The Future of Off-Broadway with Tony-Winner Luke Katler

In this episode of CREATIVE RISK, Tony-winning producer Luke Katler (Merrily We Roll Along, Slave Play, Here Lies Love) shares his bold vision for the future of commercial Off-Broadway and explains why Off-Broadway is becoming a vital cultural touchpoint in a post-pandemic world.He discusses the unique advantages of commercial Off-Broadway—like creative flexibility and lower stakes compared to Broadway—while highlighting challenges such as real estate struggles and brand recognition. Luke reflects on how the “stink” of commercial Off-Broadway’s past has lifted, paving the way for these spaces to tackle current issues and engage younger audiences. Plus, hear his insights on fundraising, pitching, and when transferring shows to Broadway makes sense (and when it doesn’t).Finally, Luke gives us an exciting preview of his latest venture, The Empyrean Club, a theater and event space in Brooklyn designed to prioritize accessibility, creativity, and audience-first experiences. Whether you’re a theatermaker, producer, or fan, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping Off-Broadway’s future. Don’t miss it!Luke Katler Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ohnolukie/Luke Katler Websitehttps://www.lucaskatler.com/Join our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more.  Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today. —Thanks for listening!Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys: www.artists-strategy.com/signupSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310Subscribe on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cbFollow Us on IG: www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/Follow Us on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod— “CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.