Why Arts and Entertainment Need More Than Your Netflix Subscription

Streaming is easy. Saving the soul of our stages, galleries, and concert halls? That takes action.

Note: Admittedly, I'm a little all over the place with this post. I'm frustrated at seeing arts & entertainment struggling and being censored. Here at OTL, we're still recovering from Covid closures (as some of our amazing partners are, as well!) and now facing more hurdles. So, the purpose of this post is to provide as many resources as possible to entertainers, entertainment promoters, and entertainment fans. Arts and entertainment is one of the most positive communities, and everyone needs positivity and uplifting in these times. So, jump around and check out the resources you need. And, if you represent a venue or arts organization, OTL would love to be your silent partner!



by Lu Ann Wall, OTL Seat Fillers

Arts & Entertainment? I don’t have talent, and my memory isn’t the greatest. I can’t tell you any of my elementary school teachers' names or the years I lived here or there.

However, I DO remember being in elementary school, wearing tap shoes and a beautiful white and red costume with a tutu to showcase my no-tap talent. And, I remember singing “Free To Be, You and Me” with classmates on a stage, all wearing homemade silk-screened shirts.

The Shows!

I never thought I’d enjoy The Rockettes until I sat in row two, mesmerized by the high energy and talent. I saw Damn Yankees on Broadway with early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning (and had to leave for most of it to cough in the lobby!) and Wicked in London with severe jet lag. My first concert was David Cassidy (thanks, Mom!), Aerosmith was at Jones Beach, and Train and Better Than Ezra shared a stage during a Christmas show at the old Hard Rock Hotel, which is now a distant memory (unlike the concert!).

How about you?

I bet you have a fun elementary school costume in your past, a memorable concert date, choice tickets to a musical, or an “I remember them when” in-person comedy show moment.

Arts or Academics? How About Both?

Admittedly, there have also been times when I’ve pondered the academics vs arts funding, playing both arguments in my head and not always coming to the same conclusion.

However, since my family and I started OTL Seat Fillers, I have a new understanding of how arts and entertainment impacts our lives. I’ve received emails from Grandma, who got to see the opera for the first time as a seat filler with her granddaughter and families who introduced their kids to local theatre courtesy of free seat filler tickets.

Five performers appear trapped inside a computer screen, reaching out dramatically as if yearning for a live audience.

Venues, Promoters, Artists

Entertainment partners express appreciation for even two more people in the audience because it changes the atmosphere for the better (not to mention the food, beverage, and merch bottom line)! They’ve also shared that some seat fillers have become theatre volunteers after being introduced to new shows and venues.

Many of our incredible arts & entertainment partners were destroyed by COVID closures. Some slowly returned, while others are, unfortunately, nothing more than a fond memory. For quite a while, event-goers put up with mask mandates just to experience the magic of live entertainment again, and performers embraced makeshift stages and performed virtually to remote audiences.

Illustration of two stick figures holding hands in a spotlight labeled “Entertainment Partners” while another labeled “OTL” peeks happily from the wings with the caption “Take center stage! We’re happy in the wings.”

🎭 Got Something to Share, Sell, or Stage?

YOU Take Center Stage - OTL is Happy in the Wings.

>> Want to add your listing or petition to this very blog?

>> How about providing your own article for posting on OTL?

>> Maybe drop a special discount in OTL’s next newsletter?

>> Secretly (and fabulously) offer seat filler tickets to our members?

We offer all of that—and we do it for FREE.

>> You can also buy Heart the Arts™ merch in bulk and resell it at your venue like a cultural boss! Not free, but not expensive!

Get in touch with us! We’re your arts & entertainment partner, powered by popcorn, passion, and a love for keeping the arts alive.

Funding Cuts for Arts & Entertainment? C'mon...

So, I have to wonder why entertainers who never give up and fans who will stand in line for hours for coveted seats are threatened again with cuts to arts & entertainment funding?

It seems to me that live arts and entertainment should be more important than ever these days. Our faces are buried in screens all day and all night. We’re isolated, on edge, and bombarded with never-ending news, politics, and negativity, so escapes are mandatory for our mental health. And, how about the creativity that our online world fosters? YouTube creators, graphic design, online music mixing, dance classes, virtual events, and the list goes on...

Entertainment takes you to another world – a world that rests and uplifts our eyes, minds, and hearts.

Woman wearing a “Happiness is THE ARTS” red and black baseball tee from the Heart The Arts™ collection by SeatFillerShop.com.

#HeartTheArts Loud and Proud

Let’s focus on some solutions instead of problems. I’ve compiled some sources for entertainment venues and entertainment fans. There are still grants and funding available (well, at least for now), petitions to sign, and plenty of ideas for participating in arts & entertainment – even if you’re like me and want to hide in the wings or row 2, seat E.

