It was a celebration in Times Square that for many in the Broadway industry their first in person event in over a year.

"Theater and live performance is about people, it is about humanity, it is about stories, it is about community, and quite frankly, people aren't laughing at me as hard on Zoom,” joked actress Theresa Moriarty.

The occasion for the celebration? Millions of dollars in relief money being distributed directly to theaters and performance venues to help with the reopening costs.

"These grants will go directly to getting casts back into rehearsals, crews back to work and venues welcoming audiences back safely,” said Lauren Reid, chair of The Broadway League.

The money is coming from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program, commonly known as Save Our Stages.

More than $16 billion will be awarded to venues and cultural institutions across the country. Approved applicants can receive grants of up to $10 million to cover expenses.

"Instead of mourning the loss and of jobs and of stags and of arts and culture, we are saying today, without a doubtfire, we are opening bigger and better than ever,” said Senator Chuck Schumer.

According to the Broadway League, there have been more than 12,000 applicants for the grants, with the first round of payments expected next week.  

Tickets are already on sale for some of Broadway's most famous shows, and those in the theater industry said this money ensures those shows will go one.

"We look forward to once again share the laughter, the love, the joy, the excitement and the life-changing transformation that only live performance can do,” said actor Brian Stokes Mitchell.

Broadway is set to reopen on Sept. 14. There will be 19 shows to start, with the eventual return of 40 shows.