Cover Willy Decker's stunning 2012 production of Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviatta", available at Met Opera On Demand application / The Metropolitan Opera
With our entertainment lifestyle drastically changed for the past year and theatres still closed today, we've listed down our favourite mobile applications, YouTube channels, and websites for your daily dose of theatre and more

1. BroadwayHD

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CINDERELLA, Lesley Ann Warren, 1965.
Above Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic Broadway hit, "Cinderella", comes to BroadwayHD this January 2021. The 1965 TV movie performance stars Golden Globe award-winning actress Lesley Ann Warren in the titular lead role. / CBS Television Network

Looking for a Netflix-like application for Broadway and West End's best productions? BroadwayHD, an on-demand digital streaming media company, gives us front row seats to some of the best hit musicals, straight plays, Shakespeare, documentaries and revues. Based in New York City, the company was founded by Tony Award-winning producers Stewart F Lane and Bonnie Comley, who were motivated by the growing clamour for these masterpieces from abroad. Titles on BroadwayHD change every month but there are also some that stay longer, depending on the agreement with the producers. The company has partnered with leading theatre companies like Roundabout Theatre Company and Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, to name a few, to digitally film and distribute their productions.

broadwayhd.com

2. National Theatre At Home

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Above In this National Theatre UK production, Vanessa Kirby portrays Julie in the Polly Steinham-reimagined adaptation of August Strinberg's 1888 play, "Miss Julie" / National Theatre UK

United Kingdom's premier theatre company and performing arts school has been filming its star billed productions of the world's finest literary pieces ever since and with just one tap, you can easily access them with the application National Theatre At Home. Check out and be swept away with "unforgettable British theatre" from National Theatre UK with available titles regularly changing each month. To top it off, be in awe with leading British actors like Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Ian McKellen, and Vanessa Kirby, to name a few, who exhibit their acting prowess on stage from time to time.

ntathome.com

3. Met Opera On Demand

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Above Willy Decker's stunning 2012 production of Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviatta", available at Met Opera On Demand application / The Metropolitan Opera
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Above Different full performances of the Metropolitan Opera are freely available for one night only at the Met Opera's Nightly Opera Stream page / The Metropolitan Opera

The Metropolitan Opera is among the world's most sought-after opera houses. With its superb productions and impeccable roster of artists, musicians, choreographers, and more, The Met has raised the bar for theatre and opera. From its humble beginnings in 1883, The Met has grown to an institution that it is today that catapulted the careers of opera legends and even premiered some of the most important pieces in the modern opera era. Since December 2006, The Met has been transmitting live in high definition its select performances in cinemas across the world through the program, The Met: Live in HD. Subscribe on the Met Opera On Demand app and watch these performances and other extras like behind-the-scenes and interviews at home and while on-the-go. Meanwhile, The Met also made available these performances for free and for one night only streaming on their website. Check out regularly their website to see the full schedule of the Nightly Opera Stream programme.

Visit metopera.org/season/on-demand to access all archival footages and check also the website's Night Opera Streams for free videos available for one night only

4. Digital Concert Hall

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Above Kirill Petrenko presents three passionate symphonic pieces from Russia in this concert by the Berliner Philharmoniker / Stephen Rabold

The Berliner Philharmoniker is one of the most distinguished orchestras in the world. Based in Germany, the orchestra was founded in 1882 and since then been lauded with awards and recognition for performing most of the world's finest music compositions. With its performances captured in their entirety by experienced directors and sound engineers, the virtual experience provided at the digital concert hall is as thrilling as it is live.

digitalconcerthall.com

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Above Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis breathe life anew to August Wilson's 1982 play, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" in this 2020 film that premiered on streaming platform giant / Netflix
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Above Oscar winner Spike Lee directs the filming of the 2015 stage play by Antoinette Nwandu, "Pass Over", which was staged in Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago / Jeremy Daniel
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Above Michael Ball, the original Marius Pontmercy from Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's "Les Miserables" West End musical, returns on stage portraying Javert in this special staged concert of the 2019 production filmed live at the Sondheim Theatre. With him is Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, and Matt Lucas as Thenardier. / HBO Go
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Above Ryan Murphy adapted to the screen Chad Beguelin and Bob Marlin's Broadway musical "The Prom", starring Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, and more / Netflix

Although there are video-on-demand streaming platforms dedicated to theatre, opera, and orchestra as mentioned above, the streaming giants Netflix, HBO Go, and Amazon Prime Video also are not short of such content. Just recently, Netflix premiered new films like Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which is an adaptation of the 1982 play by August Wilson. Musical films like Dreamgirls, Mamma Mia!, and the recently released The Prom are also available to watch on Netflix. Moreover, Broadway fans are waiting for the world premiere of Diana: A True Musical Story, which opening night at the Longacre Theatre was postponed last year. The much-awaited new musical was filmed instead and set to be launched on the streaming app before it opens house in May 2021.

