Forget everything you think you know about the performing arts being a niche passion project, because this industry is a global economic powerhouse that generated $57.41 billion worldwide in 2023 and directly supported nearly 3 million jobs in the U.S. alone.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the U.S. performing arts sector generated $36.5 billion in revenue, including ticket sales, contributions, and earned income across theaters, dance, music, and opera.
- Global performing arts market size was valued at $57.41 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $80.72 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0%.
- Broadway grossed $1.89 billion in the 2022-2023 season, with 14.3 million attendees despite economic challenges.
- The U.S. performing arts industry employed 2.9 million workers in 2023, accounting for 1.8% of total U.S. employment.
- Broadway theaters employed 92,000 individuals seasonally in 2022-2023.
- U.S. dancers and choreographers numbered 32,300 in 2023, with median wage $42,700.
- U.S. performing arts attendance reached 500 million tickets sold in 2023 across all venues.
- Broadway attendance: 14.3 million in 2022-2023 season.
- U.S. symphony orchestra concerts attended by 30 million people in 2022.
- U.S. performing arts venues numbered 12,500 in 2023.
- Broadway had 36 shows running in 2022-2023 season.
- U.S. symphony orchestras: 1,200 active organizations in 2022.
- Global performing arts market expected to grow at 4.8% CAGR to $145 billion by 2032.
- U.S. performing arts digital streaming revenue up 300% post-pandemic, reaching $500 million in 2023.
- Hybrid events in performing arts increased 45% from 2022 to 2023.
The performing arts industry is rebounding and growing globally with strong economic and social impact.
Audience and Attendance
- U.S. performing arts attendance reached 500 million tickets sold in 2023 across all venues.
- Broadway attendance: 14.3 million in 2022-2023 season.
- U.S. symphony orchestra concerts attended by 30 million people in 2022.
- Dance performances drew 25 million attendees in U.S. in 2022.
- Opera America members hosted 2,300 performances for 6.5 million attendees in FY2022.
- U.K. performing arts venues saw 80 million visits in 2022/23.
- Australia theater attendance: 18 million in 2022.
- Canada arts attendance: 60 million, performing arts 45% in 2023.
- France spectacle vivant: 140 million tickets sold in 2022.
- Germany theaters: 50 million visitors in 2022/23.
- Japan kabuki and musicals: 12 million attendees in 2023.
- Brazil theater: 25 million spectators in 2022.
- South Korea musicals: 10.5 million attendees in 2023.
- Italy opera theaters: 4.2 million attendees in 2022.
- Spain shows: 35 million spectators in 2023.
- Netherlands theaters: 15 million visits in 2022.
- Sweden performing arts: 12 million attendees in 2022.
- New Zealand arts events: 8 million attendances, performing 40%.
- Mexico theater: 15 million spectators in 2023.
- Argentina theater: 5 million attendees in 2023.
- Turkey performing arts: 20 million visitors in 2022.
- South Africa shows: 6 million attendees in 2022.
- Russia theaters: 85 million visitors in 2023.
- Poland theaters: 12 million spectators in 2023.
- U.S. 65% of adults attended performing arts event in past year (2022 SPPA).
Audience and Attendance Interpretation
Even as streaming services try to stage a hostile takeover of our attention, the global audience has decisively voted with their feet, proving that the irreplaceable thrill of a live performance is something you simply can't pirate.
Employment Statistics
- The U.S. performing arts industry employed 2.9 million workers in 2023, accounting for 1.8% of total U.S. employment.
- Broadway theaters employed 92,000 individuals seasonally in 2022-2023.
- U.S. dancers and choreographers numbered 32,300 in 2023, with median wage $42,700.
- Actors employed in U.S. performing arts totaled 48,800 in 2023, median pay $23.48/hour.
- Musicians and singers in performing arts: 142,000 employed in 2023, average salary $35.27/hour.
- U.S. theater directors and producers: 124,700 employed, median wage $76,940 annually.
- Dance companies employed 12,500 full-time equivalents in 2022.
- Opera companies supported 28,000 jobs in FY2022.
- U.K. performing arts workforce: 650,000 people, 2.5% of total employment in 2022.
