Overview

• Single-ticket sales fell about 50 percent in April and May and subscriptions declined sharply across major programs, including theater, dance, the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera.
• Subscription revenue totaled $2.65 million by June 1, down from $4.41 million a year earlier even after adding $155,000 from a new mix-and-match package.
• The Kennedy Center disputes these figures, blaming a later start to its renewal campaign and highlighting a newly launched flexible subscription option.
• President Trump appointed himself chair in February and installed Richard Grenell as president, triggering cancellations and boycotts from artists over perceived ideological shifts.
• The center has shifted toward family-friendly fare, selling out screenings of the animated film The King of Kings and drawing record crowds at free events like the Cai Guo-Qiang fireworks show.