Let's Talk about Broadway Bootlegs...

Hey everybody! What's up? In today's episode of #TheatreThursday 🎉💕🎭 we're going to discuss a tricky topic: bootlegs. I've gotten a few messages from you guys on this topic, and I thought it would be fun to turn this into a video & comment forum-conversation-chill out.
So, I'm going share some of the pros and cons when it comes to Broadway bootlegs. If you haven't heard the phrase before, a bootleg, in this context, is an illegal recording of a Broadway production (or any other copy written material). I'll use a few different examples, including some current fave shows of the #TheatreThursdayFam 🎉💕🎭 like BE MORE CHILL, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, FALSETTOS, and HAMILTON. Not only do you guys love these shows, but they're difficult (or impossible) to get tickets to.
Most of the time, the production is filmed in secret by a member of the audience. This is, of course, illegal. But, it makes theatre accessible to the masses. So, it's an interesting question to debate.
For many reasons, I 100% do not condone bootlegging, but I think that we need to find a way to make theatre more accessible.
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If you're new to my channel, HI! I'm Katherine and I put out a new theatre related video on every #TheatreThursday plus bonus uploads throughout the week! My videos cover a variety of topics include musical theatre / acting advice, theatre actor lifestyle, performance reviews, and general broadway geekery. Additionally, I make usual KZbinr videos, but with a slight theatre-y twist.
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[@Kath_Steele]

I've been seeing this comment a lot and wanted to clarify some info: to create a "pro shot" (a legally, professionally shot distributed performance video-- like of the original cast of INTO THE WOODS or the final performance of RENT, etc) takes a lot of money, negotiating, and moving parts. You have to get the cast, creatives, copyright owners, distributors [ and a bunch of other people] all on the same page.

[@Nicky-pm4pk]

Katherine Steele OMG...I watched the full show "the heathers" that somebody put on youtube...smh Im so dumb I forgot it was illegal.😂😂😂😂😂

[@TonyChungLive]

In addition, the professional recording is often handled artistically different than the live stage show. For instance, the Bernadette Peters' Into the Woods was deliberately shot to provide the live audience experience, but the Miss Saigon 25th Anniversary film shown in theatres had too many closeups, so the big dance sequences lacked impact and the subtleties apart from the main action were missed. I'd pay to watch an official rental of the stage show shot by a theatre cam by the show's producers! ;-) Your #1 reason is right... when we get the chance to be part of the live audience we take it. Even if we watched the bootleg.

[@choirfandomcookingrantsand496]

Katherine Steele im broke AF Girl the only way I will be able to see Heathers Hamilton Be More Chill Dear Evan Hansan etc.

[@salvadoraguirre1025]

Katherine Steele And

[@charlotte4496]

@@choirfandomcookingrantsand496 and then there are shows like spring awakening that have been closed for years so there isn't a recording coming out and it's impossible to see it otherwise

[@turnthepaige3338]

i hate the "theatre is better live" argument so much. we know it's better live! but it's expensive to see shows, even for people who live in new york. and for people who don't live there? you need money for travel, food, a place to stay, and THEN you have to pay for your ticket to see the show. in most cases, that's upwards of $1,000! if we had the money to see these shows live, or even if more shows were professionally recorded, bootlegs wouldn't be nearly as popular as they are. i've watched 4 different waitress bootlegs and i'd still give anything to see the show myself, but i just can't afford it.

[@alematosmusic7498]

There are people who can't even go to New York even if they have the money. Like me, because I'm Cuban.

[@emmymatt]

I feel you!

[@missmarinarose3766]

I feel your pain! I was very lucky that my school drama department held a 2 day trip to London to see The Lion King and Mamma Mia on the West End, and I would’ve loved to see many other shows (Hairspray, Heathers, Be More Chill, Waitress, etc). When I really want to see a show I usually read the wiki plot and listen to the soundtrack, and search for clips and promos.

[@yourlocaltheatrekid900]

I feel you! I live in Chicago. I want to go to Broadway so bad, but one: I don’t have he money. Two: even if I did, my parents wouldn’t let me. I’m underage, so they won’t let me go alone.

[@chestnutdust8589]

I have basically no chance of seeing anything on broadway, I live in fricking Finland.

[@Angelmirkov23]

I get that bootlegs are illegal and disrespectful but if they don't want us watching these illegal versions they should be selling properly recorded versions that are legal and affordable and something you can get easily. Not everyone has a bunch of money to be going to new York and seeing all of the shows they want to see before they close or with whatever actor they like at that time. It's hard and some people can't do it at all. So if they were to professionally record shows, make them into dvds/put them on Netflix, and start selling them legally the problem might not be as big as it is

[@Kath_Steele]

I totally agree! But unfortunately it's a lot more difficult than just filming it properly. You have to deal with copyright, distribution, and basically a ton of other legal hoops--which takes time and money :/ But yeah, I think the problem would definitely be a lot less prominent if it filmed performances were more accessible!!

[@jayleenross8345]

Angel Noelle exactly! I know they feel like if they made recordings available for purchase it would stop people from purchasing tickets but thats simply not true. I would still go to see the show even if i had a recording of it. Even if it were a show i didnt care enough about to pay to see it live, I still would rather pay $15-20 on a recording of it than a crappy bootleg. But until then, im gonna keep watching bootlegs guilt free.