- Australia creative arts employed 580,000 in 2022, with performing arts 25% share.
- Canada performing arts jobs: 145,000 in 2023.
- France spectacle vivant employed 200,000 intermittent workers in 2022.
- Germany theaters employed 140,000 staff in 2022/23.
- Japan performing arts workforce: 450,000 in 2023.
- Brazil performing arts employed 1.2 million informally and formally in 2022.
- South Korea musicals employed 25,000 professionals in 2023.
- Italy spectacle employed 400,000 workers in 2022.
- Spain performing arts jobs: 180,000 in 2023.
- Netherlands creative industries, performing arts share: 120,000 jobs in 2022.
- Sweden performing arts employed 45,000 FTE in 2022.
- New Zealand arts employed 85,000, performing 30% in 2022.
- Mexico cultural employment: 900,000, performing arts 15%.
- Argentina spectacle workers: 250,000 in 2023.
- South Africa performing arts employed 120,000 in 2022.
- U.S. performing arts had 710,000 wage jobs in leisure/hospitality subsector in 2023.
- Russia theaters employed 220,000 in 2023.
- Poland cultural employment: 320,000, performing arts 40,000 FTE.
Employment Statistics Interpretation
With over 2.9 million American workers setting the stage behind the scenes and in the spotlight—from Broadway's seasonal surges to opera's dedicated ensembles—the global performing arts industry proves it's a massive, if often underpaid, economic powerhouse that refuses to bow to the final curtain.
Revenue and Economic Impact
- In 2022, the U.S. performing arts sector generated $36.5 billion in revenue, including ticket sales, contributions, and earned income across theaters, dance, music, and opera.
- Global performing arts market size was valued at $57.41 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $80.72 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0%.
- Broadway grossed $1.89 billion in the 2022-2023 season, with 14.3 million attendees despite economic challenges.
- The U.S. nonprofit arts sector contributed $151.7 billion to the economy in 2022, with performing arts comprising 42% of that total.
- Ticket sales for U.S. symphony orchestras reached $1.2 billion in 2022, up 12% from 2021.
- Dance companies in the U.S. earned $2.1 billion in total revenue in 2022, with 55% from performances.
- U.K. performing arts industry generated £5.6 billion in GVA in 2022, supporting 133,000 jobs.
- Australia's performing arts sector contributed AUD 7.5 billion to GDP in 2021-22.
- European performing arts market revenue hit €45.2 billion in 2023, driven by live music and theater recovery.
- U.S. regional theaters generated $8.4 billion in economic activity in 2022.
- Bollywood musical theater contributed INR 12,000 crore to India's economy in 2023.
- Canadian performing arts box office reached CAD 1.8 billion in 2023.
- France's live performing arts subsidies totaled €4.2 billion in 2022.
- Germany's theater sector revenue was €9.1 billion in 2022/23 season.
- Japan's performing arts market valued at ¥1.2 trillion in 2023.
- Brazil's performing arts generated BRL 5.2 billion in 2022.
- South Korea's musical theater industry earned KRW 1.1 trillion in 2023.
- Italy's opera and theater revenue reached €2.8 billion in 2022.
- Spain's performing arts box office was €1.4 billion in 2023.
- Netherlands performing arts contributed €3.2 billion to economy in 2022.
- Sweden's cultural sector, including performing arts, generated SEK 50 billion in 2022.
- New Zealand performing arts added NZD 1.2 billion to GDP in 2022.
- Mexico's theater industry revenue hit MXN 4.5 billion in 2023.
- Argentina performing arts market valued at ARS 150 billion in 2023.
- Turkey's performing arts generated TRY 10 billion in 2022.
- South Africa's live performance industry contributed ZAR 15 billion in 2022.
- Russia's theater revenue was RUB 120 billion in 2023.
- Poland's performing arts sector earned PLN 8.5 billion in 2022.
- U.S. performing arts establishments reported average annual revenue of $1.2 million per venue in 2022.
Revenue and Economic Impact Interpretation
While these eye-watering sums prove the show can and must go on, it’s clear the performing arts industry isn't just treading the boards for applause—it's building economic cathedrals onstage, one sold-out seat and generous donation at a time.
