There aren’t enough Broadway theaters. So I’m building one!

I’ve written about the theater crunch on Broadway a bunch of times . . . and I got to thinking the other day, it’s time for me to stop writing about it and start doing something about it.

So I did.

Just yesterday I put a down payment on a warehouse on 48th St between 10th and 11th (the image in this blog), and have begun plans to convert it into a 1300 seat state-of-the-art Broadway house, with rehearsal space in the basement and a 199 seat Off Broadway house as well.

I know, I know, it’s a little further west than I would like, but with the redevelopment of both 8th and 9th Avenues that’s occurring now, I think it’s only a matter of time before midtown extends all the way to the river.  Besides, I bought my lot just steps away from where the Shuberts bought theirs last summer.   If they are moving in, then they must know something that I don’t. And at least I’m guaranteed to have a good neighbor.  Right?  (Great lesson in business – like a flea, attach yourself to a big dog, and ride that puppy to success.)

As you can imagine, the price tag for a new Broadway theater is a little high.  From top to bottom, with all the bells and whistles (including more women’s bathrooms than you can imagine), the theater is going to cost about $113 million.

While I’m raising money in the traditional way, getting loans, and  believe it or not the City Government is going to help, I’m also doing something a little different (are you surprised?).

To help raise money for this new Broadway theater, I’m also starting the largest Kickstarter in the history of kickstarter!  That’s right, you can own a piece of the theater as well, by donating as little as a buck.  And just like on Godspell, every person that donates will get their name somewhere on that building.  We haven’t figured out exactly where, but it’s going to be the first ever crowdfunded Broadway theater, created and built by Broadway theater lovers!

$113 million is a lot of money one dollar at a time, so I urge you to give now.  Click the link below to take you to the donation site, to see a video with me, and to meet my architect, design team, and see actual plans for the building.

Click here to learn more about the new Broadway Theater coming your way!

 

(Got a comment? I love ‘em, so comment below! Email Subscribers, click here then scroll down to say what’s on your mind!)

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FUN STUFF:

–  Win a Free Pass to the Commercial Theater Institute’s Three Day Intensive, worth $460!  Click here.

– Listen to Podcast Episode #13 with Tom Kirdahy, Producer of The Visit and It’s Only A Play!  Click here.

– Want to learn the dollars and “sense” of a Broadway budget? Click here!

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Podcasting

Ken created one of the first Broadway podcasts, recording over 250 episodes over 7 years. It features interviews with A-listers in the theater about how they “made it”, including 2 Pulitzer Prize Winners, 7 Academy Award Winners and 76 Tony Award winners. Notable guests include Pasek & Paul, Kenny Leon, Lynn Ahrens and more.

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