[@Angelmirkov23]

Jayleen Ross Same! If I had the money I would definitely want to still go see them live. I've seen the Phantom of the opera at the Albert Hall several times and still want to go see Phantom live

[@_.yaku._3577]

I've actually wanted to see BMC put on the silver screen for a while. Of course keep the musical aspect of it, but with modern film technology, I've wondered what Squip would look like. It'd be cool, don't you think? Same for others like DEH, Heathers, Hamilton, etc. It would be more convenient for those who can't make it to NY City, and they would just look awesome as musical movies!

[@sabahk]

they did that with Newsies and it was truly the best thing

[@leah_camden]

My argument for bootlegs: If I watch a bootleg of let's say Hamilton. I still want to go see Hamilton I want to see it with the current cast and "Be in the room where it happens" Watching a bootleg makes me want to see the show more. AND you never get the full experience from just listening to the soundtrack you don't get to see props,costumes,sets,or things like lighting/sound design. I also enjoy watching the show to see mistakes that are made and how they recover they make every show different from the bootleg you see.

[@princedonovaughn1182]

Leah Rogers Half the time I won't go see a show unless I've seen a recording of it,to know if I'd like it or not.

[@smurfgod7391]

Peggy Schuyler same...

[@kyrajohnson3029]

YES and love the use of Room Where it Happened hahaha

[@kyla596]

I agree

[@angelk2245]

Leah Rogers exactly like I listened to the soundtrack of hamilton watched the bootleg and after that I became a super fan now I have tickets to Chicago to go see it on my birthday! And I just finished the bootleg of dear evan hansen today now I'm planning on going to the show in 2019 when it comes to Chicago as well. My biggest thing about people who say just buy or listen to the soundtrack. For things like hamilton where everything is sung it may work. But when I only listened to deh and bmc I was really confused. You miss half the show by only listening to the soundtrack. Bootlegs made me fall in love and actually feel the need to see the show.

[@icebox56]

I would gladly pay to watch musicals in Broadway but I'm halfway across the globe.

[@romeoferrer5291]

Same

[@domatm]

same

[@love_from_space]

Same

[@Erin_Jane145]

Same

[@shreyasharma552]

legit I live in India how am I supposed to watch? 😭

[@ReneeStockton]

I don't mind bootlegs as long as whoever filmed it is super careful not to disturb other audience members. I saw the heathers bootleg, but I will definitely go pay to see it when my local community college does it later this year! Watching a bootleg will never replace actually seeing the show and I will always do everything I can to really see it, but I live in Oregon and have limited funds so here's only so much I can do. That being said, people who monetize bootlegs on KZbin are absolutely in the wrong.

[@Ella-xm3xo]

Renée Stockton I also live in oregon!!!

[@genuineinterest]

You put it in words. Speaking especially as a high school student with no money to blow, who lives in a country with exactly ZERO musical theatre of any kind, and no opportunity to go to NY and actually see any of these shows, it breaks my heart to know that I HAVE to rely on some of these illegal recordings. But if I ever get the opportunity to go see one of those shows irl, I won't hesitate for a second.

[@juliettenothing]

Renée Stockton I watched the Heathers bootleg

[@artsysundae]

I completely agree! I think it’s better not to try to illegally record it, but people will do what they do...But I think it’s completely okay to watch the bootlegs. And anyways, some low quality recording posted on the internet will never compare to seeing the actual musical, so it wouldn’t matter anyways. I don’t think anyone would watch a bootleg in total replacement of the musical. If I had the chance to see the actual thing, I would. If you’re the person who recorded it, I don’t think it’s a horrible thing to share it. But making money off of it is definitely not okay. I live in Oregon too and nobody ever comes here lmao. And it’s not like everybody can afford to spend a thousand dollars on a few hamilton tickets or anything.

[@thelifeofgen]

yes I totally agree i live in australia so literally nothing comes to our country theatre wise

[@chris-lx2fi]

I personally get REALLY excited when I find a bootleg of something. First of all, it takes 7 hours by plane to get to New York, and my family doesn't have much money. We can pay the bills, pay for food, and the rest has to go into savings to pay for me and my sister's college. We don't have enough money to go see Broadway Productions. And, yes, I get that bootlegs are illegal, but if you don't want us watching them, then make official tapes of the shows that aren't illegal!

[@dan-gy4vu]

chrispy ugghhh ikr, i hate the argument "if they make a professional recording, then no one will watch the show live" cause i think most people already watched the heathers bootleg 658 times and still want to watch the play live.

[@jessvision8817]

Literally me. I have watched the bootleg a few times and still desperately want to see it live with the og cast, like oh my gosh I would pay a lot to do that, or have a good quality recording of the whole show!

[@achoquenao3719]

dan Yes, I pretty much know everything that happen in the Heathers bootleg, but i still want to watch live with the original cast

[@Ham-Prince]

Same. I really want to be there and hear them sing Seventeen (Reprise) live. I would cry tears of joy to be a part of the magic

[@dan-gy4vu]

omg imagine the kindergarten boyfriend scene. that would end me instantly

[@sarahval03]

I heard that Ben Platt watches a lot of Wicked bootlegs. I think it was Will Roland that said he did.