A collage of diverse performers including a singer, actor, dancer, cellist, comedian, DJ, and more, representing all areas of arts and entertainment.

For Our Event Promoting Friends!

Walking Together

In January 2025, U.S. Regional Arts Organizations introduced "Walking Together," offering grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 to support collaborative arts projects nationwide. Informational webinars and office hours are available for interested applicants.

Grants for Arts Projects by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

The NEA continues to provide grants for arts projects of all sizes across various disciplines. If you miss a deadline, bookmark their page so you can get in on the next round.

Creative Capital

This organization offers grants up to $50,000 to individual artists across disciplines, along with additional mentorship and advisory services. Creative Capital has committed over $50 million in project funding since its inception.

Participate, Advocate, Volunteer, Attend


The arts need more than applause – they need action (well, and applause!). Whether you're fueled by passion, curiosity, or a love for standing ovations, here are four fun and meaningful ways you can support the arts and entertainment community.

Be sure to scroll down for up-to-date Arts & Entertainment News and a real-time feed of Theatre Volunteer Opportunities - you never know where your next great role (on stage or behind the scenes) might be!


Advocate for the Arts

Speak up, sign up, and show up. Join advocacy groups and make some noise for the policies and funding that keep the arts alive. Regularly check the websites of organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts for updates on funding opportunities and advocacy efforts.

Participate in Fundraisers

Engage with local arts organizations to join or support fundraising events and campaigns—your dollars help keep the curtains rising.

Volunteer

Your local theatres deserve some love. Volunteer your time, make new friends, and immerse yourself in local entertainment. I’ve put together a Theatre Volunteer news feed here, so you can bookmark the page and see what pops up in your area.

TIP: In addition to the volunteer opportunities feed provided below that pulls opportunities from news publications, check out your local theaters' websites. Often, you'll find a "volunteers" listing in the main menu.

Volunteer Opportunities Carousel - Updates Regularly

Hover to scroll at your own pace - or settle in for a slideshow slower than tech week.

>> Does your venue or organization have volunteer opportunities to share? Send us the info so we can promote them.


Attend Events

>> As we say here at OTL Seat Fillers, stand up for entertainment by sitting down.

Try something new. Buy some community theatre tickets, catch an open mic standup show, and support a local musician. Opera, symphony, ballet, plays, musicals, comedy shows, concerts, burlesque, magic, the list goes on and on…  the only thing missing is you!

>> Search your local or national event calendar for inspiration.

>> Want to privately invite OTL seat fillers? Use OTL's event submission form.

A joyful singer in a red fringe dress performs on stage with vibrant backup dancers and musicians under colorful lights.

More Ways You Can Help

National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

Follow National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) on Facebook to connect to the arts community. Their mission: “NASAA is the nonpartisan membership organization that unites, represents and serves the nation's state and jurisdictional arts agencies. NASAA's mission is to strengthen state arts agencies.”

If you are an arts supporter, researcher, policymaker, or member of the media, NASAA makes 99% of their research and advocacy material freely accessible for you to explore.

Americans for the Arts

Take action to support positive outcomes for legislative issues affecting the arts. Americans for the Arts provides information on top legislative issues and opportunities to participate as well as toolkits and resources to help individuals and organizations advocate for the arts.

Smiling woman holds a black tote bag that reads “Happiness is THE ARTS” from the Heart The Arts™ collection at SeatFillerShop.com.

A Few More Ideas

>> Join the Arts Action Fund, which has over 400,000 citizen activists working to advance the arts at federal, state, and local levels.

>> You can learn about Federal Arts Advocacy Captains for your state.

>> You can find out which members of Congress have committed to support the arts by learning about the House and Senate Cultural Caucuses.

>> The public can donate now to support grants for artists through organizations like Creative Capital.

>> Attending shows and events organized by artists and cultural institutions can provide direct support. Bookmark the arts & entertainment news thread below.

>> Supporting cultural institutions like the Ellis Marsalis Center in New Orleans, the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance/Belongo in New York, and The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, which are recipients of funding from The Mellon Foundation, helps these organizations continue their work.

Do you have something to add to the list? Let us know!

