As the coronavirus pandemic continues to bring productions around the world to a halt, some theatre companies and artists have found a way to ensure that the show will go on鈥攁t least on screen鈥攂y offering streams of its current shows. Patrons can now support these organizations impacted by widespread closures and have a chance to catch the shows even during mass gathering restrictions.
The swift pivot to streaming is the product of collaboration between the theatres, artists, and a number of unions that weigh in on media decisions, including Actors' Equity and IATSE. Theatrical licensors to make it easier for companies to acquire rights to offer its stagings digitally during this time.
鈥淭hese new streaming agreements help protect the economic security of Equity members with additional weekly salaries and health care contributions,鈥� said Actors' Equity Executive Director Mary McColl. 鈥淲hen theaters go dark, actors and stage managers face tremendous economic uncertainty. A streaming agreement can be a win for everyone, from the audience to the actors and stage managers.鈥�
Take a look at current and upcoming offerings below. Due to licensing and union contract terms, most titles are available for a limited time; this list is arranged by expiration date. Many other regional theatres are making arrangements to follow suit and bring their performances online; stay tuned for more information.
Through May 31: Fleabag
Soho Theatre/Wyndham's Theatre (London, U.K.)
The filmed presentation of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's solo show, which inspired her Emmy-winning Amazon comedy is now available through May 31 (extended from April 24) through Soho Theatre's and on Amazon Prime Video for four pounds (just under five dollars). Proceeds will go toward the , which supports U.K. theatre industry members impacted by the coronavirus shutdowns, as well as the U.K.'s National Emergencies Trust, NHS Charities Together, and Acting for Others, the U.S.-based Broadway Cares, and more. Once purchased, the stream will be available for 48 hours.
Through June 2: The Habit of Art and The Croft
Original Theatre Company (U.K.)
As previously announced, Alan Bennett's The Habit of Art鈥攁s well as Ali Milles' The Croft鈥攈ave been to stream online after cutting their U.K. tours short. They will be accessible for a suggested donation until June 2.
Through Theatre Closures: Various Made at Curve Productions
Curve (Leicester, England)
The U.K. venue is hosting previously recorded presentations of some of its Made at Curve productions on its website, available through the duration of the shutdown. Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual and The Importance of Being Earnest (co-produced with Birmingham Repertory Theatre) are currently online, with What The Butler Saw joining beginning April 19.
Through June 29: What Do We Need to Talk About? Conversations on Zoom.
The Public Theater (New York, New York)
The live virtual performance, written and directed by Richard Nelson, will reunite the original cast of his The Apple Family Plays鈥擩on DeVries, Stephen Kunken, Sally Murphy, Maryann Plunkett, Laila Robins, and Jay O. Sanders鈥攅ach from their respective homes. The new work will stream for free .
