In my work cataloging filmed live musicals that have been filmed and made available to the public, I've heard from many theatre fans who are confused about a show's content, as well as logistical questions like where to buy tickets, if a stream is available worldwide, or if the show is live-streamed or has been pre-recorded. 


As a researcher, I've grown to share these frustrations. For over a year now, I've been sending out a weekly newsletter with listings of upcoming musical theatre streams. From professional theatres to local community groups all around the world, the productions represent a wide range of the possibilities for streaming musical theatre. I love being able to help spread the word about these productions, and I want to help more theatres, companies, and productions sell tickets! When theatres don't make basic info about their streams available, it makes it harder for audiences to access them. 


For theatres that have been doing an excellent job with providing comprehensive info about streamed shows, check out Bristol Old Vic and New Victory Theater. 



I've created a check-list for theatres to use when promoting their streamed shows. If your theatre/company/production is streaming a show, here's a list of essential information to include when you're promoting it. ​
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☐ Date, Time, & Time Zone

• Clearly list the date and start time of the stream, even if it's on demand. 
• Make sure to include the time zone. Audiences from around the globe are looking for content, and want to know if your show will be available to them at a reasonable hour

☐ Country/Regions it's available

• Is the stream geo-blocked, or only available to watch in a specific country/region?​

☐ Blurb

• What is it? A play? A musical? A play with music? A concert?
• What is it about? A title is not enough. 
• Why should we watch it? 

☐ ​Live v. Pre-Recorded

• Is the show being live-streamed (the stream of the show happening in real time) or is it pre-recorded? 
• Is the show being filmed with a live in-person audience? 

☐ Watch it once or on-demand?

• Can ticket-buyers re-watch the production after the initial stream? 
• Will it be available on-demand? 

☐ Accessibility

• Will viewers have the option to watch with closed-captioning, audio-description, and/or sign-language interpretation? 
• Are captions available in multiple languages? 

☐ Tickets

• How much are tickets? 
• Is there an option for individual tickets or household? 
• Include links for where to buy tickets. Make sure the link takes audiences to the page where they can actually buy tickets. 

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☐ All the above listed on your website

• Make sure all of the above info is clearly listed, and easy to find, on your website. 
• Make those pages available after the stream in an archive of your productions