The performing arts market in Italy

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

The market in Italy is structured around the production and distribution of live performances. This market covers various segments, to name a few: comedy, opera, instrumental music, theatre, circus, which, although do not necessarily share the same clients, yet share, at least in part, the same production resources (e.g. lighting, sound control, decor, security, ticketing, advertising and promotion).

As mentioned, the Italian live performance landscape is made up of a number of artistic expressions yet finds its biggest source of turnover and attendance in two segments: musical and theatrical. The music performance sector counts circa 1100 players and grew by 7% per year in the time frame 2012-2017. The theatre sector, for its part, recorded a positive performance in 2018 both in terms of turnover (+2.7%) and audience spending (+2.8%). The sub segments share a market outlook that is concentrated on the upstream, some major operators cover the organization of the events, but fragmented on the downstream of the distribution, counting a vast, economic fabric, including independent venues, technical assistance professions, stage directors, security companies, etc.

As a result, while this market may appear concentrated in terms of revenue and admissions, it is absolutely fragmented in terms of number of performances and employment. The industry finds its main outlets first with individual customers, more than 50% of Italians attend live performances, then with corporate customers, particularly in the context of team seminars or customer meetings.