N.Y. Charges Shakespeare Troupe for Parking-Lot Venue

For 17 years, the acting troupe Shakespeare in the Parking Lot has performed in a New York City municipal parking lot without charge, but due to a change of rules, the city has decided to charge the actors for using the lot, writes The New York Times.

The city’s Department of Transportation is charging the troupe $64 a performance, which comes to $1,152 for the troupe’s 18 summer shows. The move came as a surprise to the producers and actors of the company, as their productions are free and open to the public.

The city also required the acting company buy automobile liability insurance, even though members don’t drive or sit in cars during performances. The troupe paid $2,400 for its insurance policy.