Studio Theatre closed in March 2020, as many local community theaters do. The Studio Theatre did not reopen until a year later.

Little Rock’s Arkansas theater realized that the sales it made from hosting outdoor shows or streaming live events did not cover its debts. Amanda Kennedy, the theater’s treasurer, discovered a program called Shuttered Venue Operators Grant by Small Business Administration. This $16 billion fund was created to help sustain the live entertainment industry. Kennedy read the details and concluded that Studio Theatre was likely to be eligible for $135,000 worth of grants.

Kennedy, certified public accountant said that the program was “a godsend” she felt.

She said, “We have loans I don’t know how long it will take us to retire…without the grant money.” “It hurts to think of that burden placed upon this theater.”

Studio Theatre did not apply for assistance. Studio Theatre now joins a small group that claims they can access aid. Others are considering legal action because they received different responses from similar businesses. Some say the explanations about why they were denied grants were lacking, and that uneven distribution has left them at a competitive disadvantage within the industry. Live events supporters claim that the wider industry was not included in the grant program. Now the race to obtain a new aid package for the many millions of people who claimed they were kept out of the loop.

Kennedy had signed on to the portal last April to submit her theater application. As many others she could not get through because of glitches in the rollout. The portal itself closed down on its first day. The application was received weeks later after the portal relaunched.

Kennedy felt confident. Kennedy felt confident when she received an email in July asking her to verify the portal. She logged into her account and said that the theater denied her, but did not know why. Kennedy appealed and was sent an email by August. Again, Kennedy appealed the decision and received an email in August.

Her hope was that her denial would be mistaken.. Theater had a different problem applying for assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. The funding was delayed by a mistaken identity, which has since been fixed. This time, however, the problem was not solved.

Since its inception this spring, many operators and venues have benefited from the SVOG program. Over 12,000 grants for initial or supplemental funding have been awarded, totaling $13.6 billion. SBA data shows that more than 4,500 applicants were rejected.

The organization states that volunteers are allowed to participate in production castings, provided the non-profit live performing arts organisation’s events are managed and produced mainly by employees. SBA said in its list of frequently asked questions about the program.

According to program data from both these groups and the SBA, grant funding was made for neighbouring community theaters such as the Argenta Community Theater (North Little Rock) and Royal Players (Benton), Arkansas. Nearly both theaters have been closed. Kennedy stated that the Studio Theatre was identical in all material aspects to Kennedy’s, even the non-paying performers.

Kennedy explained that it had been almost one year of financial hardship and emotional distress. He was told, “Here’s what can help you. Here’s a line for you.” That hope was denied repeatedly and then it was suspended.

In April 2020, the Live Events Coalition was created. coronavirus pandemicIt was established in 2001 and represents approximately 1,000,000 small businesses with a total economic impact of $872 billion. The group said 92% of its small business members — who represent trade shows, corporate events, weddings, local county fairs and more — did not qualify for relief under the program or the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

While SVOG assisted in shuttering venues, Wendy Porter (Vice Chair of Government Affairs) said that it was clear that the program didn’t go far enough to support the people behind the scenes who make events possible.  

Porter who runs an event business, said “You are only saving the venues.” “You’re missing the rest of our industry, which is all of the service companies — the planners, the lighting and AV people. That language was missing the entire industry that helps make an event come alive. Although they wanted to save venues, the truth is that if you don’t save us all, you will have an empty room.”

Although the group reached out to lawmakers in an effort to get more support, it became clear that a bigger aid package would be harder to pass. According to the coalition, there is active legislation in the House as well as the Senate that will provide a helpline for entrepreneurs who work behind-the scenes. Porter claimed that certain members of the coalition have experienced losses in their businesses during these 15 months.

SBA programs, such as EIDL and the Paycheck Protection Program, provided an easier way out for the events industry. A fall poll by the coalition found that nearly half of those surveyed said they had cancelled 60% to 100% of their fall or winter bookings because of the delta variant. Omicron has also caused similar problems, with Broadway performances being cancelled, travel disrupted, and consumer confidence suffering yet another blow.

It’s hard for me to see my coworkers go through what they are going through. This is people’s livelihoods they have worked for many decades. Porter added that nobody is paying attention.

Savas continues to travel, looking for creative ways of staying afloat in his venture. Although the grants process is burdened with uncertainty and debt, Savas believes he’ll be able continue to tour and offer fan experiences.

“It was almost like being on the most dangerous roller coaster in existence. There were ups. There were also downs. He stated that the industry has seen 360 spins. It’s difficult to know whether the industry is returning, or if shows will be produced. We don’t know if we will be able pay our bills or if we will be denied approval. And it’s just been terrifying — and exciting — and disappointing. There were many cheers and tears along the journey.

He stated, “I simply want to get off of this ride, get mine money and return to work.”

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