Support Theatre Philadelphia! LEARN MORE AND DONATE NOW

Home  > Theatre News  > Theatres and Artists Go Virtual!

Theatres and Artists go Virtual!

The shows must go on! Check out these recent and upcoming virtual events by Philadelphia-based artists and companies. Plus, visit our YouTube Channel for our Philadelphia Theatre Playlists!

This is an ongoing list. If you have a digital class, performance, or event coming up, please contact us.

Updated 4/21

Classes and Activities

  • EgoPo Classic Theater is offering a behind-the-scenes look into the theater making process with a new virtual education series, EgoPo CLASSics Online. During April and May, this on-line series offers in-depth and accessible content that engages theater audiences and artists in a meaningful way during this period of social distancing.  A combination of lectures, panel discussions, and a virtual acting master class, this program translates our mission into a virtual classroom as we take a deep dive into EgoPo’s artistic vision and classic texts.  Join us on Thursday evenings for Cocktails and Classics, a lecture on the Art of Directing with Founding Artistic Director, Lane Savadove.  On three Saturday mornings for Coffee and Classics, we meet with local and international guests to discuss the state of the arts, theatre education, and dive back into our Shepard Country season.  Starting April 26, dust off or discover a classic text in a three-week online MasterCLASS Plus with Lane Savadove and Associate Teachers for a virtual exploration of vocal and physical expression and a psychological approach to text.  For detailed schedule information and to register for events, visit www.egopo.org/egopo-classics-online. Panels and lectures are free with a suggested $15 donation. MasterCLASS Plus: $120.

  • Tiny Dynamite - Join JANE AUSTEN, ABRIDGED creators for (virtual) tea this week. Our virtual chats with the creators of The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged are coming up this week! Join all four cowriters (including two of the performers!) for a virtual tea-time talkback about the development of the show. The virtual teas will last approximately 40 minutes on Zoom, and registration is free. Registrants will receive an email the day before their session with the link and more information. Thursday April 16 at 4:00pm and Sunday April 19 at 1:00pm. Register Here.
     
  • Theatre Ariel - Join Artistic Director Deborah Baer Mozes for a free Zoom lecture on "Crypto-Jewish/Converso Stories in Theatre". Sponsored by Golden Slipper GEMS. Tuesday, April 14, @ 11:00 AM. Register now.
     
  • Wilma Virtual Studio - The Wilma’s Barrymore Award-winning Education Department has launched the Wilma Virtual Studio, weekly online initiatives for students and the public that will culminate in a variety of digital performances and tutorials, including virtual poetry slams in partnership with the Philly Slam League, juggling and mask-making tutorials, and crowdsourced poetry. For more information or to participate, please go to https://www.instagram.com/wilmaeducation/ (Instagram handle: @wilmaeducation) or the Wilma’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheWilmaTheater. If you do not have social media and would like to participate in the prompts, please email Education Assistant Rachel Beecher at [email protected] to join the mailing list.
     
  • Shakespeare in Clark Park - Every week we'll release a video teaching you a different skill. We hope it will be fun for you, but we also have a secret agenda! These are all skills you can use in this summer's production of Pericles. Pericles is going to be a Shakespeare play inside a circus, so these videos will have juggling and tumbling, as well as tips for acting and performing Shakespeare. Learn more and watch on YouTube!
     
  • Philly Young Playwrights - PYP Quarantine Challenge - Brenden Dahl is partnering with PYP to host a student playwriting competition based on Paula Vogel’s Bake-Offs. The winning plays will be read on Instagram live stream with professional Philly actors. https://www.instagram.com/pypquarantinechallenge/?hl=en
     
  • Theatre Horizon has announced the launch of new virtual programming in light of the recent nationwide COVID-19 pandemic which has closed most theatres across the country.  Theatre Horizon will offer both educational and artistic videos available to patrons and community members via their YouTube channels. Interested patrons and audience members will be able access the video content starting early during the week of March 23, 2020.  Both professional artists and teachers will produce an assortment of both artistic and educational videos that will be available via two Theatre Horizon YouTube Channels.  The artists and educators will be paid $45 for 25-45 minute long videos.
     