[@siouxsiesiouxandthebanshees]

Yep, and Mike Faist also made a chain about how bootlegs are bad which is honestly funny to me that Ben Platt casually talks about him watching bootlegs and Mike is like "*no don't do that*"

[@bareabopopera3091]

go and look it up the poor guy's head is spinning love your username!

[@siouxsiesiouxandthebanshees]

@@bareabopopera3091 oof thank you

[@siouxsiesiouxandthebanshees]

@@bareabopopera3091 also I love your pfp-

[@skdiidod]

oh yeah he said that in the never have i ever video

[@kerrit609]

I really think broadway should start recording some if not all of their shows and releasing those, they could charge for them the same you would charge for any dvd/digital download so they would still be making money and, as you said, no one would rather watch it on a screen than go to the actual show so it's not like they would be losing money there, it would make it accessible to people all over the world rather than just the people who can afford expensive tickets or just can't get to where the show is. It's really sad that there's not really anything like that and there probably never will be so I will continue to watch bootlegs and feel kinda bad about it haha

[@Kath_Steele]

+Kerrit they do have a few legal recordings for sale (ie. Newsies, Into the Woods, Company, etc.) 💕 BroadwayHD (a streaming service like Netflix) has some. I went more in depth on comments in the thread but long story short: The big issue is expense. It's difficult and expensive to create a recording--paying for the filming rights, paying the actors, finding a distributor, etc.

[@millahelton6397]

We got Shrek The Musical on Netflix tho

[@manuelorozco7760]

Kerrit Agreed

[@translarrybutz]

@georgia hutton and sometimes certain shows arent in your country (like newsies in only in america, and I'm not american so i can't see it without paying for a vpn and hoping my account won't get deleted because of it, which I havent done, or go to america, which I can't yet do)

[@kneecapsmasher]

georgia hutton hoW DARE YOU OFFEND SHREK THE MUSICAL

[@mjvt0218]

I think since musicals are so inaccessible bootlegs are important. Seeing comments of people from other countries that have literally no other way of seeing shows makes sense. Think about how much you enjoy musicals and then think if you were completely deprived of any other way to see shows. I think if someone produces a bootleg and makes money off of it that is completely wrong but if a bootleg is just being pass around on KZbin or something like that there's no harm in it. You brought up that it wasn't respectful but there's no other reason to watch a show other than the want to experience it and appreciate it. I think if broadway wanted to stop bootlegs they would have to produce their own legal tapings and sell them. I would sure as hell rather buy a professional taping than watch a bootleg.

[@Kath_Steele]

Yeah, I definitely think that bootlegging will continue until there's a reasonable way for everyone to view. It's a bit hard (because you have to deal with copyright, distribution, and a bunch of other expensive legal hoops) but I think that really the only solution

[@alienillusi0n]

Yeah. if I could see the shows live, I would. But I live in Sweden, I'm 16 and my family is pretty poor, it's just dumb to tell me that I'm not allowed to watch bootlegs for these and these reasons, even though I love musicals.

[@klara9097]

hoo hoo I’m also 16 and I live in Sweden haha. I watch bootlegs all the time because that’s all I can do. I’m literally so jealous of people who can just go and watch musical whenever they feel like it.

[@inesmagalhaes8284]

Klara Bartels Same!I live in Portugal,an ocean away from Broadway and it's impossible for me to fly to New York due to finances. I wish they would publish the recording of the show for us to buy like movie theatres do. For example,Be More Chill has an official recording of the show with the original cast. We know that because they wouldn't pay to just record parts of the show for commercial purposes.

[@thepuppetgirl363]

I live in Italy and I REALLYYY love Musicals but I can't see them because I don't have money and it's kinda sad.

[@sideofcereal5604]

Mike Faist: Bootlegs are illegal and musical theater is mean to be enjoyed live. Ben Platt: Sup bitches, just inhaled my daily Wicked bootleg. Will Roland: Nobody watches more Wicked bootlegs than Ben Platt.

[@makaylae2078]

SideOfCereal Me: i’ve just spent the past day watching the DEH bootleg on repeat

[@cbirtwhistle9822]

MaKayla e WHERE SO I FIND IT

[@gilib1rd]

I often forget im breaking the law on a daily basis

[@feralb0i305]

Same

[@andiecandie5898]

Ok so… I only watch Bootlegs of shows if they have already left Broadway and I have no chance of seeing them any time soon. I watched a bootleg of Hamilton before I saw the show and after watching the bootleg, the show was less enjoyable than it would've been if it had been my first time seeing the choreography and lighting and everything. So yeah… that's my opinion.

[@Kath_Steele]

Ooh, that's so interesting! Thank you for sharing that!!

[@gts3630]

Me too!! I only watch shows which I 100% know I won't be able to see

[@GracePerforms]

Yes, I so agree with this! If I know I'm likely to see something soon (though it's very rare that anything new comes to Australia early in it's life) I try avoid any bootlegs, promo or soundtracks. There's something special about experiencing something for the first time as it was intended to be consumed.

[@ily6245]

were did you find a bootleg for hamilton?

