Ticket sales for the Kennedy Center’s annual presentation of “The Nutcracker” have seen a significant decline following the appointment of Donald Trump as chairman of the organization earlier this year. According to internal sales data examined by CNN, ticket sales for this year’s production have reached only around 10,000 seats across seven performances, marking a 33% decrease compared to the approximately 15,000 tickets sold from 2001 to 2024.
The financial implications of this drop are severe. A source familiar with the Kennedy Center’s operations indicated to CNN that even if this year’s performances were to sell out, the resulting revenue would still fall short of covering expenses. “Selling every ticket to ‘The Nutcracker’ is absolutely not paying your bills,” the anonymous insider stated. The source outlined that the center operates with 19 unions, leading to substantial production costs.
Financial Challenges and Cancellations
The Kennedy Center has faced additional financial challenges, resulting in the cancellation of several performances. This decline has been attributed to a new policy mandating that all performances must “break even.” Consequently, some artists have withdrawn from their commitments, including a planned performance of the musical “Hamilton” that was scheduled for earlier this year.
A former Kennedy Center employee highlighted the impact of Broadway tours on the center’s financial health. “One of the financial lifelines of the center is Broadway,” the individual said, requesting anonymity. They noted that Broadway productions are reconsidering venues, often opting against the Kennedy Center for their tours.
The changes under Trump’s leadership have also influenced the selection of performers. Marc Bamuthi Joseph, the former head of the center’s social impact team, reported that artists’ gender identity has come under scrutiny. “They would ask us specifically if any of the artists were trans,” Joseph shared, detailing how these inquiries created an unwelcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ artists. Although he noted that officials did not explicitly ban certain artists, the conditions became increasingly difficult for them.
As the Kennedy Center navigates these challenges, the future of its performances and reputation hangs in the balance. The evolving landscape of the arts community in Washington, D.C., under the new leadership will likely continue to influence ticket sales and artist engagement in the months to come.
