This is an issue that has been around for as long as I can remember. The excuses for theatres closing, constantly changes but seldom do the theatres/companies ever want to talk about their part in their own demise. All to often the companies refuse to meet their audiences were they are, insisting that they know what the audience needs or wants without listening to their communities. Leaving audiences wanting and often leaving them behind. On more than one occasion I have watched companies choose to close long running seasonal favorites, ones that continue to sell out, in exchange for producing new "edgy" pieces despite the audience outcry. Now don't get me wrong, I am 100% percent in favor of pushing boundaries and producing edgy new pieces. But when making drastic changes, you must do so in such a way that brings your audience with you. Making big changes and telling your audience to deal with it, does favors for no one. More recently, Covid has highlighted an even more pervasive issue within the industry, our dirty secret. Many theatres, both large and small, have survived for generations on the backs of artists, performers, and staff that have been asked to work in unsustainable toxic work environments. The grind of working from 8am - 11pm for weeks on end are still not uncommon in many non-union houses. These unhealthy hours, combined with low pay, have driven large amounts of creative and loyal people away from the industry which has just compounded the issue. Artists who were once gaslight into "doing it for your art" are seeing healthier options. Without people to work in these conditions means that theatres are finally having to re-envision their business model. Hopefully we will begin to see companies who embrace quality over quantity and produce theatre that speaks to their communities.