[@Laura-ih7oj]

Phanisreal theyre everywhere. like crazy obc and the new cast

[@sarahreich757]

my favorite thing about this is that be more chill is in the thumbnail but there is no bootleg of it

[@VioletPurpleChloe]

Postmortem Sunshine there is an audio bootleg

[@erinmcdonaugh5409]

i'd say that's my least favourite thing NO NEED TO RUB IT IN

[@chungleandthebims167]

Sarah Reich That's what I'm saying lok

[@ho3lland]

Sarah Reich there's an audio boot floating around

[@sarahreich757]

Holland Rose ik ik i just wish there was a visual one!! shhhh forget it's illegal

[@kaicorrigan4741]

As a Canadian teenager from a family who cannot afford to travel, bootlegs are my only way to enjoy professional theatre. My favourite show is falsettos and even though I had already seen 2 different bootlegs for the show I was so excited when it came to a cinema near me. I saw it twice and I am honestly still in awe of that experience. Bootlegs are a source of happiness for me. As a gay kid theatre has shows that I can see myself in. Being trans and not having trans people in the media it is incredible to see shows like Hedwig and the angry inch. Bootlegs are a way of theatre to reach more people.

[@missoringasm7144]

Let me tell you I'm in the exact same shoes as you. I live in Alberta in a city that doesn't get much attention, were pretty far away from Toronto and Ottawa where most Broadway shows come when they do. Of course, there's bigger shows like Phantom Of The Opera which will come to Edmonton from time to time but even Edmonton is many hours away and my family only has so much money for travelling. I wish I could see shows like Falsettos, Hamilton, Heathers, BMC, DEH and more live but sadly because of where I live and my young age unfortunately I can't. It breaks my heart honestly, because theatre is pretty much all I have as a socially anxious angsty teen. I just wish theatre and musicals were more accessible because for me listening to the soundtracks and watching animatics just doesn't cut it. I wish they would do something like film it while they're performing and then put it out for rent or purchase like a movie, because I know I'd be willing to pay to see the shows listed above. Maybe they could do it after the show stops presenting live or something. That'd be fantastic. But sadly I'm just going to have to keep to the soundtracks. Le cri.

[@catzens]

Saskatchewan theatre nerd here! This province has like no musical theatre whatsoever so bootlegs and Wikipedia surfing are my only ways to get to know and love musicals as well!

[@catemcnair9329]

Miss Oringasm Im from Calgary and the same thing is for me. Even if a show went to Edmonton, I would go! Also, if you get to go to Toronto, DEH is getting a production there is March!

[@madisonlaw-mcleod8155]

I'm Canadian and I'm not poor but I'm no were near rich and I doubt I will will ever go anywhere out of Canada definitely not new york so bootlegs are how I see shows .I have watched any legal theater recordings like newsies on Netflix but like Kat said there are only so many legal recordings. When I found out about heathers I watched the movie then listened to the s oudtrack but that is not enough to understand it. Even with doing research I still didn't fully understand it so a bootleg is how I understand it and it is one of my favourites. That goes for any musicals. I was 2 when spring awakening was on Broadway but I love it. I fell really bad for watching bootlegs but it's how I learn about theater.

[@whosnail827]

Yessssssssss, like im from Edmonton and my parents would have a seizure if i ever asked to see heathers or MGOB

[@HaunaMyKiki]

I unabashedly watch bootlegs. No shame whatsoever. I've only been to New York two separate times to see Broadway shows, and if I could, I would _absolutely_ choose going to see the real thing over an illegal shitty barely-in-frame recording...but that's just not realistic. I _guarantee_ you that producers have not lost _any_ profits over me seeing a bootleg when I otherwise wouldn't have been able to see the show in the first place. The only stipulation I have against bootlegs is that they should not be for-sale or for-trade, because that's just profiting off of someone else's work. Either have them be free for public consumption, or not made at all.

[@eelthan]

preach

[@damilamidoo]

"only?! only 2?!" lmao, I messing with you, but I hope one day I can see even 1 play on broadway

[@l.n.3372]

I just started watching boots recently and I agree with on the whole "stop making them for trade." I'm grateful to those who record audio or video but I have nothing to trade/offer because I don't record illegally. It's kinda unfair to horde audios and videos and only trade for them. If someone wants to record, then share with everybody for posterity sake. Don't horde them for the bare minimum people to hear or see.

[@jennicaterhodes8491]

I personally have a few rules to watch a bootleg: 1) If the show has a professional recording I'll watch that instead 2) If the show is currently running on Broadway/Off Broadway or on a national tour I will postpone watching a bootleg 3) If the show is running in another country it's fine I'll go ahead and watch it I follow these rules because basically it makes me feel less guilty because there's no other way I could watch it

[@maddiegrace5234]

Also GREAT COMET DID DESERVE BETTER

[@unicorngod423_4]

Maddie Grace I so agree so happy I'm going to get to see it before it closes😊😊

[@andioop1618]

Derek Corsner I saw it recently, it was fantastic

[@unicorngod423_4]

Kate S. I'm going this weekend so excited

[@user-go8tu4yf2t]

Kate S. you're so luckyy

[@zofiaanna3600]

HELL YES

[@finn9907]

I'm writing an argumentative essay for school about bootlegging, and you have been quoted as a "broadway expert".

