Streaming Platform BroadwayHD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Making Theater Accessible
BroadwayHD, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in October, continues transforming access to theater by offering high-quality recordings of Broadway shows via its online streaming platform. What began as a vision of co-founders Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley has grown into a global resource, allowing theatergoers of all ages to experience the thrill of live performances at any time from any location.
Lane and Comley have long seen BroadwayHD as a bridge to live theater, as it generates curiosity that leads to ticket sales for live performances. For longtime aficionados, it’s an opportunity to relive favorite productions. And for novices, it’s a warm welcome to the medium.
BroadwayHD’s reach has become significant as a new study highlights the influence of arts involvement on society. Research by the National Endowment for the Arts shows that access to the arts corresponds with reduced crime rates, greater high school graduation rates and improved civic involvement. Residents are more inclined to vote, volunteer and seek higher education, demonstrating how a thriving arts scene can promote a connected and involved community.
The NEA results highlight the societal advantages of active arts involvement. People who participate in the arts are more connected to their communities and more willing to support causes and organizations that benefit others, according to the research. BroadwayHD demonstrates that technology can enhance and enrich live arts rather than replace them.
The 24-hour streaming service not only delivers Broadway into people’s living rooms worldwide, but also acts as a doorway for audiences who would otherwise be unable to see live theater. During the pandemic, BroadwayHD provided a vital link to live performance, keeping Broadway’s spirit alive while theaters were closed.
But BroadwayHD’s aim extends beyond just streaming shows. By giving viewers a taste of Broadway, the platform encourages them to go out and see live theater. For many people, watching a show on BroadwayHD sparks a desire to visit in person locally or on Broadway.
BroadwayHD’s initiatives to expand theatrical accessibility have also contributed to a greater variety of theater audiences. The platform has allowed individuals from all walks of life to see Broadway-quality performances by removing barriers such as high ticket prices, travel costs and geographical limitations. This inclusion is consistent with a larger push in the theatrical business to make the performing arts more accessible.
As it approaches its second decade, BroadwayHD’s continued success demonstrates that providing theater productions online can enhance the appreciation for live performances.
“The platform is essential in learning about theater and making it more accessible and inclusive for people too far from Broadway in real life,” the co-founders say.
Lane and Comley have long seen BroadwayHD as a bridge to live theater, as it generates curiosity that leads to ticket sales for live performances. For longtime aficionados, it’s an opportunity to relive favorite productions. And for novices, it’s a warm welcome to the medium.
BroadwayHD’s reach has become significant as a new study highlights the influence of arts involvement on society. Research by the National Endowment for the Arts shows that access to the arts corresponds with reduced crime rates, greater high school graduation rates and improved civic involvement. Residents are more inclined to vote, volunteer and seek higher education, demonstrating how a thriving arts scene can promote a connected and involved community.
The NEA results highlight the societal advantages of active arts involvement. People who participate in the arts are more connected to their communities and more willing to support causes and organizations that benefit others, according to the research. BroadwayHD demonstrates that technology can enhance and enrich live arts rather than replace them.
The 24-hour streaming service not only delivers Broadway into people’s living rooms worldwide, but also acts as a doorway for audiences who would otherwise be unable to see live theater. During the pandemic, BroadwayHD provided a vital link to live performance, keeping Broadway’s spirit alive while theaters were closed.
But BroadwayHD’s aim extends beyond just streaming shows. By giving viewers a taste of Broadway, the platform encourages them to go out and see live theater. For many people, watching a show on BroadwayHD sparks a desire to visit in person locally or on Broadway.
BroadwayHD’s initiatives to expand theatrical accessibility have also contributed to a greater variety of theater audiences. The platform has allowed individuals from all walks of life to see Broadway-quality performances by removing barriers such as high ticket prices, travel costs and geographical limitations. This inclusion is consistent with a larger push in the theatrical business to make the performing arts more accessible.
As it approaches its second decade, BroadwayHD’s continued success demonstrates that providing theater productions online can enhance the appreciation for live performances.
“The platform is essential in learning about theater and making it more accessible and inclusive for people too far from Broadway in real life,” the co-founders say.