(New York, June 14, 2006) The importance of Broadway’s economic contribution to New York has long been recognized, but now a new study by The League of American Theatres and Producers presents the scale of Touring Broadway’s financial impact. “The Economic Impact of Touring Broadway” reveals that in the 2004-2005 season Touring Broadway contributed $3.25 billion to metropolitan areas across the U.S.

The report estimates the impact of Touring Broadway to local areas, as well as to New York City, by analyzing the spending of the theatres, producers and audience members. Nearly 100 shows of varying sizes were presented in the “Broadway Series” of more than 250 theatres across the country.

The analysis quantifies Touring Broadway’s contribution to local communities:

· The bulk of Touring Broadway’s economic impact ($2.87 billion) directly supported the metropolitan areas that presented shows throughout the country by means of work in the area as well as audience ancillary spending

· On average, Broadway tours contributed an economic impact of three times the gross ticket sales to the local metropolitan area’s economy

· Theatres stimulated local economies:

- 54% of respondents reported that the theatre played an important role in their decision to come to that area
- Average Touring Broadway theatergoer lived 38 miles from the theatre
- Theatre-motivated individuals spent an average of $73 on related expenses each time they saw a show, with dining before or after the theatre accounting for nearly half of all ancillary spending

The study also reveals Touring Broadway’s contribution to New York City:

· Approximately $377.7 million of Touring Broadway’s $3.25 billion contribution returned to New York City as a result of New York based goods and services, as well as actors and staff members who traveled with the touring productions but lived in New York, so returning a portion of their salary to the city

· Touring Broadway’s $3.25 billion, added to Broadway’s $4.8 billion economic contribution to New York (source: “Broadway’s Economic Contribution to New York City: 2004-2005 Season”), gives a combined impact of $8 billion for Broadway overall

“Touring Broadway has grown so successfully over the years that it was important for the League to be able to have a benchmark to measure this growth and to help ensure its future development,” commented Jed Bernstein, President of The League of American Theatres and Producers. “Touring Broadway not only contributes to local economies by attracting visitors to the area, but benefits New York City indirectly by serving as an advertisement for shows on Broadway and encouraging tourists to visit New York.”

“Our goal here was to show that Touring Broadway shows and venues are not only critical to their cities as cultural institutions, but that they have a huge economic impact on the metropolitan areas,” commented Karen Hauser, Director of Research for The League of American Theatres and Producers. “Presenters and producers spend money to present shows and maintain venues. Moreover, the theatre attracts audience members whose ancillary spending supports other related businesses such as restaurants, parking and transportation, thereby supporting the local economies.”

"Touring Broadway shows contribute to the economic vitality of cities where they play. They attract visitors who eat at local restaurants and hotels, and employ local stagehands, musicians and other creative workers. Touring Broadway shows are an important ingredient to creating attractive cities with vibrant economies where people want to live, work and play," commented Tom Gabbard, President, North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

"This study finally reflects the significance of touring Broadway in each community, both as an economic impact and as a significant component in the quality of life in each community around the country," commented Albert Nocciolino, President, NAC Enterprises, Ltd.

“The Economic Impact of Touring Broadway” is published by The League of American Theatres and Producers, which is the clearinghouse for information on the business, demographics and economic impact of Broadway theatre throughout North America. The League compiles various statistics and publishes extensive reports on a number of topics. Printed versions of the reports are available for purchase online by clicking here.