Producers plead for easing social distancing rules in theater

A touring production of the French musical “Notre-Dame de Paris” staged at Blue Square in Seoul closed early, Jan. 3, two weeks short of its original schedule, after the government extended its level 2.5 social distancing measures through Jan. 17. / Courtesy of Mast Entertainment

By Kwon Mee-yoo

With the government's extension of level 2.5 social distancing, Korea's theater industry is struggling to survive, and producers are speaking out in support of those who are losing their jobs.

December into January is traditionally a peak season in the theater industry with many holidays, but the recent spike of COVID-19 infections here has shattered the dream for 2020.

According to the Korea Performing Arts Box Office Information System (KOPIS), monthly sales in December 2020 were around 5 billion won ($4.6 million), less than 10 percent of the 56.8 billion won during the same period the year before. The number is close to the record low sales of April last year at 4.7 billion won when the threat level was increased and some shows took a hiatus because of the pandemic.

Most of the big productions closed in early December when the government raised its social distancing measures to Level 2.5. The second highest COVID-19 alert level in the country meant theaters must leave two empty seats between each occupied seat, leaving them at a capacity of less than 30 percent.

At first, theater companies announced a temporary suspension until Jan. 3, but extended the closure to Jan. 17 after the government decided to maintain the current level for two more weeks. This is the first time for Korea's major theaters to shut down for over a month.

The few shows which had continued despite losses gave up after the extension was announced. A touring production of "Notre-Dame de Paris" from France closed Sunday, two weeks prior to the original closing date of Jan. 17. It was one of the most highly anticipated shows last year, starring some of the French musical's original cast such as Daniel Lavoie and has been performed despite other theaters remaining dark in December.

The show's organizer Mast Entertainment, announced Dec. 30, that the show would close Jan. 3 if the social distancing rules were not eased by then.

"Due to the extended period of heightened social distancing rules, the show has been repeating cessation and reopening, with a different level of capacity. We cannot bear the losses caused by continuing the show amid leaving at least two thirds of the seats empty anymore," the company said in a statement.

After the government's announcement of the extension, the show raised its final curtain Sunday.

Amid the pandemic, 10 major theater production companies, including CJ ENM, Seensee Company, Clip Service, EMK Musical Company and OD Musical Company, launched the Korean Musical Producers Association (KMPA) in December.

The association's first move was to release a statement on the government's unrealistic COVID-19 guidelines for theaters, calling them a "false hope."

According to the KMPA, the average production costs for a large-scale musical are around 3 to 15 billion won and the break-even point would be paying audiences at the 60 percent to 70 percent of capacity level. With weakened consumer sentiment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult for theatrical productions to recoup this year, but the heightened social distancing rules made it virtually impossible.

"All production companies, actors, crew and audience members are abiding by the protective measures against COVID-19 to keep theaters safe while keeping the shows going on despite financial difficulties throughout this year. However, the two-seat rule is basically a false hope and it is impossible to stage a show at only 30 percent of capacity," the statement reads.

The association asked the government to come up with practical support policies such as reduction in rental fees in consultation with private theaters, and a rethink about the two empty seats rule.

Live entertainment such as musicals and plays might not be considered a necessity amid the pandemic, but the association emphasized that it is a means of living for someone.

"A large-scale musical production would feature about 30 actors and 100 staff and crew members. Over 10,000 people in the theater industry, most of them freelancers, have no income if shows are suspended. Their livelihood is threatened by COVID-19," the association said.