Learn the Basics of Investing in Broadway Shows
Investing has become an appealing endeavor for many people looking to build their wealth, with many of them putting their money into stocks, bonds, and real estate. Moreover, cryptocurrencies have also gained massive popularity in recent years, with many individuals looking to buy bitcoin with credit cards to see what opportunities may arise in the future and start planning how they can capitalize on gains. But what’s not so commonly known is that you can also get into the lucrative side of the entertainment world, namely investing in a Broadway show. If you’re interested in taking your shot with this investment opportunity, keep reading as we dive into this concept's basics and provide information on how it works, the perks of investing in Broadway shows, and more.
Why Do People Invest in Broadway Shows?
Well, there’s no way to provide only one answer to this question because there are many different investors out there, and they have their unique reasons for finding Broadway shows an appealing investment. However, there are a few common motivations behind investing in Broadway:
- An interest in theater. Some people don’t have any other reason for investing in theater beyond their passion for it. They are excited to meet Broadway stars, or get perks such as exclusive merchandise and access to VIP house seats. Moreover, they want to be a part of the inside world of Broadway, and that’s a huge benefit they can get once they start investing in this industry.
- Portfolio diversification. Broadway investing can benefit your investment portfolio by offering a few extra perks. When it comes to stocks, there is generally a dry buy-and-sell, and while Broadway investing involves higher risks, it also provides more substantial rewards. Moreover, Broadway investing provides some exciting perks that professional investors cannot find anywhere else, such as watching how a show develops or meeting a Broadway star, to name just a few.
- Networking opportunities. Broadway brings people together, so by investing in this area, you can gain access to social events, preview performances, meet-and-greets, and opening night festivities, where you can connect with like-minded people. Thus, this is an incredible networking opportunity.
What Kind of Advantages Do Broadway Shows Offer?
While Broadway investing is risky, meaning there is always a chance to lose your money, it also brings numerous perks that cannot be overlooked. Some of these advantages include:
- Opening night party;
- Free review performance tickets;
- Access to VIP house seats;
- Exclusive merchandise;
- Access to invest in cast recordings and Broadway tours;
- Turning an ROI if the show turns out to be successful;
- Getting an inside view of Broadway and learning how shows are created.
How Does One Invest in Broadway?
In general, investing in Broadway isn’t as straightforward as other common investments because shows don’t publicly state that they need production investors. So, it can take some work to get into Broadway investing, and you can get started by connecting with someone familiar with the shows that need investors. If you get to invest in one show, that’s already a huge milestone because, from there, a door of possibilities will open to you, enabling you to invest in various shows.
Generally, shows establish a budget they try to capitalize on by raising money (between $8,000,000 to $14,000,000). One or more producers put their own cash into it or give investors or co-producers the chance to “buy in” the company. The show is generally established as a corporation and broken into shares ( named units) based on the show’s total capitalization. Producers may provide a unit for $25,000, captivating the interest of investors for the production, and as soon as the show begins to make money beyond the expenses required for its operations, the money is used first to pay back the investors who made an initial contribution to the show.
While each show is unique, the concept is general and involves paying investors back first, while producers get to split profits, supposing the show has success. Is it risky? Yes, because if the show doesn’t succeed, you can lose your entire investment or part of it. So, if you’re new to Broadway investing, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that you may not see any returns, so it’s best to have the right expectations, especially when it’s your first time giving it a try.
How Can You Choose Your First Broadway Show to Invest In?
Ideally, you should opt for a show you love because if it doesn’t recoup, you will still get a sense of pride knowing that you have contributed to it. Some people enjoy decorating their walls with a piece of art, but you can hang a poster of your favorite Broadway show and smile whenever you look at it, as you know you helped make it!
Also, remember that you should invest in a trustworthy producer who has a good track record for ROIs and produces quality shows. They should also be able to communicate well with investors, so be sure to check this aspect before investing in a Broadway show.
The Bottom Line
If you haven’t heard of Broadway investing before, this may seem appealing, especially if you want to support the arts and bring your attention to something you are so fond of. If your financial situation allows you to do so, Broadway investing could be lucrative as long as you put the money into the right show. But of course, you should only do it if you’re okay with losing money in the process – otherwise, this investment may not be suitable for you, and you may want to look into other alternatives.
However, if you do decide that you have the resources and skills to invest in Broadway shows, consider diversifying your investments, because this will help you mitigate potential losses. If necessary, don’t hesitate to seek help from a financial advisor, who will act in your best interest and guide you in the process of achieving your financial goals.