RETURN TO THE STAGE, a study of the impact of COVID-19 on Performing Arts workers, is conducting its third and final survey July 1-14. The study authors of the survey, Meg Friedman and David J. McGraw, note that over 4,700 workers participated in the first two surveys. For this final survey they have added some new questions as venues begin to reopen.
If you worked or volunteered in the Performing Arts in the United States from March 2019 through March 2020, please make your voice heard and participate in this study. To read previous reports and to participate in this final survey, visit www.returntothestage.com.
Return to the Stage is a longitudinal study of performing arts workers in the United States, designed to understand COVID-19 related impacts and to begin documenting a broad future vision for the field. Return to the Stage is an independent study. The authors are not in receipt of funding from any agency or organization. A note of thanks does go to Elon University for providing access to the Qualtrics software used to create, distribute, and analyze the survey.
The survey is taken by performers, managers, directors, choreographers, front-of-house and box office teams, writers, technical and design folx, development and marketing, facility operators, vendors, and anyone else working or volunteering in the performing arts. Input is anonymous, and individual data will never be shared.
About the Study Authors
Meg Friedman is a consultant and former stage manager with over 20 years’ experience in the performing arts. She has stage managed performances in 30+ states, conducted original research into theater volunteerism, and as a consultant has supported strategic planning and feasibility studies for arts organizations across North America. Meg is a member of Actors’ Equity.
David J. McGraw is the Program Coordinator for Arts Administration at Elon University and has worked in the performing arts for several decades. He recently worked with the South African State Theatre on a Fulbright Specialist Grant. He is also the creator of the Stage Manager Survey and the SACITS Study.
