Sustainability of Ensemble Theatre Companies in a Challenging Economic Climate

This essay is an attempt to address how (and if) ensemble theatre companies sustain themselves during the current challenging economic climate. For this study sustainability reflects the ability of a theatre ensemble to demonstrate fiscal discipline (i.e. to fulfill financial obligations, to maintain necessary financial support, to appropriately compensate company ensemble and staff) and to continue to execute its artistic mission without compromise, while considering the overall short-and long-term health of the organization. Already existing as bare-bones operations, many ensembles are used to making more with less, not taking resources for granted. The potential for ensembles to remain afloat in challenging economic climates is worth exploring to see if and how they do it and if there are valuable lessons which can be applied to other arts and/or non-arts industries.