Our Favorite Ways to Watch Theatre Online – Updated!

Due to finances, life events, location, or lack of time, the option of watching live theatre isn’t always available to us. But there is good news that comes with living in this digital age. There are tons of ways to watch theatre online! And here are a few of our favorites!

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1. Broadway On Demand

Broadway On Demand➝ is a newer way to watch quality live-streamed musicals online. With everything ranging from theatre-related talk shows to unheard of musicals, this is an exciting platform that I’d definitely recommend giving a try!

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2. Digital Theatre

Although the offerings on Digital Theatre➝ aren’t updated too regularly, the theatre that is available is of very high quality. And in addition to the live theatre choices, you can choose from great live music, film, dance, opera performances as well. This service is available for a small monthly fee.

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3. Broadway HD

Broadway HD➝ is one of the best ways to watch musical theatre online. For a small monthly fee, you can choose from a wide-variety of shows, including plays, foreign theatre, Cirque du Soleil performances, educational videos, and of course Broadway musicals.

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4. On the Boards TV

On the Boards TV➝ also offers some great high-definition theatre, dance, and music performances. You can choose to either rent the films on demand or get full access through a subscription plan. If you’re looking to enjoy performances that aren’t so mainstream, this is a great option.

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5. National Theatre Live

Okay, so this one isn’t technically a way to “watch theatre online”, but it is a way to watch incredible theatre from whatever city you may be living in! National Theatre Live➝ is a service that broadcasts world-class theatre to cinemas around the world! Check it out to find a participating movie theatre near you!

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6. Globe Player

If Shakespeare is more your thing, then you are going to LOVE The Shakespeare Globe Player➝. These recordings of their past live performances can be rented or purchased for a reasonable price, but there is some free content available too!

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7. YouTube

This one is a bit hit or miss, but you can find some incredible performances right on YouTube➝! They aren’t all the highest quality, but there are some serious gems in there. Just do a search for what you’re looking for and enjoy the results!

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8. Kanopy

Kanopy➝ is an awesome service that’s free to use with the help of your library card! Although they mostly offer films, they do have a “performing arts” section in which you can watch some really incredible theatre and performance art!

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9. Amazon!

And of course, you can also rent out Broadway and West End performances on Amazon! Some of the ones that they are currently offering include Billy Elliot➝, Rent➝, Newsies➝, and A Christmas Story➝. 

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Want to stay in the loop with all things related to musical theatre?

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Do you know of any other ways to watch theatre online?

We would love to hear all about it in the comments below! And if you’re overwhelmed by all of the subscription choices, try taking it one platform at a time. You can always cancel your subscription after a month and try out another one of the great services above. Happy watching!

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Author: Stacy Karyn

Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

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