  • Jacqueline Goldfinger - Beat-the-Plague Playwriting Workshops (All PWYC) - https://m.bpt.me/event/4555137
     
  • Julia Kershetsky - Acting Through Song (Online). This class is dedicated to helping you connect to your performance through personal circumstances remotely. In this two-hour course, revisit old songs with a fresh perspective, try out that new audition cut, or sing repertoire that you've always wanted to sing! More information: $20 to participate / $10 to observe. Class size limited to 8 participants. Thursday, April 2 from 5-7pmTo sign up email [email protected] or click here!
Fundraisers

  • Wilma Theater Virtual Fête: May 3, 2020 at 5:30PM EST - The Wilma’s first-ever digital Fête fundraiser features a streaming performance from Martha Graham Cracker. The online party with a purpose will take place on May 3,2020 at 5:30 PM EST. Philadelphia singing sensation Martha Graham Cracker headlines this special one-time “desktop” gala performance. The Fête will include special access to an evening of exciting streamed entertainment featuring special guest appearances by Wilma HotHouse company of artists, a sneak-peek at the Wilma’s next season, a Q&A with new co-Artistic Directors, a virtual dance party, and more. Guests who purchase a premium ticket to this year’s digital Fête will receive a special link to the exclusive Fête performances, automatic entry into a raffle for prizes, a special gift to be enjoyed during the performance, and more. Streamed online via exclusive link. For those interested in purchasing tickets for this year’s Fête, or for more information, visit www.wilmatheater.org/fete or call (267) 433-8137.​

Theatre

  • Artists In Place - Sunday Fun-Day Variety Show - Every Sunday @5PM. Plus, check out previous live streaming and short content on the page at https://www.facebook.com/ArtistsInPlace/
     

  • Chris Davis - The Presented LIVE - The Presented explores what it means to be a chosen artist in the world today. In his signature comedic style, Davis examines the issues facing many theater artists today in a fun and hilarious 50-minute show that will make you never want to pursue a career in the arts ever again. April 29 - Wed - 8pm (EST). LIVE on Instagram (@1drunklion). LIVE on Facebook (@ChrisDavisPhilly). Donations on VENMO: Chris-Davis-109
     

  • Phyre Created by Die-Cast - Phyre is a digital fable about loneliness. A young woman who had recently moved to Philadelphia to care for a family member now finds herself alone in a new city, restricted to an empty apartment that isn’t hers. When she posts a video expressing her grief, a popular Instagram Influencer takes notice and begins to connect her to a new community. Phyre is contained on a single site and is playable on most devices. Content warnings are available on the site. PWYL. Ongoing and online at www.die-castphilly.org.
     

  • The Phoenix Theatre is partying in quarantine in honor of the Bard this month. Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. They are celebrating the Bard of Avon, with A Surprise Birthday Party for William Shakespeare, celebrating his 456th Birthday. The professional theatre company, who has been hosting the daily,  The Pointless Shakespeare Knowledge Challenge, will celebrate the birth of William Shakespeare with an evening of virtual performances on Shakespeare’s 456th birthday, The link to the performance will be available on the company’s website www.thephoenixtheatrepa.com on the day of the show. This event is live and can be viewed from the comfort of one’s home. The Pointless Shakespeare Knowledge Challenge is every weekday, Monday-Friday at 12 noon on Instagram (@phoenixtheatrepa). 
     
