Ticket Prices Spike as Nonprofit NYC Theaters Face Squeeze

Major nonprofit theaters in New York City are charging significantly more for seats, with several recently topping the $100 mark for the first time, writes The New York Times.

While still well under prices for Broadway shows, the rising charges reflect the continuing budgetary squeeze for nonprofit stages, which traditionally offer a low-cost theatrical alternative but have yet to see ticket sales rebound fully from the recession. Theater groups are exploring other ways to juice revenues, such as partnering with commercial producers and importing productions with celebrity cast members.

The Roundabout Theater Company, New York’s biggest nonprofit theater, increased its top price to $162 for a revival of its popular production of Cabaret starring Alan Cumming. The Roundabout ran a $5.5-million deficit on its $60-million budget last year. The New Group, the Public Theater, and Manhattan Theater Club have also crossed the $100 line on tickets.