Broadway, the most famous theatre district in the world, continues to attract millions of visitors every year to its stages. The latest season data shows that theatre has never been stronger, with Broadway welcoming 14.8 million admissions, an all-time high. This record-breaking number includes a significant component of children, with over 2.1 million attendances by kids and teens.
The data, released by The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, also reveals that Broadway generated $1.83 billion in grosses, making it the best season in history. The season ran from May 27, 2022, to May 21, 2023, and encompassed 39 new productions: 15 musicals, 20 plays, and four special events.
Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to see that Broadway is continuing to grow and reach new heights. The diversity of our shows, from long-running hits to new and innovative productions, appeals to a wide range of audiences, both domestic and international. We are especially proud of the increase in young and diverse theatregoers, who are the future of our industry.”
The demographic data reveals some interesting trends. Sixty-eight percent of the audiences were female. The average age of the Broadway theatregoer was 42.3 years old. This average has hovered between 40 and 45 years old for the past two decades. Along with the overall growth in attendances, the number of admissions by non-Caucasian theatregoers reached a record high of 3.8 million.
Of theatregoers age 25 or older, 81% had completed college and 41% had earned a graduate degree. The average annual household income of the Broadway theatregoer was $261,000. This figure is much more than the American average, and it’s a whopping amount compared to the average household income reported in previous years.
The Broadway audience is not just affluent but also devoted. The average number of attendances by the Broadway theatregoer was 4.4 in the past year. The group of devoted fans who attended 15 or more performances comprised only 5% of the audience, but accounted for 28% of all tickets (4.15 million admissions). Playgoers tended to be more frequent theatregoers than musical attendees. The typical straight-play attendee saw seven shows in the past year; the musical attendee, four.
When it comes to ticket purchasing habits, respondents reported having paid an average of $145.60 per ticket. Fifty-nine percent percent of respondents said they purchased their tickets online. The average reported date of ticket purchase for a Broadway show was 47 days before the performance, four days more than the previous season. Google was the most common initial source theatregoers named when they were asked where they looked for information about Broadway shows.
These statistics highlight the enduring appeal of Broadway and its ability to attract a diverse and dedicated audience. The magic of theatre is still alive and stronger than ever. Whether you are a fan of musicals, plays, or special events, there is something for everyone on Broadway. Don’t miss the chance to experience the best of live entertainment in the world. Book your tickets now and enjoy the show!
Relevant articles:
– Research Reports | The Broadway League
– The Demographics of the Broadway Audience – SeatUp, LLC
– The Demographics Behind the Best-Ever Broadway Season – Backstage