Outdoor theaters in Saxony continue to stage performances, despite overcast skies - Outdoor stages in Saxony perform amidst a somber sky
Weather Challenges Affect Open-Air Theaters in Saxony
This summer's unpredictable weather in Saxony, characterised by grey skies and frequent rain showers, has posed a significant challenge for open-air theaters in Bautzen, Zwickau, Plauen, and Saxon Switzerland. The erratic attendance and some event cancellations have impacted revenues for these cultural venues.
Impact on Attendance and Cancellations
The attendance at these open-air theaters has been lower or more erratic due to the unfavourable weather conditions that tend to discourage outdoor audiences. Nevertheless, many theaters have persisted in holding performances under less favourable weather conditions. There have been some cancellations, but they are only resorted to when conditions are severe.
Financial Implications
The reduced attendance and cancellations have inevitably led to a decrease in ticket sales and concession earnings, thereby affecting the overall revenues. However, the Saxon State Theaters are currently expecting stable revenues for the current season.
The Greifenstein Festival's Resilience
In contrast, the Greifenstein Festival in the Ore Mountains, which runs until the end of August, has not been affected by any noticeable weather interruptions or cancellations.
Weather's Influence on Booking Behavior
The changeable weather affects booking behavior, making it difficult for long-term planning. This is particularly evident in the case of the musical production of "Alice in Wonderland" in Bautzen's Ortenburg, which was sold out and attracted more than 35,600 spectators.
Persistence in Adverse Conditions
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the musical production of "The Physician" in Plauen-Zwickau's open-air program has not had any cancellations, although one performance was interrupted due to weather conditions.
Weather-Related Cancellations
Weather-related cancellations for open-air theaters are not uncommon, and they are regrettable for both the audience and the ensemble. Two performances at the Felsenbühne in Saxon Switzerland had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions, including the family theater piece "Little Red Riding Hood" and the stage adaptation of the novel "The Midwife's Trail" by Sabine Ebert.
Looking Ahead
The season for the open-air theaters in Saxony, including Bautzen, Zwickau, Plauen, and Saxon Switzerland, runs until September 7. The number of spectators at the Naturbühne Greifensteine is at the same level as usual despite the rain clouds. Last year, the Felsenbühne had around 62,000 visitors. The resilience shown by these cultural institutions in the face of adversity underscores the inherent vulnerability of open-air cultural events to weather variability.
The unpredictable weather in Saxony has also affected other sectors, such as the steel industry, which relies heavily on favorable weather conditions for its production. The frequent rain showers have disrupted the delivery schedule of steel accessories.
On the flip side, the entertainment sector, including movies-and-tv, has seen an increase in indoor viewership, as the weather discourages people from going out. Streaming platforms have reported a spike in subscriptions and viewership due to the bad weather.
