NEW YORK, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A new service launched Monday to provide high-quality streaming of theatrical productions online.
BroadwayHD, created by Tony-winning Broadway producers Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley, offers monthly, yearly or pay-per-view options to watch over 100 filmed productions from various sources, including BBC Worldwide North America, WNET and Broadway Worldwide.
The library includes performances of Memphis, Jekyll and Hyde and more. An annual membership costs $169.99, and monthly access costs $14.99
The founders say more content will be added in the future, including behind-the-scenes videos and theater documentaries.
They told Mashable they do not aim to compete with the "communal experience" of watching a play in real life but that that their product can give people a version of that experience.
They added that they want people who can't make it London or New York to watch shows in person to be able to watch on their phones, laptops, tablets, Apple TV or Chromecast.
Future projects will include live-streams of opening night performances, which can provide the "global experience of everyone watching this event at the same time."
Lane and Comley told Variety that stage producers are increasingly realizing the value of digital distribution for their performances and for the world of live theater in general.