Read More: 20 English Films Of 2020 That Brought Cinema To Our Homes

Subscribing to streaming platforms may be heavy on the budget for many but there is also a long list of theatre companies and other performing arts institutions that offer archival footage of past performances as well as original theatre content made for web on their respective YouTube channels—all for the benefit of displaced workers in the theatre industry.

5. Dulaang UP

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Above Dulaang UP's "Teatro Porvenir" was written by Palanca-winning playwright Tim Dacanay, who partially based it on historical accounts by Teodoro Agoncillo. Starring Romnick Sarmienta as Andres Bonifacio, this riveting 2013 production is available to watch for free on YouTube / Dulaang UP

The University of the Philippines' premier theatre company, Dulaang UP, has been offering archival content since quarantine measures in the capital forced theatres and schools to physically close. Check out their YouTube page and see full-length performances of Floy Quintos' Ang Nawalang Kapatid, the critically acclaimed The Kundiman Party, and Tim Dacanay's riveting historical fiction play Teatro Porvenir, among others.

Check Dulaang UP's YouTube channel here

6. Tanghalang Ateneo

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Above Peter Zaragoza Mayshle's "Dolorosa" from the Virgin Labfest staged readings in 2018 was mounted by Tanghalang Ateneo a year after / Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News

Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theatre company of Ateneo de Manila University, is also one of the country's leading school-based theatre companies. Just recently made available on their YouTube channel are Gerald P. Manuel and Sabrina Basilio's local adaptation of the Aristophanes classic, Lysistrata ng Bakwit; Rene O. Villanueva's Kalantiaw; and Peter Zaragoza Mayshle's Dolorosa, which debuted at the 2018 Virgin Labfest staged readings.

Check Tanghalang Ateneo's YouTube channel here

7. Teatro Tomasino Alumni Association

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Above Arjo Atayde joins Teatro Tomasino Alumni Association's digital offering of "Kung Paano Maghiwalay", available on Facebook. In this reimagining of the acclaimed play by George A. De Jesus III, former members of UST's premier theatre company as well as guest actors divided the play's vignettes into episodes filmed and recorded using the Zoom platform / Teatro Tomasino Alumni Association

Just last year, the alumni members of University of Santo Tomas' premier theatre company, Teatro Tomasino, joined hands again for a unique theatre project made for the web. To translate George A. De Jesus III's beloved play Kung Paano Maghiwalay to a digital series for Facebook, Teatro Tomasino Alumni Association maximised the Zoom platform together with honorary members and guest stars like the siblings Arjo and Ria Atayde.

Check Teatro Tomasino Alumni Association's Facebook channel here

8. Ballet Manila Official

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Above The Philippines' "prima ballerina" leads the Ballet Manila dancers in their unique digital offering, "Home", conceptualised and choreographed by Martin Lawrence / Ballet Manila Official

After braving the rest of their performance season in 2019 after the fire that damaged their theatre-home, Ballet Manila was ready to perform again with heads held high in 2020 and began shows at the Resorts World Manila. Unfortunately, the pandemic happened and changed everybody in the ballet industry's plans completely. Despite all this, the classical ballet institution and dance company helmed by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the country's "prima ballerina", strived to do the best they could for their silver anniversary milestone year. They have uploaded their past performances on their YouTube channel for a limited time period only and continued conducting ballet classes for young kids online. With their frequent collaborator Martin Lawrence, the company released a unique digital offering entitled, Home; and with their very own principal dancer and choreographer-director Gerardo Francisco Jr., Walang Hanggang Paalam; both available on their YouTube channel.