[@goldenconstellations9887]

lol I'd love to read that essay 😂

[@functionoflightone]

First of all, really feel that you gave a fair and reasonable presentation of the situation. Kudos. Totally admit that I do watch bootlegs for all the reasons you sited. The bootleg of Hamilton changed my freakin' life! Am grateful from here til Sunday that it was posted. I admire Lin Manual and would gladly have paid him/the production company for the option of watching on line/purchase dvd, but that option wasn't given. There is a company in England (sorry can't remember the name) that records some West End productions and those show are presented online for rent and/or purchase. That is something I wish Broadway would do. Bottom line, you can only get so many folks in a theatre at a time, you can only do so many performances. But if those productions were recorded and presented online AFTER the show closed, the companies could still make money on the property and fans could legitimately watch and support. As you say, I'm sure there are a ton of legal hurdles, but I do wish they'd get a move on and give us legal access.

[@lou-342]

FunctionofLight One I think the company in London is really useful groups. Hope this helps!

[@unicorngod423_4]

I totally agree

[@kelsey154]

Especially if you want to see the original cast

[@longlivethegays]

Does anyone know the name of the site??????? I have been wishing to see Carrie Hope Fletcher in any show for SIX YEARS but I live in Argentina and there is absolutely no way. I cried when she left Les Mis because I didn't get to see her.

[@kaleysanchez5735]

here’s my take: i’m a teenager who can’t seem to find a job. i don’t live in new york. i have parents that don’t really appreciate musicals and theatre. they wouldn’t really ever buy me tickets and come see shows with me nor would they condone me “wasting” my money on it (can you tell i envy those actors like josh and ben who say they grew up with parents that took them to the theatre as kids?). so, i barely have any money period, and it would take me years and i literally mean YEARS to save up to see a show. and since i don’t live in new york i can’t rush and/or save up to see a show on broadway. my only access to shows are those on tour. but by the time i have enough to buy myself one ticket, the show’s either sold out or gone. and then i would have to figure out transportation since i know my parents aren’t willing to take me. i can wait till i’m in college and i have control over all my money and i can take trips to new york on my own. but then i don’t know if the show will close and i’m too late. look at great comet for example. i was planning for it to be my first broadway show, but now it’s closing :( if you think about it, the easiest way for me to see shows are bootlegs. and i learn so much from watching different actors/actresses in the same roles. yes, i truly feel completely guilty about it and i hate that i’m disrespecting something that i love freakin so dearly. i would much rather see it live, and me watching a bootleg does NOT fulfill my desire to see shows. and believe me, if there were a cheaper and easier way to legally access musicals, i’d be the first one to see each and every single one of them. i honestly can’t wait to go to new york and see my first broadway show…

[@MbeeTeen]

I hope you get to see your first show soon! If you are interested in cheaper tickets, try looking into preview tickets

[@kateschneider8789]

this is basically me. i got to see two shows in nyc due to a really nice grandma. my other grandma takes us to the theater every time we're there, but they're never the current shows i want to see. they're a lot of the older musicals. but for the most part? it's out of the question. that's why i'm hoping my friend would be able to follow through on the "you should go with my family to nyc this summer so we can go see jagged little pill"

[@kateschneider8789]

also can I just mention that Barrett Wilbert Weed has said that she's glad that the Heathers bootleg exists so she can show her kids and grandkids "hey look what I could do and did"

[@fashionablechangeling1988]

That's a cute idea but now I'm imagining showing Heathers to young children.

[@RyePhoenix]

Honestly, as much as I'd love to respect the actors and everyone in the musicals, I'm 100% for bootlegs. Musicals are SO hard to see live and even then, so many are off Broadway now but people are still interested (see Heathers and Be More Chill for huge examples there) If there were legal recordings available, 100% I'd pay full price to see them. Even if I had to rent it every single time I watched it, it'd be worth it. But it's so frustrating to not be able to see the show, and even then there's so much more you can catch from performances when you rewatch it (little mannerisms the actors do that might've been missed when caught live). I really hope in the future plays being recorded and released to the public is a more acceptable thing so bootlegs don't have to be such an issue.

[@kandyappleview]

Circling back to this because it just occurred to me: Music is recorded allllll the time and it doesn’t make people not want to see or hear an artist perform that same music live. People understand that a concert is meant to be a live experience that only happens once and can never happen exactly the same way again. And the same goes for all performing arts. We know there’s something special that you can’t get from a recording. So where did that idea even come from?

[@audreyochsner4843]

Literally was just watching a (Great Comet) bootleg before hand....oops (also notifICATION SQUAD)

[@audreyochsner4843]

Also I kinda feel like is a bit more expectable to watch bootlegs of closed shows just because you literally cannot see the show live.

[@ignitethefuse542]

was watching falsettos beforehand and when i went to my home page this popped up and my face went red

[@livb.7524]

Audrey Ochsner lol ik, i came to this from a newsies one

[@sarahayoub3215]

could you share it pleeaaaseee. i cant find a bootleg anywhere

[@clayedwards5183]

Come From Away for me and then this was next recommended... Oh geez.