Master List: Regional and State Agencies for the Arts

State/Region Agency Name Website
Regional National Assembly of State Arts Agencies nasaa-arts.org
Regional Arts Midwest artsmidwest.org
Regional Creative West (formerly WESTAF) westaf.org
Regional Mid-America Arts Alliance maaa.org
Regional Mid Atlantic Arts midatlanticarts.org
Regional New England Foundation for the Arts nefa.org
Regional South Arts southarts.org
Alabama Alabama State Council on the Arts arts.alabama.gov
Alaska Alaska State Council on the Arts arts.alaska.gov
Arizona Arizona Commission on the Arts azarts.gov
Arkansas Arkansas Arts Council arkansasheritage.com/arts-council
California California Arts Council arts.ca.gov
Colorado Colorado Creative Industries oedit.colorado.gov
Connecticut Connecticut Office of the Arts portal.ct.gov
Delaware Delaware Division of the Arts arts.delaware.gov
District of Columbia Commission on the Arts & Humanities dcarts.dc.gov
Florida Florida Division of Cultural Affairs dos.myflorida.com/cultural/
Georgia Georgia Council for the Arts gaarts.org
Hawaii Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts sfca.hawaii.gov
Idaho Idaho Commission on the Arts arts.idaho.gov
Illinois Illinois Arts Council Agency arts.illinois.gov
Indiana Indiana Arts Commission in.gov/arts
Iowa Iowa Arts Council iowaarts.gov/arts
Kansas Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission kansasscommerce.gov
Kentucky Kentucky Arts Council artscouncil.ky.gov
Louisiana Louisiana Division of the Arts crt.state.la.us
Maine Maine Arts Commission mainearts.maine.gov
Maryland Maryland State Arts Council msac.org
Massachusetts Massachusetts Cultural Council massculturalcouncil.org
Michigan Michigan Arts and Culture Council michigan.gov/arts
Minnesota Minnesota State Arts Board arts.state.mn.us
Mississippi Mississippi Arts Commission arts.ms.gov
Missouri Missouri Arts Council missouriartscouncil.org
Montana Montana Arts Council art.mt.gov
Nebraska Nebraska Arts Council artscouncil.nebraska.gov
Nevada Nevada Arts Council nvculture.org
New Hampshire New Hampshire State Council on the Arts nh.gov/nharts
New Jersey New Jersey State Council on the Arts nj.gov/state/njsca
New Mexico New Mexico Arts nmarts.org
New York New York State Council on the Arts arts.ny.gov
North Carolina North Carolina Arts Council ncarts.org
North Dakota North Dakota Council on the Arts nd.gov/arts
Ohio Ohio Arts Council oac.ohio.gov
Oklahoma Oklahoma Arts Council arts.ok.gov
Oregon Oregon Arts Commission oregonartscommission.org
Pennsylvania PA Council on the Arts pacouncilonthearts.org
Puerto Rico Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
Rhode Island Rhode Island State Council on the Arts risca.online
South Carolina South Carolina Arts Commission southcarolinaarts.com
South Dakota South Dakota Arts Council artscouncil.sd.gov
Tennessee Tennessee Arts Commission tnartscommission.org
Texas Texas Commission on the Arts arts.texas.gov
Utah Utah Division of Arts & Museums artsandmuseums.utah.gov
Vermont Vermont Arts Council vermontartscouncil.org
Virginia Virginia Commission for the Arts arts.virginia.gov
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Council on the Arts
Washington Washington State Arts Commission arts.wa.gov
West Virginia West Virginia Division of Culture and History wvculture.org
Wisconsin Wisconsin Arts Board wisconsinarts.org
Wyoming Wyoming Arts Council wyomingartscouncil.wyo.gov

>> We want to keep this list updated and accurate, so let us know about additions or changes regarding your organization.

A jazz ensemble performs on stage with a singer, saxophonist, pianist, bassist, and drummer under warm stage lights.

What's Happening In Arts & Entertainment Now?

The Local A & E Carousel - Updates Regularly

Hover for arrows—unless slow-motion drama is your thing.

>> Access hundreds and hundreds of events in the local and national event calendars (US & UK) hosted by OTL and powered by Evvnt.

>> To stay on top of entertainment news in your favorite genre, visit OTL Spotlight, hosted right here on OTLSeatFillers.com.

Performer wearing number 124 stands on stage in front of a microphone, facing an empty theater.

Auditions

It takes guts, glitter, and a number on your back.

We salute the bold performers chasing the spotlight—whether it's your first audition or your fiftieth, you're already a star for stepping on that stage. Check out the latest casting calls and opportunities in our up-to-date auditions feed! You can also bookmark the Auditions page in OTL Spotlight.

Auditions Carousel (updates regularly)

Hover to skip the suspense and access the arrows - this carousel moves slower than callbacks.