Check Ballet Manila's YouTube channel here

9. Philippine Educational Theater Association

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Above The Philippine Educational Theater Association's 2013 touring production of "William", written by Ron Capinding / PETA Theater Online

One of the finest theatre institutions in the country also shifted online its series of performances and events. Recently, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) released for a limited time period only one of its well-known musicals, Care Divas on ktx.ph, another streaming platform that is pay-per-view. Meanwhile, on their YouTube channel, PETA launched the Festival of Windows, a three-month-long online arts festival of pocket performances, workshops, lectures, and other creative expressions. Still on their page are full performances of Ron Capinding's William, Liza Magtoto's Rated PG, and Game of Trolls.

Read Also: PETA's Restaging of 'Ang Buhay ni Galileo' Challenges The Youth To Be Censorious In Pursuit Of Truth

Check PETA's YouTube channel here

10. Cultural Center of the Philippines

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Above Performance by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and other archival footages of productions by the Cultural Center of the Philippines' resident companies are have been made available on YouTube since the pandemic halted public performances in theatres / Cultural Center of the Philippines

The country's leading artistic and cultural institution was one of the first who immediately maximised digital media in 2020. Starting off with its virtual Virgin Labfest and Cinemalaya, the Cultural Centre of the Philippines proved that the pandemic won't stop its resident companies from offering "food for the soul" for the Filipino people. On its YouTube channel, archival footages of previous performances and events may be watched for a limited time period only, as well as unique digital performances via Zoom by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Check CCP's YouTube channel here

11. Tanghalang Pilipino

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Above This episode of Layeta Bucoy's "Lola Doc", featuring acclaimed actress Nora Aunor, is the second edition of the play for Tanghalang Pilipino's digital offering in lieu of public performances for their 34th season. Prior to this, they have also uploaded on YouTube and iWant their footages of their past productions for a limited time period / Tanghalang Pilipino

Another CCP's resident company, Tanghalang Pilipino, also offered its past performances online for free last year on YouTube and on iWant, a pay-per-view streaming app under the media giant ABS-CBN. On their YouTube channel, find unique performances by the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Ensemble and a special series of Layeta Bucoy, featuring artists like Nora Aunor, Noel Comia Jr., and Tanghalang Pilipino's very own artistic director Nanding Josef.

Check Tanghalang Pilipino's YouTube channel here

12. Philippine Ballet Theatre

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Above Highlights of the Tony Fabella-choreographed "Mantones de Manila" is available to watch on Philippine Ballet Theatre's YouTube channel, as well as their other performances. In 2020, CCP also uploaded PBT's full-length ballet productions for a limited time period only / Philippine Ballet Theatre

Performing the country's classical ballet pieces as well as other important and beloved international choreographies is the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT), another resident company of the CCP. Founded in 1986 after the downfall of the Marcos regime by National Artist Leonor Orosa Goquinco and her fellows, PBT has performed Filipino heritage masterpieces like the acclaimed Darangen ni Batugan and Kundiman, among many others. It has brought to the forefront the extraordinary talent of Filipino artists and choreographers and since then been supportive of the many talented budding Filipino ballet dancers.

Check Philippine Ballet Theatre's YouTube channel here

13. Philippine Madrigal Singers

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Above The Philippine Madrigal Singers has been conferred the coveted Gran Premio title in the Concorso 64th Polifonico Internazionale in Arezzo, Italy last August 27, 2016. Excerpts of their live performances all over the world as well as some new digital video recordings during the nationwide lockdowns are available on their YouTube channel / Cultural Center of the Philippines

One of the country's pride, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, is also one of the resident companies of the CCP. From its humble beginnings at the University of the Philippines with the National Artist Andrea O. Veneracion, the acclaimed choir has earned top prizes from international choir competitions and considered as one of the leading choral groups in the world.