[@tri8703]

i feel really bad for watching bootlegs but i live halfway across the world from new york and its very unlikely that it would reach here one day. so, its my only hope haha

[@JonasAlmostFamous]

Subscribed! You really shine on camera and I'm definitely going to go through and watch a bunch of your videos ASAP

[@Kath_Steele]

Jona!! You are seriously too kind, thank you!!! 🦄💫 And I'm so honored, I love your channel (fellow Musical Theatre & Disney geek right here!)

[@lilar.4550]

Hi Jona! I'm subscribed!

[@camrynkirk6092]

Omg is this Jona! 😄 I am just a loyal subscriber here wassup

[@choirfandomcookingrantsand496]

Katherine Steele but im broke ! I got no money ! But one day I will one day i will see Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Matilda, Sound of Music, Newsies, and etc. Bootlegs make me want to see the shows more ! That or i have to wait till they are preformed in my local preforming arts center or local high schools ! And confession my play list on spotify is all musicals

[@livy7443]

JonasAlmostFamous OMG my two favourite youtubers:))

[@Charlotte-ob4dv]

I feels so guilty watching bootlegs but there's no way in hell I'd ever be able to afford to see a musical in real life

[@bonbonchocolat7777]

I already feel guilty and I haven't started watching

[@payton7197]

Chelsea H. You and me both

[@Kath_Steele]

+Chelsea H. 😂😂😂 not a shaming vid, it's a debate!

[@sexybitch7827]

Katherine Steele I've only ever watched the Heathers musical on youtube which I guess is a bootleg but they don't show it anymore so is that bad or no?

[@confetti_kisses427]

Same ;w;

[@OMGmynameisLILI]

Before I moved to nyc I lived in a very small town in Mexico... Bootlegs were the only way I found out musical theatre is what I wanted to do. And now Im here...studying musical theatre and acting. So...Thank god for the bootlegs.

[@abbyinwonderland6562]

I've read a lot of interesting arguments on both sides of this issue, and I'm personally of the belief that recordings are essential for a thriving modern day theater fan base. Fair warning, I'm gonna rant and it's gonna be long. I would say the majority of Broadway megafans I've encountered since I've been in this community are between the ages of 14-25 ish, give or take (of course I'm sure that there are exceptions and many older fans, this is just my experience). These people are either high school kids who are too young to get a job or saving for college/car/senior year trips or college/just out of college kids who are poor as all get out and can't afford that hot seat to the latest Musical breakout. For me personally, I become obsessed with musicals at a constant stream; I'd say I've been introduced to at least 6-8 shows just this year, two of which were out of Broadway. Even if they were still on the great white way, I couldn't afford to constantly be seeing these shows and I'm sure many people can't either. This is why I don't understand why the folks at the big shows aren't thinking about an untapped market; those poor, Musical-hungry 14-24 y/olds who would surely pay $15 for a copy of their favorite musical or a ticket to their local movie theater to see it on the big screen. Is a recording anything close to the Broadway or touring experience? No! Do theater fans know this? 110%! You think all those folks who went to see newsies in their local movie theater wouldn't kill to see Newsies on the stage should the OBC ever tour? ANY sensible theater kid would sell their kidneys for that chance, but it's just not plausible for most. And you wonder why even in small towns all 3 days of the Newsies movie showings were completely sold out? It's just so odd to me that more shows haven't jumped in the bandwagon. Imagine Hamilton screenings like that? The turnout would be insane! But since most shows don't have that sensibility yet, we resort to terrible, cell-phone recorded takings of our favorite Broadway shows. Not because we think that this video recorded in 360p is all we need from a musical. Not because we wouldn't kill for the chance to see the show in theaters. But because the economic cost is too grand and the payout is too slow and too much for the audience the shows are targeting nowadays. Join the recording bandwagon, Broadway. I promise you the fans will follow. Abby in Wonderland out.

[@manuelorozco7760]

Abby in Wonderland I believe professional recordings are essential too

[@poppygordon6148]

STORYTIME!! So this guys came to my school and talked about cyber bulling and illegal stuff, so he bought up boot legs, he said "who has any bootlegs" my friend was like so I have (he legit said all the musicals he had lol) oh yeah and I have 7 copies of Hamilton, would u like any?? Ahahahhahaha it was hilarious 😂 😂😂 Love ur channel!! Edit: OMG GUYS THANKS FOR THE LIKES💖 yasssss

[@seineevee]

Do you have any BMC? PLS IM DESPERATE

[@snakeeyesandpinealglands]

@@seineevee I have quite a few bmc bootlegs, but then again, this comment was 3 years ago, so u probably don't need them anymore lol

[@bellawinmill8672]

Havent watched this yet but i already know your gonna make me feel guilty 😂

[@bellawinmill8672]

Ok, so i don't feel that guilty. The main reason I do it is because i'm so young, and my parents dont really want to go to new york, there is no way for me to possibly watch most broadway shows.

[@Kath_Steele]

+Bella Winmill Flamingos 😂😂 glad I didn't make you feel guilty! 💕but I totally feel you

[@vampiricly]

Bella Winmill Flamingos me too hunny

[@SeaSparklesLP]

The whole covid-19 situation is crazy right now but I somehow managed to go from LA to NYC to see the matinee of Hadestown LITERALLY the day before broadway went dark. Long story short, I had seen the bootleg prior but was still so enthralled by seeing the performance live. If anything, bootlegs make me want to see shows live even more, not less.

