The launch of Scenesaver was announced in The Stage today.

An online hub aiming to become a “Netflix for theatre” has been founded to showcase productions from Off-West End theatres and smaller venues.

Scenesaver has been set up by producer Caroline Friedman in partnership with listings site OffWestEnd.com. Friedman is also an assessor for the Off West End Theatre Awards.

The online hub will be free to access, however viewers will be encouraged to donate, with the proceeds going towards supporting the theatres. Friedman is calling on theatres to upload recorded versions of their shows to the site.

The Stage is a must-read for those with an involvement or interest in the performing arts industry in Great Britain and beyond; an essential resource for actors and performers, backstage workers, creative teams and those in training and education.

The impact of the announcement in The Stage was immediate, with creatives responding by registering for free on Scenesaver and adding their films of performance. During the pandemic, Scenesaver is an opportunity for work to be seen while the theatres are dark and work cannot be performed live.

It is hoped that by creating a platform for performance from small theatres of all genres, creatives will benefit by being discovered by new, global audiences and there’s potential to earn income from donations. During the pandemic, 100% of donations will go to the creatives.