Check Philippine Madrigal Singers' YouTube channel here

14. Trumpets Inc.

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Above As part of the celebration for the 50th anniversary of Benedicto Cabrera's artistry, Philippine Ballet Theatre mounted a production entitled, "Sabel: Love and Passion" at the Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino / Tatler Philippines

Trumpets Inc is one of the well-known theatre companies in the Philippines that has brought us original Filipino contemporary musicals like Joseph The Dreamer and The Bluebird of Happiness. On their YouTube channel, find Freddie Santos' beloved works such as Sabel: Love and PassionSo, David!Unsung, and Dati Akong Paraluman

Check Trumpets Philippines' YouTube channel here

15. Repertory Philippines

Above Repertory Philippines pays tribute to the displaced artists and workers in the theatre industry as well as enthusiasts who long for the much awaited "homecoming" to the stage. This is the latest instalment of the premier theatre company to its digital offerings available on their YouTube and Facebook pages / Repertory Philippines

Repertory Philippines, one of the country's most awarded theatre companies that have brought us local adaptations of acclaimed plays and musicals, has been in the industry for more than 50 years now. Though the crisis abruptly halted its performance season last 2020, Rep has offered virtual workshops for theatre arts enthusiasts. Check out their YouTube channel and Facebook page for their special conversation videos with their actors and friends.

Check Repertory Philippines' YouTube channel here

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Above Music legends Stephen Sondheim and Steve Reich appeared together on stage in 2015 for a conversation and collaborative performances at the Lincoln Center. This and other full performances available for free at Lincoln Center's YouTube page. / Lincoln Center
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Above Sir Simon Rattle conducts the finale of Schubert's Ninth Symphony 'The Great' with the London Symphony Orchestra, recorded live at LSO St Luke's on 7 January 2021 in COVID-secure conditions. This and other full performances are available at London Symphony Orchestra's YouTube page for a limited time period only as part of their Always Playing Appeal for the benefit of LSO's musicians and artists affected financially by the global crises. / London Symphony Orchestra
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Above George Frideric Handel's "Agrippina" is an opera co-written by Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani that tells a vivid tale of love, treachery, and intrigue. This production is directed by Walter Sutcliffe and conducted by Robert Howarth by the Academy of Ancient Music for the Grange Festival. This and other full performances of AAM are available on their YouTube page's weekly offering "Streaming Sundays" / Academy of Ancient Music
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Above Disney Cruise Line's "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular" has been made available on YouTube for free by Disney Parks. Check out this channel for more videos from Disney. / Disney Parks

Moreover, YouTube has tons of other exciting channels and playlists created by internationally acclaimed theatre and music institutions. Mostly fundraisers for the benefit of displaced artists and workers in the theatre industry, check out: The Shows Must Go On, London Symphony Orchestra's YouTube Sundays playlist, Globe Theatre's Shakespeare for Free, Barn Theatre's free full performances, Disney Parks' Disney Cruise Line playlist, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The Royal Opera House, Academy of Ancient Music's Streaming Sundays series, Opera Live Streaming, and Warner Classics' Opera, Concerts & Ballet.

Check out Tatler Review and read our reviews of plays, films, exhibitions, and more here

16. Ballet Philippines

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Above Ballet Philippines' acclaimed Pinoy superhero musical featuring the songs of Kanakan-Balintagos, Vicente de Jesus, Carina Evangelista, and the Eraserheads is this month's offering of the ballet company on the On Our Stage page of their website. / Ballet Philippines

Just last year, Ballet Philippines revamped its website to address the crisis, offering archival footages of its past performances for free as well as masterclasses from some of the world's most sought after ballet dancers and choreographers. Founded in 1969 by National Artist Alice Reyes, Ballet Philippines is the first resident company of the CCP and the country's leading professional classical and contemporary dance institution.

ballet.ph

17. oldvictheatre.com

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Above The Old Vic Theatre has filmed its plays and made them available either live or by playback via Zoom platform. / The Old Vic Theatre

The prestigious Old Vic Theatre in London has also upped its game last year, by offering live streaming of their plays via Zoom. The actors had their performances on stage (health and safety protocols were observed) captured by cameras that are connected to audiences globally.

Visit oldvictheatre.com to avail tickets to their streamings via Zoom

18. bknwrising.com

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Above Marikina City's very own Teatro ni Juan delivered a socially relevant musical series made for web. "Bakunawa Rising" features music and lyrics by Mike Caranza and Carlo Gianan, and book and direction by Mikko Angeles. / Teatro ni Juan

Produced by Teatro ni Juan, Bakunawa Rising is an original Filipino musical made for web that is based on the Filipino myth about bakunawa (a moon-eating serpent-like dragon). Teatro ni Juan weaves tragic narratives of modern-day Philippines into the myth and explores themes of redemption and salvation. It is a must-see original Filipino musical specially made for the digital platform that was released in parts last year.

bknwrising.com

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