  • Going Viral Festival is continuing!  Join us on Facebook Live every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7pm EST for a 10-minute play entirely rehearsed and performed over video chat, produced by Mal-Adjusted, a new company founded by Eleanor Safer, Paige Zubel, and Shamus Hunter McCarty.  Then, stick with us every Saturday at 7pm EST as we tell a quarantine comedy about confusion, adventure, and girl scout cookies in 10-minute episodes every week. This is a choose your own adventure story! At the end of each episode, audience should comment what they think the characters should do next! This is a pay what you decide event! Our goal is to make art and entertain those that wish they could be at the theatre this week and we understand that many folks have lost their income and can’t afford much. But for those who are able, we are accepting donation by Venmo (@Mal-adjusted) and we will be splitting the profits each week with everyone involved in that week’s performances. Most of these folks are out of work artists, so your donation is a big help! We will be streaming to the Facebook page Going Viral Festival every Wednesday-Saturday night at 7pm. We hope you’ll join us! 
     
  • Chris Davis - The Last Emperor of Mexico - Maximilian I has recently been declared the Emperor of Mexico by Napoleon III, but his administration soon comes under attack by the revolutionary Benito Juarez. Maximilian is confronted with a great dilemma – to shave his beard or die by firing squad. April 15 - Wednesday - 8pm (EST). LIVE on Instagram (@1drunklion). LIVE on Facebook (@ChrisDavisPhilly). Donations on VENMO: Chris-Davis-109
     
  • Theatre in the X - Virtual Play Reading! A comedic adaptation of Euripides’ Medea, recast with the characters from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  Viv Is For Vengeance is the (unauthorized) story of what really happened when Aunt Viv was replaced by another mother. http://www.theatreinthex.com/upcoming-events.html
     
  • Yannick Trapman-O'Brien - The Telelibrary: The Telelibrary uses cutting-edge telephonic technology to provide you with adventure, entertainment and edification from the comfort and social distance of your own home. Part interactive theater, part game, part self-care and all just a phone call away. Showtimes vary, and tickets are Pay-As-You-Wish. Sign up for a 45 minute slot at yannickto.com/telelibrary
     
  • Wilma Home Theater: During these challenging times, the Wilma is more committed than ever to supporting their acclaimed artists. The company has launched Wilma Home Theater, where the Wilma HotHouse company of artists, Co-Artistic Directors, and teaching artists will share original digital content. The goals are to keep creating content until the physical theater doors reopen after the health crisis, and to continue to pay artists during the COVID-19 health emergency. Wilma Home Theater content will be available for streaming at http://www.wilmatheater.org/wilma-home-theater/ 
     
  • 1812 Productions - Get ready for a weekly live video called I Put On Pants For This! I Put On Pants For This features 1812’s Producing Artistic Director, Jen Childs, and her husband Scott Greer talking comedy and 1812 history. It’s a casual 20-minute conversation about how some of our favorite works came to be, some of our favorite performers, and maybe even a scene or two. We hope you’ll join in and, while they’re wearing pants, you certainly don’t have to! Make sure you like our Facebook Page HERE and join us on Facebook Live on Thursdays.
     
  • Archedream for HUMANKIND - Founded in 2001, ArcheDream for HUMANKIND is an internationally touring blacklight mask and dance theatre company that explores universal ideas and emotions through original performances for audiences of all ages. Merging ancient ritual, magical storytelling, puppetry, mask theater, and music in black light, ADHK’s uniquely tailored performances and educational workshops inspire and enchant audiences of all ages. CORNUCOPIA is a visual abundance of blacklight performance that feed your soul and your senses. Enter a blacklit world of wonder as ArcheDream for Humankind brings you a spread of our favorite characters from shows past as well as characters and scenes never before seen. This exciting montage of ArcheDream worlds past and present will leave you mesmerized! Make a Donation - Watch - https://vimeo.com/394007564
     
  • Philly Improv Theater - Purchase a ticket to view an online livestream performance.  Immediately after completing your purchase, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing and viewing the performance. View this week's livestreaming schedule: https://phillyimprovtheater.com/shows
     
  • Bristol Riverside Theatre is posting a variety of short YouTube videos featuring Bristol Riverside Theatre performers. Donate to Bristol Riverside Theatre and Watch on YouTube Here!
     
