Since 1870 Broadway has put out some of the most innovative and creative content into this world of unlimited entertainment. From award-winning costume design like that in the Lion King to hit musicals written by pop stars like Green Day and Elton John, Broadway is a never-ending plethora of amazing talent. Where song, dance, and drama can all unite onstage to create compelling storytelling and visual spectacle at the same time. An experience to had by all, but sadly experienced by little. This is where technology comes in.

Here are the choice thoughts of the day:

TIM KASHANI: Tony-Award winner, co-founder of Showbiz U, and producer of An American in Paris opening December 10^th

On Pizza Hut’s new ‘Subconscious Menu’

“Artificial intelligence is coming. Any of these trends are going to affect Broadway so we have to embrace them.”

On Code.org partnering with Disney to teach kids coding

“I’m all about gamification in learning. Kids are able to learn in a way that inspires. What they’re doing is a natural evolutionary process.”

Amazon Kiva Robots:

“It will be interesting to see when they can sing and dance.”

Girl Scouts selling cookies online:

“There’s something beautiful about young kids learning real world commerce. At the same time the entire world has embraced the online process.”

“Some people are purists and think tech is going to destroy the theater industry but I think it’s something we need to embrace.”

“I’ve found Broadway to change so fast there’s a hybrid of fear and excitement going on.”

“Now you have all of your cast members and their friends to help spread by word of mouth.”

“What makes a hit show? It’s really simple, the next day when the audience wakes up they need to call their friends and say ‘go see this show’.”

“We’ve democratized the communication path. If it resonates with the audience it’s going to find its way, regardless of the critics.”

On becoming a producer: “If we run this show like a business, we can turn a profit.”

“Strong lead producers are essential to a long show run.”

“Your name has to be above the title to win a Tony Award.”

“If you look at distribution of sales you see shows making so much more than they ever were in history. It’s similar to how the airline and cruise industry works.”

“You see many shows closing after the Tony nominations are announced.”

“To have those weeks that may lose money, make sure to have a reserve so you can account for those loses.”

“February, March, April—the sweet spot for Broadway shows.”

“Initial capitalization: How much it costs to open doors is about $10 million plus. You have to raise that.”

“The Weekly Run: How much do you need to spend each week to keep doors open. Now it’s in the $600k a week range.”

“I want to be the first producer who live streams our shows ever night.”

“You have purists who think theater is a sacred event. Seeing the show online makes people want to see the show even more.”

“The audience emotionally connecting especially when they leave the theater is the key to success.”

“Jon Stewart said, “Theater is what changes and moves society forward. Film and TV amplify it. We need theater to expose those issues and talk about it in public.”

“We have to make sure we get all the unions aligned. Make sure to understand the union structures when you come to Broadway.”

Follow Tim @TimKashani 

HAL LUFTIG: Tony Award-winning producer Hal Luftig of Kinky Boots

“If you’re a CEO of a company, you’re at the top but you hire people to help you run the company. In the world of musicals it’s lighting, directors—hopefully as a producer you nurture them to do their best and come together.”

“Producers wear a lot of hats at different times. I still have to deal with no toilet paper in the dressing rooms.”

“Disruptive to me means when someone’s cell phone goes off in the middle of a drama.”

“Legally Blonde was the first show that was completely filmed and shown on MTV.”

“One of the greatest things is getting young people into the theater. Social media and new technology has allowed young people across country to see sections of the show.”

“It’s cool to see kids doing the dance or singing the songs from a show. It’s making theater accessible where 20 to 30 years ago it was not.”

“You discover talent like the woman who sang for Evita. She filmed her audition and sent it in.”

“Investing in theater does have its risks. But you’ll never have more fun. It’s something that you have ownership of. You’re a part owner of this team.”

“There was a time where a show either made its money or didn’t. There are so many other ways now that shows can make money offstage. It makes investing in theater more profitable.”

“You look at popular stars like Kristin Chenoweth or Julianna Margulies, even Bradley Cooper, all started in the theater.”

“Snooki hasn’t done Ice Man Cometh, but most do start in the theater.”

“If you can see yourself doing something else, than do that. If you can’t and theater is in your heart, then do it.”

Follow Hal @HalLuftig

JIM AUGUSTINE: Producer and media entrepreneur 

“We need an overhaul of structure in the theater investment model. It’s been predicated in the past solely by angel investors.”

“Children of a Lesser God is coming back to Broadway. We’re looking at technologies that will be able to include the deaf audience we’re hoping to bring in.”

“Broadway’s become much more accessible—the international market has blown up from YouTube and social media.”

“Broadway is a brand. We have to embrace new media online and potentially in the theaters themselves. There’s resistance because it’s older than Methuselah.”

“You don’t control Broadway from one central office.”

“Find the place you want to be at in the world and find great mentors. I encourage the mentorship on Broadway.”

For questions: Jim@metamobilix.com

Join Randi and “Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg on SiriusXM” next week as she discusses Technology to Ease Parental Strain with the newest in tech. Only on SiriusXM Channel 111 Wednesdays at 9am PST/12EST.

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