Arts & Entertainment Media Resources

Publication Website
American Theatre Magazineamericantheatre.org
Americans for the Arts - E-Newslettersamericansforthearts.org
Apollo Magazineapollo-magazine.com
ARTCONNECT Magazineartconnect.com/magazine
ARTFORUMartforum.com
ARTnewsartnews.com
AV Clubavclub.com
Backstagebackstage.com
Billboardbillboard.com
Broadway Newsbroadwaynews.com
BroadwayWorldbroadwayworld.com
Complexcomplex.com
Dance Magazinedancemagazine.com
Deadlinedeadline.com
Entertainment Weeklyew.com
Film Commentfilmcomment.com
Hyperallergichyperallergic.com
IndieWireindiewire.com
Los Angeles Times - Entertainment & Artslatimes.com/entertainment-arts
NPR - Arts & Culturenpr.org/sections/arts
Playbillplaybill.com
Rolling Stonerollingstone.com
Spike Art Magazinespikeartmagazine.com
Stage Directionsstage-directions.com
The Guardian - Culturetheguardian.com/us/culture
The Hollywood Reporterhollywoodreporter.com
The Wall Street Journal - Arts & Culturewsj.com/arts-culture
Varietyvariety.com
Vulturevulture.com

>> Do you have an addition or update to the entertainment media list? Send it over, and we'll get it done!

William Shakespeare dramatically presents a clipboard reading “Save the Arts Petition” in front of a theater.

Support A & E Petitions or Start Your Own

Here are just a few current petitions involving arts and entertainment in the US. Support your favorite cause(s) or go to Change.org and start your own! Make your voice heard even if you don't have the five-octave range of Mariah Carey!

Bring Back Arts Funding! Restore the Illegal Cuts to Arts and Music Education

This petition urges the Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent to reverse unauthorized budget cuts affecting arts and music programs in local elementary schools.

>> Sign the Petition

Support “The View”: A Drive-In Theater and Festivals/Event Center proposed for Western North Carolina.

Support for the establishment of "The View Drive-In Theater and Festivals/Events Center" on an underutilized 48-acre parcel of state-owned land in western North Carolina. This unique venture intends to revitalize the region, bringing economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

>> Sign the Petition

Support California's Expansion of Film and TV Tax Incentives

Advocates for increasing California's Film & Television Tax Credit Program funding from $330 million to $750 million annually to retain and attract productions, thereby supporting local jobs and businesses.

>> Sign the Petition

Young man wearing a black hoodie that says “Happiness is THE ARTS,” part of the Heart The Arts™ collection from SeatFillerShop.com.

Prevent the Closure of Cal State East Bay’s Theatre and Dance Department

Supporters are urging Cal State East Bay to protect its inclusive and transformative Theatre and Dance Department from potential cuts, highlighting its role in nurturing creativity, leadership, and community impact. Eliminating the program would strip current and future students of vital opportunities to grow through arts and performance.

>> Sign the Petition

Tell Your Members of Congress to Support Increased Federal Arts Funding

Encourages constituents to contact their Senators to support funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) at $204 million for the fiscal year.

>> Express Your Opinion

Save the Historic Elk River Little Theater

Community members are rallying to save the historic Elk River Little Theater from demolition, advocating for its continued role as an inclusive and vital arts space for local performers of all ages and abilities. While petition organizers aren’t collecting funds, supporters are encouraged to donate to NorthStar Arts, a local organization that frequently uses the space.

>> Sign the Petition

Save the Theater Department at Widefield High School

Students at Widefield High School are petitioning to save their theater department, which is set to be cut due to low enrollment. Led by the Thespian Council president, they emphasize that theater has provided life-changing experiences, creative outlets, and a sense of community that can’t be replaced by after-school programs alone.

>> Sign the Petition

Did we miss your petition? Send us the info, and we'll add it to the list.

Find Events! Buy Tickets!

Platform Website
Bandsintown bandsintown.com
Brown Paper Tickets brownpapertickets.com
Evvnt evvnt.com
Evvnt Calendars (hosted by OTL Seat Fillers) eventcalendars.evvnt.com
Eventbrite eventbrite.com
Goldstar/TodayTix Group goldstar.com
SeatGeek seatgeek.com
StubHub stubhub.com
TheatreMania theatermania.com
TodayTix todaytix.com

>> Do you have an addition or update to the list? Send it over, and we'll get it done!

Close-up of a woman holding a white mug with the phrase “Happiness is THE ARTS” from the Heart The Arts™ collection.

Got Heart for the Arts? Show It. Wear It. Share It.


Arts and entertainment aren’t just what we do—they’re who we are. And now you can wear that passion loud and proud (and super stylishly) with OTL’s exclusive Heart the Arts Collection offered through SeatFillerShop.com. Whether you're treating yourself, surprising your favorite entertainment lover, or looking to stock your merch table with something that screams “I love curtain calls,” we’ve got you covered—literally. ❤️🎭

Psst... bulk orders? We do that too. Let’s make your merch stand the hottest spot outside the box office.