Buddies in Bad Times Theatre pays audiences for feedback

A Toronto theatre company, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, is offering audience members up to $180 each to see its shows this season. The company is the largest queer theatre in the world and is looking for feedback on various aspects of the theatre experience. This initiative is part of an audience-in-residence program. The company wants to improve how it serves its patrons and make its venue more welcoming. The program aims to understand what people think about the theatre's accessibility, services, and overall atmosphere. Across Toronto, other theatres are also exploring how to serve their communities better. They want to become more than just performance spaces. Some are open to visitors throughout the day, offering events that extend beyond traditional shows. Many arts organizations are still recovering from losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has pushed them to rethink their role in society. Buddies’ artistic director, ted witzel, believes art should be an experience rather than just a product. The company is already known for hosting various events aside from shows, like club nights and open mics. It also operates an in-house bar. Witzel aims to expand programming further through interdisciplinary work. Participants in the audience-in-residence program were chosen from over 800 applicants. They will attend shows anonymously to give honest feedback. The group includes people from diverse backgrounds, such as young adults, seniors, and disabled patrons. Other theatres in Toronto, like Theatre Centre and Soulpepper, are also expanding their community offerings. They have added cafes, libraries, and community events to engage audiences outside regular performance hours. Arts organizations are realizing the need to create social impact and use their spaces effectively. Many newer theatres have been designed to be more open and inviting. This shift is helping them connect with new audiences and meet community needs. Witzel believes that being a theatre and a community hub can go hand in hand. He is waiting to see how the audience residency program will influence the future of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and enrich the community experience.