Dear Members of the Broadway League,

We, as theatre workers of Broadway, are writing to formally express our concern regarding the decision-making surrounding the Sunday, January 25 performances, which took place during Winter Storm Fern.

When city and state officials issue clear guidance instructing residents to remain at home, theatrical workers and audience members should not be placed in a position where complying with those directives carries professional or financial consequences. We are not essential workers, and we rely on The Broadway League to prioritize safety over profits in moments of civic emergency, particularly those that shut down public transportation and make road travel unsafe.

The decision to keep Broadway shows running under these conditions created avoidable and unnecessary risks for the company members required to staff the building. The expectation that individuals should drive in hazardous weather, secure last-minute lodging, absorb financial loss, or navigate suspended public transportation, places the burden of risk entirely on casts, crews, front of house staff, box office, security, orchestra, company and stage management, as well as the numerous other employees required to make your shows run. Because our attendance is tied to income, sick time, or professional standing, the expectation to choose safety becomes functionally impossible. Our responsibilities outside of this building must be taken into consideration when we are asked to prioritize work over the safety of ourselves and those who rely on us.

The consequences of these decisions were tangible. Company members were injured in transit, lost pay or sick time, and were forced to ignore the directives of our elected officials. Ignoring these directives also put others at risk, including our own audiences; many of whom were unable to cancel or exchange purchased tickets due to ticketing policies.

The Broadway League’s decision to continue business as usual amidst a citywide emergency affects public trust. The immediate online backlash from patrons expressing concern for safety highlights the reputational risks of proceeding under such conditions. We are deeply proud of the work we do and the communities we have built inside Broadway theaters. But, in moments of crisis or uncertainty, we need you to be leaders in this city.

Going forward, we urge leadership to proactively establish clear and transparent protocols for declared emergencies. We ask that these protocols prioritize safety, and protect vulnerable company members, including caregivers. In moments where safety is at stake, we need the Broadway League to protect audience members, casts, crews, and staff. Your decisions during an emergency cannot leave your companies feeling unsupported and expendable for the sake of profit.

Our well-being must be valued as highly as the shows we help create and love.

Sincerely,

Members of the casts, crews, and employees of Broadway