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!

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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.

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.

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.

#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.

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!

More Ways You Can Help

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Arts & Entertainment Media Resources

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!

Find Events! Buy Tickets!