Pasadena Playhouse Launches Online Streaming Platform

While the ongoing pandemic has pulled the curtains on live theater for the time being, the Pasadena Playhouse is launching what is said to be a first-of-its-kind online streaming platform to bring the theater to the audience, the organization announced Wednesday.

PlayhouseLive is scheduled to begin streaming this fall, the Pasadena Playhouse said in a written statement. Programming, which is to include both free content and pay-per-view events in the form of new filmed productions, staged readings, original series, documentaries and theater classes, is to be announced next month.

“As the harsh realities of COVID’s impact on live theater were becoming clear, we began work on a digital hub that would connect the artists and audiences who were reaching out for each other during this challenging time, “ Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman said. “The Playhouse has historically been an innovator and we continue that spirit on this new adventure in the digital world.”

The project seeks to “break down the physical boundaries of theater walls and open access to audiences all over the world,” according to the statement.

It will be integrated into the Playhouse’s “Community at Play” program, which encourages low-cost ways to participate in the arts, organizers said. It will be distributed  via channels including a standalone website, iPhone and Android apps, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Chromecast and AirPlay.

“Initially, most of the content will be generated by Pasadena Playhouse as we have been working on this since the Playhouse was shut down,” Feldman said. “As our library grows, our goal is for the platform to serve the nonprofit theater community including the digital productions and original series created by our partners as well.”

For updates or to sign up for the platform, visit the PlayhouseLive’s website at playhouselive.org.