Persisting Belief in Spectator Myth Amidst Pandemic: Exploring Why This Idea Survives
Troubles Brewing in Quebec's Theaters
The curtains are closing on several Quebec theaters, including renowned institutions and historic venues. They're stretched to their financial limits, and the reasons aren't always crystal clear. Let's dive in and understand the behind-the-scenes drama.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault hinted at one possible issue during the question period at the National Assembly on May 7th — a decrease in theater-goers post-pandemic. However, the Quebec Institute of Statistics (ISQ) reports a surprising increase of 1.1 million spectators between 2018 and 2023, the latest year collected. So, why persist in the notion of the vanished spectator during the pandemic?
Contrary to Legault's claims, the ISQ data reveals an occupancy rate of 67.9% for theater performances by paying spectators in 2023, only slightly lower than the 67.7% recorded in 2018. The average attendance per performance has even improved, rising from 387 spectators to 436.
Statistically, the audience is back in the house.
More figures to drive the point home? Total attendance in 2018 was 7.7 million spectators. In 2023? 8.8 million, marking a steady increase. Though the pandemic has undoubtedly introduced challenges, it seems spectators have not deserted the stage entirely.
However, the return of audiences isn't uniform across all genres. For instance, dance performances have experienced a 32% increase in attendance compared to the average of 2015-2019. Danse Danse recognized this trend, with 45,000 spectators in 2024-2025, filling an average of 77% of their halls, up from 70% in 2018-2019. Similarly, the Agora de la danse reports that 97% of its performances during the 2024-2025 season have been sold out.
On the flip side, music seems to be struggling, with a 50% paying attendance rate in 2023. However, attendances have improved from 68% in 2018 to 74% in 2023. Varieties and spectacle locations do not show significant differences compared to 2018.
Theatre Associates (TIA), on the other hand, reports that among its 11 member institutions, the paying attendance rate is higher than average, at 72%. Some TIA theaters, like Espace Go, estimate an attendance rate of 85% this year, while Theater d'Aujourd'hui boasts an 83% rate. The Prospero has filled its halls with 93%-96% attendance in 2023 and 2024, and Le Quat'Sous was teeming with spectators, reaching a max "sellable" of 97%.
Yet, some question whether these institutions have easily won back the public's trust or if they simply played it safe with their programming.
Further Reading
- Duceppe's Season Saved by Janette
- Theatre du Nouveau Monde Under Pressure
- Theatre Prospero and its Storm
- All texts from our series "Scenes Without Funds"
Notably, the Association of specialized theater broadcasters reported a 3% decrease in membership, with a paid attendance rate of 71% for 2022-2023.
It's essential to note that reaching 100% attendance is unattainable, as free tickets are part of all creators' contracts. However, the number of spectators with free tickets has dropped significantly, from 765,118 in 2018 to 682,450 in 2023.
In dance and theater, the number of productions has decreased, resulting in fewer opportunities for artists to present their work.
Busting Myths and Examining Real Problems
"It's not accurate to suggest that the theaters are empty or that the public has lost interest in dance," the Quebec Dance Association explains. Instead, the problem seems to revolve around the break-even point of the halls. "Even when halls are full, some still record deficits due to years of capped subsidies," notes M. Mongrain.
Pierre Des Marais, director of Danse Danse, concludes: "We need to dispel the myth of the lost spectator since the pandemic. The real issue is that it's more expensive to produce today than it was five years ago."
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Watch Now
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- The arts scene in Quebec is thriving, with an increase of 1.1 million spectators between 2018 and 2023, according to the Quebec Institute of Statistics (ISQ).
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle, it seems that audiences are eagerly embracing dance performances, with a significant 32% increase in attendance compared to the average of 2015-2019.
- For food-and-drink enthusiasts, the question persists whether Quebec theaters have won back the public's trust or if they simply played it safe with their programming, especially in the genre of music, where paying attendances have struggled.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find solace in the fact that the number of productions has decreased in dance and theater, opening up more spaces for personal growth and creativity.
- In the sphere of relationships, the return of audiences isn't uniform, with some struggling genres like music, while others, like dance, are experiencing a resurgence in interest. However, the Quebec Dance Association emphasizes that the problem lies more in the break-even point of the halls rather than a lost interest in the arts.