  • CSz Philadelphia - ComedySportz: Virtually Live! CSz Philadelphia is an improv theater offering comedy shows, improv classes, and team building through Applied Improvisation. ComedySportz, Philadelphia's longest-running show, is back with FREE interactive improv comedy matches streamed into the computers, phones, and homes of you, our Loyal Fans! Saturday 3/28/20 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. To join the fun, visit https://www.comedysportzphilly.com/shows/comedysportz. Ways to donate: You can Venmo CSz Philadelphia @DonMontrey (put ComedySportz in the message field) or PayPal.Me at https://paypal.me/cszphilly.

  • Liberty City Radio Theatre is set to discover the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything, with a special online streaming performance of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”  this Sunday April 5. Audiences can tune in at 7pm for the old time radio style 'broadcast' at facebook.com/libertycityradiotheatre. For details about the show and Liberty City Radio Theatre: www.libertycityradiotheatre.com.

  • Chris Davis - One Man. One Living Room. One Nutcracker. One-Man Nutcracker LIVE stream on April 1st - Wed - 8pm! Watch in on Instagram Live @1DrunkLionFacebook Live @ChrisDavisPhilly. Written & performed by Chris Davis, directed by Mary Tuomanen, sound design by Adriano Shaplin, choreography by Hallie Rumsey-Lasersohn. You know the Nutcracker, but have you seen this beloved Christmas classic performed by only one man? One actor channels Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosselmeyer, the mice, the Sugar Plum fairy, and the magic of season from the comfort of your home. Chris Davis is proud to bring you One-Man Nutcracker, a re-telling of the original E.T.A. Hoffman Nutcracker Story and the Ballet. FREE TIX: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-man-nutcracker-living-room-special-tickets-101093013926. Pay What You Can (Venmo: @Chris-Davis-109
     
  • Theatre Ariel - THEATRE ARIEL GOES LIVE!! We can’t bring you to the theatre, so we are bringing Theatre Ariel to you! Our first Free Live Streaming Performance features Ethics of the Fathers AKA The Gangster & the GrandPa - Written and Performed by Jesse Bernstein and Director/Dramaturg - Deborah Baer Mozes. Sunday, March 29 at 4 PM and Monday, March 30 at 7 PM. Drawing on the stories of an unlikely friendship and the teachings of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), this powerful one-person show explores morality, legacy, and Jewish identity in America. Watch on Facebook Live and YouTube.
     
  • Wings of Paper has a recent live-stream of The Zoo Story! Catch that here and follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wingsofpapertheatrecompany/videos/229788784872397/?vh=e&d=n
     
  • Hella Fresh Theater presents a recording of Osceola, a 2020 Barrymore Recommended Production - https://youtu.be/Ss3bQ4ionZ4
  • Paige Zubel and Eleanor Safer are putting on a festival of small cast, 10 minute plays from the 25th-29th and live-streaming them. We're calling it Going Viral: A Facebook Live Festival
  • Theatre Artist Josh Hitchens is livestreaming CAMPFIRE on Facebook Live, with spooky stories for everyone.
     
  • Paper Doll Ensemble is releasing the recording of Marry, Marry, Quite Contrary to the public to bring a little comedy to people's days! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xvP8kD90bI&t=1348s
     
  • The East Coast Premiere of "Traveling Light" - by Lindsay Y. Harris-Friel, directed/produced by Liam Castellan in the 2013 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. 92 minutes. https://youtu.be/A_b8byAXaZU Note from producer: If you like it, please consider donating the price of a ticket [I think I charged $20 in 2013] or more to Curio Theatre Company or Hedgerow Theatre. Both have given me free rehearsal space for my Fringe producing, and both have had their seasons affected by COVID-19.
     