[@GioSimmerOficial]

I live in NYC, I've watched ONE Broadway play (a very minimal, performance-oriented one) because I truly cannot afford to watch them (head-of-household, single-mom, low salary, eat off Dollars stores). So I've watched bootlegs, and even though I have already "seen" the play, I'm still constantly trying to get a cheap ticket to actually watch them. I don't think bootlegs keep people away from the theaters, most people watching are not interested in "stealing" any ideas from the show, they just wanna be able to experience a bit of all that, not being able to do it "in real life". Side note: I just wish those tickets weren't so dang expensive (and the cheap ones so frigging hard to get)... :( Why isn't there an "incentive to culture day" once a month, when we, poor people, could pay lower prices or even watch it for free? In my country it's very common for big productions to have a "free day" (usually Sunday mornings) and that's how I got to see many awesome operas and plays.

[@Yahiko25]

Another thing I like bootleg is to get recordings for specific actors and actress. Like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera... the cast changes every so often I want to listen to different Elphabas or Phantoms out of curiosity ... and listen to your favorite one. Once they left the production... you may not get that chance to see the actor or actress perform even you see it live later.

[@l.n.3372]

Preach. There are so many Broadway and West End actors in Phantom of the Opera. Many of whom aren't on stage in the roles anymore. If someone wanted to see previous actors as Erik or Christine, we only have bootlegs to view those past performances.

[@KekerikiGreen]

I think that taking bootlegs off the internet is 101% understandable. It'll take sales away from the show, and it's illegal. It's impolite, to say the least. But I can't see shows. They cost so much! And not to mention, I love rewatching just certain scenes of the show sometimes.

[@Dreamingeye1]

Captain French Fry actually there has been some evidence that with counterfeits and bootlegs sales can actually rise because of the awareness, although if they took recordings and sold dvds they'd probably raise even more

[@robynwilson9227]

Dreamingeye1 That's a point I always bring up. RENT has a bloody HD DVD movie adaptation that's hella faithful made in full as does Chicago, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (that has TWO), Hairspray, Phantom, Dirty Dancing and Grease, and yet when those musicals go on, the sell out basically every damn time. It's not hard for them to do recordings, it's ONE extra performance that could gain them shit tons of money and praise. I KNOW performing is hard, but doing one less public show during an off peak season and filming that with no audience could give the experience to people who just can't have it. Many productions HAVE A CAMERA CREW THERE TO FILM A PERFORMANCE for trailers and advertising, giving this footage to say, Amazon or whatever and splitting the money would make a WORLD of difference to fans everywhere who CANT make it. Or have a site where you can buy the footage to keep for say, £5 - £10. Not everyone has the money for theatre. Like, I live in the UK and for me and my family to go see a West End theatre production (the only things we get up here are the meh musicals like Avenue Q maybe once every 2 yrs) it would cost nearly £1000 for a full trip for the four of us. £1000 could be used to take us on holiday somewhere nice. £1000 for theatre when for £60 all four of us could go watch the latest Marvel movie in 3D with moving seats and still have money for at least a bag of popcorn and some drinks. We could literally pay a MINISCULE fraction of the price for something that, execution-wise, is better (better set, atmosphere allows you to hear every word clear as day, you can see everything that's going on PERFECTLY and not have to declare bloody bankruptcy over a family night). Yes theatre is different in so many ways. But theatre aficionados will so often bitch over how underrated theatre is and how it's not recognised enough or popular (tee hee jokes) enough compared to movies when they fail to see that the reason for that is that movies are actually ACCESSIBLE to people who don't have money for everything every time they need it and CAN'T save up. Like, theatre doesn't seem to care about fans all that much, which is odd because without fans, it wouldn't exist. If you're not in Sydney, London or New York and you can't afford or make it, then fuck you, you only get half the experience, listen to the soundtrack, that's what you get for being poor. And if you watch a bootleg, SHAME, SHAME, YOU'RE KILLING THEATRE YOU MONSTER HOW DARE YOU WANT TO WATCH SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Honestly the entire way theatre just IS is just rampant with elitism. Like, if you cant afford it, you don't get to enjoy it. Surely the fact millions of fans will put up with shitty fuzzy film and audio bootlegs shows these nutters in charge that putting a GOOD copy online and charging even a little bit would make them tons and TONS. I mean they cry that it will "kill the industry" or whatever, but plenty of musicals have been on for decades with full adaptations available that STILL sell out. Plus, the film industry is still booming even tho every damn movie all the way back to Chaplin can be found online for free. Just because it'll be on a dodgy site within a week, doesn't mean I'm not gonna pre book to see Thor: Ragnarok, I love something and will support it because it isn't asking UNREASONABLE prices for my support, y'know?

[@brch2]

They don't have to have an audience free auditorium to film a production. Look at Legally Blonde (that was filmed for and shown on MTV)... worked just fine with an audience there. Not having the audience would actually be worse in some cases... even when watching a filmed show, it's nice having the audience reaction and feeling a bit more like you're part of it.

[@specodust8770]

Ya, I've studied the same scene over and over again!

