the performing arts market | France

1.1 Market definition and key figures

Live performance is defined by the physical presence of at least one performing artist receiving remuneration for the public performance a work of the mind.

The live performance market in France is growing structure around the production and distribution of live performances. This market covers various segments (comedy, song, opera, instrumental music, theatre, circus ...) which, although they do not necessarily share the same clients (the same audience), share, at least in part, the same production resources (halls, lighting, sound control, set, make-up, security, ticketing, advertising and promotion, intermittent show workers, production, direction).

The live performance market is therefore characterised by the involvement of a large number of operators. Some major operators present themselves as "players in the market", while others are "players in the field" integrated actors of the show live covering the entire value chain (like Live Nation or Stage Entertainment). These cohabit with other major players focusing on one link in the chain: venue managers, record majors, ticket operators, production companies. But the performing arts market relies above all on a vast economic fabric, highly fragmented This group includes independent theatres, festivals, technical assistance professions, intermittent workers and collectives of intermittent workers, artists, directors, security companies, etc.

In particular, 6% of performances account for 49% of admissions and 65% of box office receipts. Conversely, 60% of performances are given in small theatres with less than 200 admissions and account for 5% of ticket sales.

Therefore, if this market can appear concentrated in terms of revenue and income, it is absolutely atomised in terms of number of representations and jobs.

The performing arts market is also geographically concentrated in France, where the Ile-de-France region and Paris in particular occupies a dominant position, both in terms of number of performances and attendance and ticket sales

The performing arts market in France is a mature market due to the saturation of supply and the inelasticity of demand: for consumers/spectators, the "consumption" of live performance represents as much an investment in time as in money. Reducing prices does not therefore lead to a significant increase in theatre attendance. On the other hand, a period of economic difficulties will most likely see a deterioration in attendance figures. The market growth potential is therefore limited. However, its fragmented nature leaves a lot of room for internal recomposition and redistribution of market shares between shows and operators from one season to the next

The live performance market is finding its main opportunities with individual clients first, then with companies, particularly in the context of team seminars or client meetings.