The operating profit margin for the industry as a whole rose slightly from 5.7% in 2006 to 5.9%.

For the for-profit companies, the margin rose from 10.3% in 2006 to 11.6% in 2007, while for not-for-profit companies, it declined from 1.2% to 0.1%. All performing arts disciplines posted a surplus, except not-for-profit theatre, which incurred a loss of 1.6%.

Musical groups and artists (everything from orchestras to rock groups) accounted for 29% of total operating revenue in 2007, while theatre companies accounted for 27%.

The remaining 44% was split among musical theatre groups, including opera companies, as well as dance companies and a miscellaneous category that includes circuses and ice skating shows.

Operating expenses for the industry totalled just under $1.2 billion. Nearly one-third of operating expenses of performing arts companies consisted of salaries, wages and benefits paid to employees.

The salary and wage expense does not include fees paid to contract workers.