For decades, the theatre community has shown us how stories connect us — but on election day, a different kind of performance takes place. One where voices matter, turnout matters, and the act of voting becomes a collective standing ovation for democracy.
The world of live performance brings together creators, performers, crew, audiences — all sharing a moment of vulnerability, emotion, and connection. That communal energy makes the theatre community uniquely positioned to encourage civic participation.
Here is why Broadway votes, and how theater mobilizes community:
Musicals like Hamilton have used their cultural moment to link theatre and civic action. The Hamilton cast and team produced voter-mobilization PSAs encouraging people of all backgrounds to register and vote. That kind of visibility matters: when artists you admire say “your voice matters” — especially when the platform is one where inclusion and community are celebrated — it can prompt action.
Broadway-adjacent organizations increasingly provide direct tools: registration links, absentee ballot guidance, state-by-state resources. When audiences are leaving a show or scrolling a cast Instagram account and see “Check your registration!” — those small cues stack up.
Theatre professionals often cultivate large networks, both locally and nationally via touring shows. They have ability to reach beyond the theatre-lover bubble. In 2020, for instance, Broadway Green Alliance and partners held a virtual town hall with Broadway artists to promote voter mobilization. That means the call to vote doesn’t just happen during “civic week” — it becomes embedded in the culture of the community.
In elections, turnout is crucial. The voices of younger voters, under-represented communities, first-time voters all matter. When the theatre community says “votes count” it helps normalize participation among people who may feel outside the typical political sphere.
Moreover, theatre is intersectional: it brings together gender, race, class,ability, location. That means the message “everyone’s voice matters” resonates acrossdivides. And in an era of polarization, theatre’s role as a shared cultural space becomes even more important: the stage prompts empathy, reflection, andconnection.
On election day, that same spirit can turn into ballotscast, voices heard, and civic theatre in action.
Because when Broadway votes, democracy stands to win.
