ROYERSFORD PA – For those who enjoy the laughs, dancing, drama, and music of a Broadway-style stage show, 146th House District state Rep. Joe Ciresi and a colleague hope to give you more of what you love.
Ciresi, a Democrat whose local office is in Royersford, and 64th House District Rep. R. Lee James, a Republican in Seneca PA, have introduced a bill to expand the state’s entertainment tax credit.
On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), they proposed adding a “modest” $2 million to the annual credit available. That would raise its total to $24 million.
Importantly, Ciresi and James say, an increase would boost both local business revenues and employment, as well as culture and tourism.
Top photo by Steve Pancrate on Unsplash
Adding Jobs Through Entertainment
“Pennsylvania’s Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program,” as the credit is known, allows show producers to offset qualified expenses – like those for show design, construction, and operations – with a tax credit of 35%. If the proposal, House Bill 2709, is ultimately approved more Broadway shows might appear on regional stages.
“Touring Broadway productions require weeks of technical rehearsals and tour preparations,” the legislators report in a media release. They result in extended stays for visiting artists, crews and staff.
Each production can bring in more than 100 people. Many of them provide more income for local hospitality, restaurant, and service businesses. Shows also often create new jobs for local workers, including stagehands, truck drivers, technicians, and others.
Above photo by nooooodles 1337 on Unsplash
Adjacent States Compete for Tours
There are precedents for success with tax credits, Ciresi and James explain. The latest is in neighboring Ohio, which last year invested $3.5 million in tax incentives to attract four Broadway tours.
The projects Ohio funded, they say, returned “more than 1,000 new jobs, generated $150 million in eligible production spending, and produced $196 million in production-related expenses statewide.”
Pennsylvania’s “world-class venues” and experienced workforce make it “an ideal destination for these touring Broadway productions,” Ciresi claims. Both he and James believe “investing in arts and entertainment is an investment in Pennsylvania’s long-term economic growth,” Ciresi adds.
Their concern? Adjacent states like Ohio and New York, with stronger tax incentives, will draw potential tours away from PA.
Its rich history and unique heritage makes Pennsylvania “a perfect destination for world-class cultural events,” James says. “By leaning into our strengths, we can boost the economy, support businesses, promote tourism, and showcase everything we have to offer.”
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