status=live}} Performing arts festivals such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival were cancelled.{{cite web|title=The coronavirus is shaking up the world's art market in unexpected ways|url=https://www.dw.com/en/the-coronavirus-pandemic-corona-panic-is-shaking-up-worlds-global-art-market-starting-in-hong-kong/a-52651815|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327152510/https://www.dw.com/en/the-coronavirus-pandemic-corona-panic-is-shaking-up-worlds-global-art-market-starting-in-hong-kong/a-52651815|archive-date=2020-03-27|access-date=2020-03-27|website=DW.com|publisher=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB}}

Opera Australia – Australia's largest performing arts company – temporarily stood down nearly all its staff{{cite web|url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/exit-stage-left-opera-australia-leads-arts-shutdown-20200325-p54dq1|title=Exit stage left: Opera Australia leads arts shutdown|date=2020-03-26|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327143159/https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/exit-stage-left-opera-australia-leads-arts-shutdown-20200325-p54dq1|archive-date=2020-03-27|url-status=live}} amid speculation it would also need to sell major assets in order to avoid bankruptcy.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/opera-australia-looks-to-sell-offs-to-stay-afloat-20200316-p54ai2.html|title=Opera Australia looks to sell-offs to stay afloat|last=Galvin|first=Nick|date=2020-03-16|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327143156/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/opera-australia-looks-to-sell-offs-to-stay-afloat-20200316-p54ai2.html|archive-date=2020-03-27|url-status=live}} By March 23, 255,000 cultural events had been cancelled, with an estimated revenue loss of $A280 million, self-reported through the crowdsourced website ILostMyGig.net.au.{{cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/coronavirus-what-the-latest-stimulus-measures-mean-for-australian-artists-and-arts-organisations-134233|title=Coronavirus: what the latest stimulus measures mean for Australian artists and arts organisations|last=Caust|first=Jo|website=The Conversation|date=23 March 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327151212/http://theconversation.com/coronavirus-what-the-latest-stimulus-measures-mean-for-australian-artists-and-arts-organisations-134233|archive-date=2020-03-27|url-status=live}}

In the United States, as the pandemic spread and closures became the standard rather than the exception, institutions started publishing expected revenue shortfall calculations.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AMTransparency/status/1242869675425443840|title=This will be a thread for tracking museum layoff news.|date=2020-03-25|website=Twitter|publisher=Art + Museum Transparency|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325185649/https://twitter.com/AMTransparency/status/1242869675425443840|archive-date=2020-03-25|access-date=2020-03-29}} For example, by the end of March, the Metropolitan Opera expected to lose {{USD|60{{nbsp}}million}} in revenue.{{Cite news|last=Woolfe|first=Zachary|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/arts/music/metropolitan-opera-coronavirus.html|title=Metropolitan Opera Cancels Season Over Virus and Faces $60 Million Loss|date=2020-03-19|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-03-25|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325031851/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/arts/music/metropolitan-opera-coronavirus.html|archive-date=2020-03-25|url-status=live}}

In parallel to museum sector layoffs, staff began to unionise, even though social distancing orders prevented the in-person meetings required to sign the cards required to file for union elections.{{cite web|url=https://tinyletter.com/artandmuseumtransparency/letters/art-museum-transparency-newsletter-2-march-2020|title=Art + Museum Transparency Newsletter #2 -- March 2020|date=2020-03-26|website=artandmuseumtransparency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327171251/https://tinyletter.com/artandmuseumtransparency/letters/art-museum-transparency-newsletter-2-march-2020|archive-date=2020-03-27|access-date=2020-03-27}} Meanwhile, on 18 March and in response to the rapid rise of online performances during the closures of performance spaces, the Actors' Equity Association announced a new "streaming media agreement" available to productions in areas with physical distancing regulations in force, for "select producers to capture and make a performance available online for one-time viewing to ticket buyers".{{cite web|url=https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/March18/|title=ACTORS' EQUITY MAKES NEW, TEMPORARY STREAMING AGREEMENTS AVAILABLE TO PRODUCERS IN AREAS WITH LIMITS ON PUBLIC GATHERINGS - Actors' Equity Association|website=actorsequity.org|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406100926/https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/March18/|archive-date=2020-04-06|url-status=live}} A planned performance of 'Tis Pity She's a Whore via videoconferencing software was cancelled at the last minute due to a dispute between the theatre producers and the union. The AEA argued that during a time when almost everyone in the arts is going without a regular pay cheque and is worried about their health care, "it's deeply sad to see that some employers will still ask Equity actors to work without the protections of a contract."{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/red-bull-forced-to-cancel-live-stream-reading-following-dispute-with-actors-equity|title=Red Bull Cancels Scheduled Live Stream Reading Following Dispute With Actors' Equity|last=Clement|first=Olivia|date=2020-04-01|website=Playbill|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407181213/https://www.playbill.com/article/red-bull-forced-to-cancel-live-stream-reading-following-dispute-with-actors-equity|archive-date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-07}} The theatre producers argued that "cyberspace" is not within the AEA's jurisdiction nor "...should free online-only experience, in which actors participate from the safety and comfort of their own home on teleconference, without rehearsal or admission price," be subject to the Off-Broadway agreement.{{cite web|url=https://www.redbulltheater.com/live|title=Red Bull Theater Livestream|website=Red Bull Theater|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406101937/https://www.redbulltheater.com/live|archive-date=2020-04-06|url-status=live}}