Trends and Projections
- Global performing arts market expected to grow at 4.8% CAGR to $145 billion by 2032.
- U.S. performing arts digital streaming revenue up 300% post-pandemic, reaching $500 million in 2023.
- Hybrid events in performing arts increased 45% from 2022 to 2023.
- Diversity in Broadway casts: 55% non-white actors in 2023 season.
- Sustainability efforts: 70% of U.S. theaters adopted green practices by 2023.
- Ticket prices for U.S. performing arts rose 8% annually 2021-2023.
- Rise of immersive theater: 200% growth in productions since 2019.
- AI integration in choreography: 25% of dance companies experimenting by 2024.
- Post-pandemic recovery: 85% of venues back to pre-COVID capacity in 2023.
- U.K. outdoor festivals up 30% in attendance 2023.
- Australia indigenous performing arts funding doubled to AUD 50 million in 2023.
- Canada virtual reality performances: 15% of companies adopting by 2024.
- France subsidy increase for contemporary dance: 12% rise in 2023.
- Germany digital ticket sales: 40% of total in 2023.
- Japan virtual idol concerts: 5 million attendees online in 2023.
- Brazil street theater growth: 50% more events post-2022.
- South Korea K-musicals exports up 60% to 20 countries in 2023.
- Italy post-COVID theater renovations: 300 venues upgraded by 2023.
- Spain flamenco tourism integration: 25 million euros extra revenue 2023.
- Netherlands inclusive programming: 60% venues with disability access improvements 2023.
- Sweden gender parity in directing: 48% female directors in 2023.
- New Zealand Maori performing arts festivals attendance doubled 2022-2023.
- Mexico contemporary circus boom: 100 new troupes since 2021.
- Argentina feminist theater wave: 40% new plays by women in 2023.
- Turkey digital archiving of performances: 80% theaters participating 2023.
- South Africa youth engagement: 35% audience under 25 in 2023.
Trends and Projections Interpretation
The industry is staging a remarkable comeback, not just by returning to its roots but by branching out in every direction—from digital realms and diverse stages to sustainable sets and immersive experiences—proving that while the show must go on, it's now doing so with more screens, more shades of green, and a far more inclusive cast.
Venues and Productions
- U.S. performing arts venues numbered 12,500 in 2023.
- Broadway had 36 shows running in 2022-2023 season.
- U.S. symphony orchestras: 1,200 active organizations in 2022.
- Professional dance companies in U.S.: 450 in 2022.
- Opera companies in U.S.: 125 professional in FY2022.
- U.K. theaters: 1,100 venues hosting 25,000 performances in 2022/23.
- Australia performing arts centers: 1,500 venues in 2022.
- Canada theaters: 2,800 professional venues in 2023.
- France 38,000 performance sites for spectacle vivant in 2022.
- Germany 600 public theaters producing 25,000 shows in 2022/23.
- Japan traditional theaters: 200 major venues, 5,000 performances yearly.
- Brazil theaters: 1,200 rooms hosting 50,000 events in 2022.
- South Korea performance halls: 1,500, hosting 30,000 shows in 2023.
- Italy theaters: 4,200 venues, 120,000 performances in 2022.
- Spain auditoriums: 2,500, 150,000 shows in 2023.
- Netherlands theaters: 350 professional, 20,000 shows yearly.
- Sweden venues: 500, hosting 15,000 events in 2022.
- New Zealand performance venues: 400 major in 2022.
- Mexico theaters: 900, 40,000 performances in 2023.
- Argentina venues: 600 theaters, 25,000 shows in 2023.
- Turkey state theaters: 50 venues, 12,000 plays yearly.
- South Africa theaters: 300 professional venues in 2022.
- Russia theaters: 800 state, producing 300,000 performances in 2023.
- Poland theaters: 450 institutions, 70,000 shows in 2023.
- U.S. new Broadway productions: 50 in 2022-2023 season.
Venues and Productions Interpretation
So while the planet may be digitally distracted, these global numbers reveal we're still stubbornly congregating in dark rooms to watch people pretend to be other people, proving that the ancient urge for live spectacle is not only alive but statistically thriving.
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