Highlights

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1. Canada’s live performing arts industry generated operating revenues of $1.2 billion in 2007, up 2.8% from the previous year. These revenues were split almost equally between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.
2. The operating profit margin for the industry as a whole rose slightly from 5.7% in 2006 to 5.9%.
3. For the for-profit companies, the margin rose from 10.3% in 2006 to 11.6%in 2007, while for not-for-profit companies, it declined from 1.2% to 0.1%. All performing arts disciplines posted a surplus, except not-for-profit theatre, which incurred a loss of 1.6%.
4. Musical groups and artists – everything from orchestras to rock groups – accounted for 29% of total operating revenue in 2007, while theatre companies accounted for 27%.
5. The remaining 44% was split among musical theatre groups, including opera companies, as well as dance companies and a miscellaneous category that includes circuses and ice skating shows.
6. Operating expenses for the industry totaled just under $1.2 billion. Nearly one-third of operating expenses of performing arts companies consisted of salaries, wages and benefits paid to employees.
7. The salary and wage expense does not include fees paid to contract workers.