Drama Online Resources #1

How can one continue to study the performing arts while in isolation? That’s a question I’ve been asking myself a lot lately. I’ve scoured the internet looking for online tools, and here is a couple that I have found useful and quite inspiring. 

Check Your University’s Library Database

Before you register for any online subscriptions, your university’s database should be your first step. You never know what your university has subscribed to, and they might have some hidden treasures you can take advantage of during this time. Some databases to keep your eyes out for are: 

Drama Online, which is a great site to read plays, and the site also helps you filter through plays and find monologues.
Kanopy Streaming, which has a wide variety of movie streaming options and all you need, is your library card.

Make sure to check out what your Universities online database has to offer. You’ll be surprised by how many online plays you can read, and sometimes you luck out with a couple of recordings of performances you can watch as well. If you’ve already graduated, no worries, there is usually an alumni card option which allows you to take full advantage of these online resources as well. We may not be in university right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still use their online resources.

Shakespeare PDFs all over the internet

Now is a great time to start reading all of those classics that you set a side for a later time. There are always Shakespeare PDF’s scattered across the internet. A trick I’ve found is type: ext. Before whatever PDF you are searching for, narrows your search and usually bumps PDF’s to the top. 
Example: ext:pdf The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare 

Online Streaming Services (Marquee tv)

One site I have found is Marquee TV, where they offer you a free trial for 14 days, and afterward, you pay a monthly or annual subscription. If you are a student, send them an email, and they will send you a student discount code. If you can’t afford the expense right now, they also offer several videos for free. If you do pick up a subscription, the site has a variety of professional theatre (such as the RSC), opera, and ballet to watch. Marquee also does online interview segments where they interview actors, directors, and designers. We may not be able to go to the theatre together, but we can still support the arts and bet inspired by talent across the world.  

https://www.marquee.tv/

Have Fun with Friends

Call up your friends and discover and read through plays and perform online together. You can meet over Skype, Zoom, Facebook, or even have a classic old-fashioned phone call. Have fun reading through plays together and put your site reading and improv skills to the test. Laugh, cry, play, and continue to create art together! 

Hello! Hopefully you find these helpful, and if you have any suggestions, feel free to let us know below!