  • Runboy Productions - Complexion Woman - 8 Shorts, 14 Actors, 4 Directors of color. Written by Tasha Henderson and Ebony Gilbert. Directed by Kitt Kat, Monica Fleurette, Jaymarie Pura and Lynda Grace. Starring Miles Orion Butler, Mya Drew Flood, Kassidy Carlese, Alex J. Maryn, Jalina Wayser, Kweina, Queen Imani Shante Hadi, Kiara Thompkins, Candy Williams Hagamin, RacQuel Sasha Colòn, Emily McKinley Hill, Tim Richardson, Jerrick Medrano, and Colleen Miles. - ttps://youtu.be/WGQsXS2UfdE
     
  • SALT Performing Arts is coming together to make the most of this unprecedented time. Join Cooped Up Cabaret - each Thursday night, SALT hosts a “live” premiere of 10 or more SALT performers singing a song that has been chosen earlier in the week via a poll that SALT followers, friends and family can vote on.  Via the premiere, all viewers can comment on the YouTube based Cabaret, thus creating an interactive community discussion. The SALT Community will also raise their voices in song at our APRIL 2 COOPED UP CABARET. Together we'll create an epic rendition of ONE DAY MORE from Les Misèrables via a karaoke-style singalong of combined video submissions that will be made into a community rendition of an inspiring favorite. Submissions do not have to be from a previous SALT performer. We can't wait to hear the people sing! https://www.saltpa.com
     

Interactive

  • Die-Cast - Mad Deep Dish -  https://www.die-castphilly.org/mad-deep-dish - Mad Deep Dish is a choose-your-own-adventure digital story through a web of interconnected characters.  Chatbots, fictional vloggers, listicles, make up tutorials, and conspiracy theorists are all waiting for you.  There are many paths to wander and it's free of charge so you can visit more than once. You may not have to worry about social distancing with the people of Mad Deep, but everything is connected. About the Company: Die-Cast was co-founded by designer Thom Weaver and director Brenna Geffers to create work outside the normal frames of theatre. Our work is created for non-theatrical spaces and those spaces shape the pieces as strongly as text or actor.  Die-Cast uses a collective creation model with performers, designers, and directors working together to generate content, whether they are directly involved in the piece or not. Our work has been seen in factories, closed-down nightclubs, derelict hotels, and even boats. In our adventures to make theatre not in theaters, Die-Cast was nominated for the 2019 Harvey Award for Best Adaptation of a Comic, alongside of Marvel's Endgame. Content Warnings available on the entry page. Price: PWYL/Free

Podcasts

Music

Readings

  • ITHAQA ONLINE is a live reading of issue two in the Ithaqa comic book series.  The event is complete with costumes, foley, and creative technical elements that we are very excited to share - the five night run is the result of a week long rehearsal process, where we are trying to explore all the ways to innovate on this new theatre medium.  We are going live at 7.30 each night from March 31 to April 4. Watch on Facebook, and YouTube.
     
  • John McDonnell, playwright and member of the Dramatist's Guild in Bucks County, is uploading readings of his short comedic plays staged within the last year. - https://www.youtube.com/user/McDonnellWrite/videos

Daily Live Stream and Facebook Live Round-Ups compiled by Eric Jaffe!

Eric Jaffe is a world ukulele champion, an above average singer, and a genderless glamour monster. Eric is the winner of the 2018 Drag Awards, Best Host, Best Alternative Drag Queen, And Drag Queen of the Year. You can find Eric scouring the Philadelphia cabaret and drag scene screaming at the top of their lungs about food. They  starred in the original queer musical Basic Witches at The Arden, and starred and directed Jaffe St. Queer’s productions: Thweeney Todd: The Flaming barber of Fleek Street, the Barrymore recommenced, Gay Mis, and the Barrymore recommended Lizard of Oz! Currently, Eric is running a weekly Digital Drag Brunch, every Saturday at noon on Facebook Live. For more on Eric, follow @theericjaffe on Instagram 

If you have a digital class, performance, or event coming up, please contact us.

Theatre Philadelphia logo
THEATRE PHILADELPHIA
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 732
Philadelphia, PA 19107
267.761.9950
[email protected]
Privacy Policy
© 2022 Theatre Philadelphia. All rights reserved.
Site design and development by I-SITE®
Advertise with Us