On 11 January 2021, it was announced that Indonesian–Japanese idol group JKT48 will forcibly mass-remove 26 of its 59 remaining members due to crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed large-scale social restrictions.{{cite web|url=https://jkt48.com/news/detail/id/1383?lang=id|title=Pengumuman Mengenai Restrukturisasi JKT48|date=11 January 2021|access-date=11 January 2021|publisher=JKT48 Operation Team|language=ID}} They will officially leave the group mid-March 2021.{{cite web|url=https://jkt48.com/news/detail/id/1391?lang=id|title=Pengumuman Mengenai Struktur dan Kegiatan JKT48|date=2 February 2021|language=ID|access-date=2 February 2021|publisher=JKT48 Operation Team}}

With the extensive financial disruption across all areas of the economy, many governments announced fiscal stimulus and economic bailout packages which included specific resources for the arts and cultural sectors. Equally, various charities and industry bodies raised funds to support their sector.

Arts and culture sector financial stimulus packages from individual countries included:

{{expand section|date=April 2020}}

{{flag+link|COVID-19 pandemic in |Australia}}: In March, a petition of over 50 arts and culture organisations (including peak bodies from the music, dance, visual arts, museums, writers' and indigenous arts groups) requested a financial aid package "...to a value of 2% of the $111.7 billion [cultural and creative] industry". Furthermore, it requesting the Prime Minister "...issue a public statement recognising the value of our industry to all Australians" and noting that the industry had not yet recovered from the impact of the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season.{{cite web|url=https://visualarts.net.au/news-opinion/2020/creative-industry-unites/|title=Creative industry unites to secure Australia's cultural life|website=NAVA|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327141854/https://visualarts.net.au/news-opinion/2020/creative-industry-unites/|archive-date=2020-03-27|url-status=live}} Separately, Live Performance Australia, "the advocacy body for the live performing industry" had requested $850 million for its sector.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

Instead of the $2.2billion requested in the petition, In early April the federal government announced a package of $27million in specific Arts funding – $7 million for the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, $10 million for Regional Arts Australia's regional arts fund, and $10 million for Support Act,"the charity that provides financial support and counselling to people in the music industry".{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/27-million-for-arts-organisations-in-new-targeted-support-package-20200408-p54ic8.html|title=$27 million for arts organisations in new targeted support package|last=Cooper|first=Nathanael|date=2020-04-08|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410220741/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/27-million-for-arts-organisations-in-new-targeted-support-package-20200408-p54ic8.html|archive-date=2020-04-10|url-status=live}} It also expanded unemployment assistance in response to the pandemic – dubbed JobKeeper – however it specifically excluded "freelancers and casuals on short-term contracts, or who have worked for a series of employers in the last year". Given arts sector's high reliance on short-term contracts, a large proportion of arts and cultural sector professionals were ineligible for the scheme.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/theatre/wrack-and-ruin-leading-actors-warn-industry-is-on-brink-of-collapse-20200407-p54hvl.html|title='Wrack and ruin': Leading actors warn industry is on brink of collapse|last=Miller|first=Nick|date=2020-04-07|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407134042/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/theatre/wrack-and-ruin-leading-actors-warn-industry-is-on-brink-of-collapse-20200407-p54hvl.html|archive-date=2020-04-07|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/09/the-workers-shut-out-of-jobkeeper-ive-lost-100-of-my-business|title=The workers shut out of jobkeeper: 'I've lost 100% of my business'|date=2020-04-09|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2020-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409061148/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/09/the-workers-shut-out-of-jobkeeper-ive-lost-100-of-my-business|archive-date=2020-04-09|url-status=live}}

{{flag+link|COVID-19 pandemic in |UK}}: Arts Council England announced £160 million would be made available for arts organisations, including £50 million for organisations it does not usually fund and £20 million for individual and freelance artists.

{{flag+link|COVID-19 pandemic in |USA}}: In late March the United States federal government announced a $2 trillion economic stimulus package in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. It included: "$75 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and $75 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities, which can pass on the money to institutions that need it. Another $50 million was designated to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which distributes funds to museums and libraries.{{Cite news|last=Jacobs|first=Julia|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/arts/coronavirus-arts-bailout.html|title=Arts Groups, Facing Their Own Virus Crisis, Get a Piece of the Stimulus|date=2020-03-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-03-27|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327072949/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/arts/coronavirus-arts-bailout.html|archive-date=2020-03-27|url-status=live}} Some Republicans criticized {{USD|25{{nbsp}}million}} in relief funding that was allocated for the Kennedy Center as wasteful spending.{{cite news |last1=Jacobs |first1=Julia |title=As Furloughs Grow, Kennedy Center Defends Use of $25 Million in Aid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/arts/kennedy-center-defends-25-million.html |access-date=20 May 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=31 March 2020}}

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{{COVID-19 pandemic}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Impact of the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic on the performing arts}}

Performing arts

Category:Performing arts

Category:2020 in theatre

Category:21st-century opera

Category:21st-century dance

Category:2020 in the arts