With self-isolation, social distancing and quarantines in full effect, we’re all starting to long for the normalcy of our usual daily lives. Personally, I miss being able to go to the theatre, take in art exhibits, see friends, and eat out at amazing restaurants. Luckily, with the amazing technology we have at our fingertips there are ways we can still have these things that we’re missing! From streaming broadway performances, to virtual tours, to take-out from our favourite cafes, here are some ways you can continue doing the things you love during this time of isolation.
Stream Broadway Musicals and Plays
Broadway HD has an incredible line up of plays and musicals available to stream. They have a 7 day free trial you can take advantage of to get your broadway fix!
PBS is also streaming broadway productions for their Broadway’s Best event. They also have a plethora of other incredible content available for stream, including a collection called Great Performances with incredible orchestra and opera performances. Other specials that are worth checking out are the Black Culture Connection, a collection of stories and films highlighting Black history and culture, and Rise Up: Songs of the Women’s Movement. Subscriptions are available for $5 per month or $60 annually. Please note, PBS content is only available in the US, however a VPN will allow you to watch from anywhere.
Youtube also has a collection of streaming musicals to buy or rent such as Billy Elliot the Musical, Into the Woods, Newsies, and free streams such as Rent.
The MET Opera is also doing nightly streams of the iconic Opera performances from their collection. The performances stay up for 20 hours from the time they’re released, so be sure to check out the schedule!
On the Boards offers more obscure theatre and dance ranging from experimental pop operas to contemporary dance films. They are offering free streaming until the end of April! According to their press release, here’s how you can access content for free:
- Choose a performance on www.ontheboards.tv
- Pick the 48-hour rental option, then add to your cart (you can do this with as many films as you like)
- Go to checkout
- Enter your name and email address
- Use the promo code ARTATHOME20
Join the Virtual Show Tune Sing Along Party at Marie’s Crisis
One of our favourite spots in NYC is a tiny gay piano bar called Marie’s Crisis. The basement bar is packed nightly with theatre enthusiasts who belt out show tunes with the accompaniment of a talented staff pianist. Since gatherings in the city have been banned, the staff at Marie’s Crisis have been live streaming nightly sing along parties! To get into the party, simply join their Facebook group and catch the live stream from 4pm – 9:30pm Eastern. Also, be sure to check out this article to find the pianist schedule and Venmo info so you can still tip!
Take Virtual Museum and Gallery Tours
Google Arts and Culture has teamed up with hundreds of iconic museums and galleries to bring the spaces to us while we can’t go to them. Now you can visit the MET, the British Museum, MOMA, the Van Gogh Museum, the Tate, the Smithsonian, Anne Frank House, the V&A, the AGO, Museo Reina Sofia, and many others from the comfort of your home!
“Hang Out” With Friends and Family on a Video Conference Call
Since we can’t gather in person, why not connect digitally? Zoom offers a free video conferencing plan for calls up to 40 minutes long. In February they lifted the 40 minute cap for people in China, so hopefully they will do the same for customers worldwide.
Order Take-Out from Your Favourite Restaurants
The number of restaurants available to order from via delivery services like Skip the Dishes, DoorDash, Foodora, and Uber Eats, has been growing immensely through all this as establishments are looking for ways to continue serving their customers. These delivery services are taking extra measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone, including no-contact deliveries becoming the default. If you’ve never used these services before, be sure to sign up by clicking on the links above and you’ll get a discount on your first order!
Borrow Free Digital Books from Your Public Library
Many public libraries have extensive digital collections in addition to their physical ones. The Vancouver Public Library has a wonderful catalog of e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines and other resources such as the Lynda tutorial series, which has amazing courses on photo and video software. The Toronto Public Library also has an incredible digital library as well as online book clubs and resources for small businesses. If you’re a resident of NY State, you can apply for a virtual library card and borrow e-books and audiobooks from the New York Public Library’s massive collection. Sadly, since their branches are currently closed, there is no way for non-residents to take advantage of their 3 month visitor card, but if you live in New York this is a great perk! Be sure to check out your local library websites to see if they have similar programs!
Take an Online Fitness or Dance Class
With gyms and studios closed, many trainers and instructors have taken their classes online! You can take dance classes with Debbie Allen, do a yoga class with Adriene or Boho Beautiful, follow a circuit training workout with Performance Institute on Facebook live, or a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout with FITSQR on Instagram.
Virtually Ride the Rides at Disneyland and Disneyworld
Let’s be honest, this is a good resource for any time! Check out this collection of Disney ride videos!
Watch Aquarium Live Streams
What’s cuter than sea otters floating hand in hand while they nap? And what’s cooler than watching sharks swim around? If you’re at the point where all you can handle is watching animal videos, then check out the Sea Otter Cam at the Vancouver Aquarium and the Shark Cam at the Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto!
We hope that everyone is hanging in there, wherever you are in the world. Hoping you all stay safe and healthy while we wait this out. Sending our love! If you have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.
