The Kennedy Center is facing a significant decline in ticket sales, exceeding even the negative impact of the global pandemic, according to a former staff member. This downturn is attributed to the new management’s actions and rhetoric, coupled with the potential loss of donors due to the organization’s alignment with right-wing cultural initiatives. Former President Michael Kaiser noted that this decline in ticket sales will likely result in a shortfall in future fundraising revenue, as ticket buyers are crucial for securing individual donations. The Center had a robust base of 40,000 individual donors during Kaiser’s tenure.
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The Kennedy Center is facing a significant decline in ticket sales since Donald Trump’s takeover, with a substantial increase in unsold seats across major venues. Analysis reveals that nearly half of the available tickets remain unsold during typical production periods, a stark contrast to previous years. This downturn has been attributed to the shift in leadership and the polarizing political climate, with artists withdrawing and shows, such as Hamilton, no longer choosing to perform at the venue. Staff members suggest the drop in sales is even more drastic than reported, potentially impacting fundraising and the future of the cultural institution.
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Following a presidential overhaul of its board, including the appointment of Donald Trump as chairman and the dismissal of president Deborah F. Rutter, the Kennedy Center experienced a dramatic 50% week-over-week drop in ticket sales. This downturn coincided with the cancellation of several performances, including a children’s musical and a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., actions attributed to a fight against “woke” culture. The upheaval also prompted high-profile resignations from the board and withdrawals from scheduled performers, such as Issa Rae and Louise Penny. The White House defended the changes, claiming the Kennedy Center’s previous direction led to financial losses.
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John Q. Hosedrinker