Long planning horizons in music theatre: obstacle or opportunity? Some practical considerations

Abstract

The music theatre is the branch with the longest planning lead at the municipal theatres. There are a number of reasons for this including the fact that it is also the most personnelintensive section at theatres, which occupies the largest stage space. In addition, music theatre usually has the highest budget, but this is also accompanied by the obligation to use it as profitably as possible so that the theatre as a whole, including the workshops, etc., can be supported.

The article deals with the question of what this long-term planning horizon means for opera as a genre, for the municipal theatre sector and for the development of music theatre as a stage form relevant to the public. First of all, the reasons for this long planning processes are presented and their relevance will be discussed. In addition, considerations will be suggested as to the extent to which this time lead is not only restrictive but also opens up opportunities and how current issues can be dealt with. More than ten years of practical experience in management positions at municipal theatres of various sizes serve as the basis for this discussion. In addition, current case studies from the international music theatre sector will be used to illustrate the situation further. On the one hand, the article is intended to raise awareness for the challenge of the long planning processes in music theatre and, on the other hand, to encourage an open-minded approach to this issue that goes beyond the stereotyped processing of individual season plans.