In theater,b allet, and opera, participation rates in Australia are ahead of those in the U.S. Attendance at art museums is relatively high but behind Norway, Canada and Sweden. A comparison between the US and eight European countries based on estimates of annual admi ssions to theatres and concerts per 100 population, shows Austria with the highest participation rates with the US coming last. Theaters are often located in the inner cities. This helps to off-set transportation costs for those who reside there who happen to be the lower income bracket households. On the other hand, an inner city location would raise the costs for those who reside outside the city, namely, the suburb ian middle class.
Surveys show participation rates increase with the higher levels of education.
Teachers and educators have a high rate of participation. Theaters can recoup the high cost of production by attaining a sponsor to televise an event for additional revenues. Surveys show that those who watch televised performances will also pay for the seats. Attendance to performing arts events rises with the income brackets. Teachers and educators are more likely to attend position although participation is high for all of the three professional categories.