Joe Spaulding joins us for this issue to share his perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on live entertainment services. The Boch Center is a nonprofit innovator and guardian of the iconic Wang and Shubert Theatres.

TGG: How has COVID-19 impacted your approach to booking and planning for next year?
JS: COVID completely turned the norm upside down! We are now modeling a reopen to the “new normal” April of 2021….

Debbie Ellinghaus joins us for this issue to share her perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on live entertainment services. Olney Theatre Center for the Arts produces, presents and tours extraordinary performances for a diversity of audiences, and educates and inspires the next generation of theater-makers.

TGG: As a member of the Governor of Maryland’s Arts Recovery Task Force, what are some of the key aspects your group is evaluating as you make recommendations for re-opening?
DE: My work group focused on “in-person” engagement as it relates to phases 1 and 2 in the Governor’s Recovery Plan. For large seated venues like Olney Theatre, Phase 1 is not applicable to us because it limits gatherings to no more than 10 people. As we thought ahead to Phase 2, which presumes a limitation . . .

Jonathan Linden joins us for this issue to share his perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on live entertainment services. His firm specializes in the production and promotion of live arena shows, concert tours, theatrical performances and touring exhibitions.

TGG: What is your opinion of streaming concerts, and how do you foresee them impacting your revenue models going forward?
JL: Streaming concerts have been around for years. When we were at CPI and Live Nation, concert DVDs were still popular. Streaming events can be a fun way to enjoy your favorite acts from the comfort of your home. Nothing can fully re-create the live experience….

Our first interview was with Tom Zaller, President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions—a leading producer of live entertainment, including zoos, touring museum exhibitions, and a vast portfolio of other products and experiences dramatically impacted by the global response to COVID-19.

TGG: How has the changing climate in museums impacted your approach to selecting and pitching venues for your exhibitions?
Tom: In almost everything we do at Imagine Exhibitions, we’re working hand-in-hand with partners who are visitor-serving institutions located all over the world. With each country, each local region, and each organization, the challenges are unique and varied and cannot be navigated in isolation…