Shuttered theaters rush to tap $16 billion in aid — and face tech glitches

Devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, which shuttered theaters and concert halls last March, cash-strapped performing arts groups has been waiting for more than three months to get the chance to apply for over $16 billion in grants. On Thursday, that lifeline finally arrived — although not without hitches. 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) on Thursday opened a portal at noon Eastern time for theatrical businesses to apply for aid, but applicants reported problems accessing the site and uploading documents. The glitch added to the frustrations of arts organizations that have been waiting for the grants since the money was first authorized in December under a spending bill signed by former President Donald Trump.  The SBA site issues come after thousands of theaters and other groups have essentially been operating without any event revenue since last spring. For financially struggling venue operators that have been waiting since December to apply for a grant, the malfunctioning portal proved a disappointing kickoff to a program that offered hope.