PASADENA, CALIF.: Pasadena Playhouse has announced the launch of PlayhouseLive, a streaming platform to showcase theatrical productions around the country, mostly but not exclusively those produced by the company itself. The platform will feature digital theatre experiences, original series, live and live-captured performances, and educational programming. The initial slate of programming will be released next month.

“As the harsh realities of COVID’s impact on live theatre 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,” said artistic director Danny Feldman in a statement. “The playhouse has historically been an innovator and we continue that spirit on this new adventure in the digital world.”

PlayhouseLive will be part of the company’s Community at Play program, which aims to remove barrier to arts participation and offers free and low-cost ways to engage with the arts. Distribution channels will include a standalone website, iPhone and Android apps, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Chromecast, and AirPlay, among others. The platform will offer free content, pay-per-view events, as well an all-access Membership.

When live theatre performances resume, PlayhouseLive will serve as an online companion to work happening at Pasadena Playhouse and partnering companies.

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