It’s no secret that women have a long and illustrious history in the theater, having played many of the most iconic roles in shows ranging from Chicago to Cats. The figures, however, paint a very different picture, especially when it comes to the industry as a whole.
Broadway Productions
There’s a big divide in the role of women in Broadway productions and shows across the rest of the country. While women are well represented off Broadway (with more than 42 percent being women), only around 13 percent of Broadway writers are women.
Types of Shows
The reasons for this aren’t entirely clear. Many commentators suspect that it comes down to the types of shows that Broadway puts on. It’s much more likely to put on classics than it is to try contemporary pieces, most of which were written by men.
Directors
But it’s not just writers where Broadway differs, but in the composition of its directors too. Eighty-seven percent of the directors for shows airing in the West End are men, compared to 53 percent in the rest of the country.
Why Broadway is so different from the rest of the country remains something of an enigma. While it is true that it has a longer history than most theaters across the country, it is also highly competitive and in a city that values equality.
Conclusion
If you’re confused and want to know more about women in the theater, take a look at the following infographic. It breaks it down into easy-to-understand chunks that make learning fun.
See Broadway shows
