Going to the theater and watching a show has always been perceived as entertainment for the older generation, while younger people haven’t always been categorized in a social class that may fit the typical theatergoer.
Thomas Rattigan was quoted as saying something in the 1950s along those lines. They are thoughts that have been widely shared ever since he did. He believed that shows appealed more to women who were of a certain age, social class, and had money.
However, new findings suggest that the entertainment medium is becoming more popular with a different type of audience.
Younger People Are Attending The Theatre
In the UK, it has been found that the demographic of the audience has been shifting favorably.
A poll found that 18- to 24-year-olds were among those who would frequent a theater show the most often. Some 27% of respondents said they attend at least twice a year. In addition, there appears to have been a shift regarding gender. More men have started to attend shows, making it even between them and women.
These figures show that there has been a change in the seventy-plus years since Rattigan made his observation, which has been hugely positive for the industry.
What has made the Theatre More Popular With Younger Audiences?
However, times are changing. The theater has become more accessible, and many have enjoyed it. The stage has been used in various entertainment mediums, which has perhaps helped boost its appeal with younger viewers.
The film industry has adapted many of the biggest musicals into films and vice versa. Games have even been based on stage shows. You can play slots that use theaters generally, or you can even enjoy some created on actual shows. For instance, you might find the highest payout casinos offering The Phantom of the Opera as a title due to its notoriety in the West End or on Broadway.
With greater exposure being witnessed across popular culture, it makes the figures that have been found to be a little less surprising…
Will the Theatre Continue To Attract Younger Audiences?
Younger audiences are undoubtedly going to be the lifeblood of the industry. They are going to be the viewers who can spend more on tickets than any other demographic. These individuals will be the ones who are working, thus potentially having more disposable income to spend on going to a show than the older generation might have.
It’s a huge positive for the industry. Based on a newer generation of attendees, new shows and ideas can be developed, which can help the industry to thrive. It can also help promote a show. Younger audiences are more likely to be active on social media. This could lead them to share their experiences more than older viewers, thus helping to get more people into seats.
If theaters can adapt and keep up with these changes, younger audiences will likely continue to be attracted to the shows they show.