Photo: Celia Mendoza

 

Call a lawyer and sue me.

“Arts Groups Fight Their Insurers Over Coverage on Virus Losses” by The New York Times’ Julia Jacobs – ” … insurance companies have issued a torrent of denials, prompting lawsuits across the country and legislative efforts on the state and federal levels to force insurers to make payments. … many 100-plus-page insurance policies say that businesses must have suffered a “direct physical loss or damage” to be eligible for payment.

Policies tailored for theatrical productions typically do not require physical losses … Some [Broadway] shows have already received advance payments from insurance companies …

Brick-and-mortar theaters are finding it more difficult to get their claims approved because they often make their money by renting out space to productions, which means they must fulfill the “physical loss” requirement.” http://bway.ly/hdcwdm

News and Notes

NY TIMES: “Will Socially Distanced Rehearsals Leave Space for Good Theater?” by The New York Times’ Alex Marshall – “Actors [in Austria] must stay at least three feet apart, government guidelines say, and performers can come closer only if they wear face coverings or masks. … In interviews, leading theatermakers in both countries said rehearsals would be impossible under such conditions. Several said they simply would not return to work unless actors could rehearse just as they did before the pandemic.” http://bway.ly/j6rxi4

NYC: “Mayor Bill De Blasio Eyes Early September For New York City Back To “As Much Normal As We Can Be”” by Deadline’s Ted Johnson – ” … de Blasio anticipates that the city will be on track to reopen “as much normal as we can be” by the start of September, with restrictions eased on certain businesses before then. … He didn’t specify which businesses would reopen.” http://bway.ly/wvu5vp

TICKETING: “TodayTix rebrands and launches new ticket program” by Broadway News’ Caitlin Huston – “TodayTix has temporarily rebranded itself as TomorrowTix … When Broadway and Off-Broadway shows reopen, the company will provide 1,000 seats for frontline workers and is asking for donations from patrons to subsidize additional seats.” http://bway.ly/xu9lfy

UNIONS: “Entertainment Industry Union Leaders To Discuss Their Efforts At Combating Pandemic” by Deadline’s David Robb – “An all-star lineup of entertainment industry union leaders will take part in a press conference Wednesday to discuss how they are dealing with the industry’s coronavirus shutdown. … Those slated to take part in the presser include: … Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE … Ray Hair, international president of the American Federation of Musicians … Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association … Laura Penn, executive director of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society … ” http://bway.ly/850i9t