The rise of online entertainment during the pandemic

By Salena Hajidamji, Staff Writer

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the entertainment industry has adjusted to become accessible to people from the comfort of their own homes. Performances ranging from comedy shows to livestream concerts to musicals have been added to an ever expanding online platform. 

Now available at the tips of your fingers, theaters are transitioning from the physical stage to the virtual one. Playbill On-Line, a comprehensive theater service, now offers a variety of events almost every day to continue providing entertainment in the form of performance arts. They have been able to connect Broadway fans to streaming services like Netflix, CBS and Amazon Video to capture the musical stage in a new way. The company also live streams iconic out-of-the-vault performances—shows that wouldn't be available for viewing otherwise—and features guest stars like B.D. Wong, Alexandra Billings and Brandon Victor Dixon. Broadway’s online platform has presented full hour and a half productions for viewers to enjoy, accompanied with other interactive aspects like trivia and insider information.

Despite the obvious downside of not being able to enjoy the plays and musicals in person, the company has been able to foster a unique theater community online which makes participating in the streaming all the more enjoyable. Playbill has created a guide to access all the classics while also putting out new content to satisfy theater fanatics until the Broadway doors are ready to reopen. 

Similarly to actors, comedians have also switched to the online stage. In order to deliver comedic relief during these difficult times, many have taken to social media. Comedy Quarantine, an Instagram live show cohosted by Teresa Lee, Babs Gray and Dominique Glen, showcases Wednesday through Friday at 7 p.m. Lee came up with the concept in hopes of preserving the community for the comedy industry. The show is free and available to all viewers, but Venmo donations are encouraged to continue funding performers through these unstable times. 

The hosts curate a lineup of standup comedians each night to give a platform to as many acts as possible. The comedy is centered around the struggles of quarantine, providing a light-hearted attitude about COVID-19. Comedians such as Chris Garcia, Sherry Cola and Atsuko Okatsuka have appeared on Comedy Quarantine doing improv, skits and even storytimes. These new comedy shows are able to lift spirits and guide people through a rollercoaster of emotions from inside their homes. They allow people to enjoy relatable humor that provides a much-needed release for both the comedians and viewers. 

Without the possibility of live concerts and performances, many have turned to an online streaming alternative for music as well. During a time when music seems even more necessary, quarantine concerts are the best solution. Post Malone’s Nirvana Tribute livestream concert was a heartfelt experience and was also included on the New York Times “10 Best Quarantine Concerts”. The show was broadcasted on Malone’s Youtube and has been available since April. The 80 minute production features Malone straight from his living room and was a benefit for the World Health Organization to raise money for COVID-19 relief. 

On Jan. 29, Selena Gomez and Rihanna similarly held a fundraising performance to donate to children of first responders and hospital workers through NAA-B Radio. The artists streamed on air from 7-9 p.m. for a minimum donation of $1. This event was a great opportunity to hear some of the biggest names perform and give back to the community. 

The live streaming platform is able to provide a surprisingly intimate and high-quality experience, leaving viewers feeling the power and emotions of the performer. Using the internet, musicians are able to reach a wider range of people without the geographical and economical challenges that would usually apply. 

Entertainment has moved from live performances and in-person activities to streams and online activities. There are constantly more types of entertainment being added to satisfy your interests. Creators and companies have utilized the internet to open everyone up to new people and pastimes in the hopes of making the best of our current situation.