[@cristinepante6986]

I really, literally, would sell my kidneys (10/10) to watch Hamilton live. My friends told me that it came out around 2015? I only knew it this year, 2017, and bootlegs helped me a lot in discovering my passion for musicals tbh. I do agree with the negative sides and it makes me sad that I am one of those people who benefit from bootlegs but with limited financial income and most of the plays are in US, I really cannot do anything but support those actors and writers in other ways outside the theater. :( This is a really good video tho. Kudos

[@KatieT97]

Yeah Bootleg arguments are very thin ice. On one hand, they're illegal, and it's stealing in a way (since you're getting for free what others are paying hundreds for), and copyright infringement. But if it weren't for bootlegs, I wouldn't be a theatre fan. Also, even popular musicals rarely get a professional, licensed recording and these days it's even more uncommon for it to be released to DVD or digital streaming. Newsies is now available on digital download but it's not on Netflix nor it is on DVD. Hamilton has a professional recording that so far has only been used for clips in the Alexander Hamilton documentary that aired last year. She Loves Me had a one time live stream event that was never released afterward for download, Netflix streaming, or DVD. Les Miserables has their 10th and 25th anniversary concerts, but again that's just concerts and not the full on staging. Phantom was really the first to show that yes you can fully stage a musical and have a licensed recording released with their 25th Anniversary, but even then, a few things were changed since they were in a concert hall and not a theatre (like the chandelier pyrotechnics instead of a chandelier crash). Wicked has been on Broadway for 13 years and we've yet to have a professional recording of that either. Then there's Hollywood adaptations which we all know how those usually turn out, and they also change even the largest pieces of symbolism and character development. Not to mention, trading singing talent for star-power. Looking at you, Russell Crowe as Javert and almost everything in Phantom's 2004 film (the sunburn, lol, and making Christine look like she tricked the phantom into letting her and Raoul escape when he willingly let her go). Yes there's valid arguments on both sides and it's really a matter of perspective.

[@rainbowandre9580]

But I loved Russell Crowe as Javert :__

[@ett5146]

What bootlegs all I've been watching is slime tutorials...

[@gracewood9332]

Same

[@chelseacheckington7421]

I don't really consider watching a bootleg as taking money away from the creators, because even if I'd already seen a bootleg I would go to a live show if I ever got the opportunity. I live in the middle of the US (the cultural wasteland) and I'm poor (can't afford a phone poor, not can't afford a new phone "poor"). I literally wouldn't get to see musicals if it weren't for bootlegs, but given the opportunity I will always see what I can live, regardless of whether or not it's new to me.

[@notjamin]

I watch bootlegs but let me tell you, I would give my right leg to be able to see the shows live! Unfortunately, I'm broke and I live in Sweden.

[@daninmills]

Let me tell you, if I had any other option, if I could go to Broadway, if the show were on tour, if there was a professionally filmed recording of the show, I would choose that over a bootleg in a heartbeat. And in fact, I have: I have never once seen a bootleg of Phantom, Sweeney, or Into The Woods because of the professional copies available. And I haven't watched any bootlegs of shows I've gotten to see live, save for Hamilton, because I never thought in my wildest dreams I would get tickets to see that. But sometimes, the bootleg is the only opportunity you have to see a great show.

[@manuelorozco7760]

Jordan I would choose live or a professional recording too. The only bootlegs I’ve seen are Avenue Q and Hairspray.

[@areyoucereals]

i’m a new theatre fan, and i kinda don’t have the money to watch every single show that i want to get into, just to understand what’s going on. plus, i live in australia and it’s harder to find productions here. i will eventually watch them all live, even if i have to travel across the oceans, it’ll just take a very long time to get the money. i love bootlegs because they give me that opportunity to see beyond the cast recording. cast recordings are incredible, but a lot of them are out of context. for example, with be more chill, i had listened to the cast recording a billion times, but there are things that i just didn’t understand, like why jeremy’s dad didn’t wear pants, and contextual things like why michael felt alone in “michael in the bathroom”, how jeremy got the squip, how the squip works (in the sense that jeremy is talking to him and no one else seems to hear it), what the heck is happening in “the play”. you can never fully get the story through a cast recording. like, i’ve been listening to “in the heights” for a year now, and i still haven’t seen it. i get the gist of the story, but i‘ve used my imagination to complete the story, and i could be very, very wrong (as i tend to be in my interpretations). so, i love bootlegs because they give me that opportunity to fully understand what’s going on. of course, i realise how disrespectful they are, and it’s a constant battle in my mind, but the thing is, if i had the opportunity to see any of the shows i like, i would take it in a heartbeat! like, waitress is coming here in 2021, and i’m trying to save up so i can see it. i’m still going to watch the bootleg, because i’m not going to wait two years just to understand what the heck is happening in the musical, but no matter how many times i’ll watch the bootleg, i’m never going to give up on the chance at seeing the live production. because there’s just something special about seeing it live. it’s a unique experience, and you’re filled in a room with a bunch of other people who are interested in this thing that you love. you’re watching it with you’re very own eyes. and most importantly, you’re supporting the cast, you’re helping their careers and you’re supporting a musical that you love so very much. in my experience with live shows, i don’t end up remembering much at all, because i have a crappy memory and i have to watch things over again and again to understand, but it’s definitely worth it. bootlegs just make it easier to understand and follow along, yet they could _never_ compare to seeing the show live.

[@theresekinirons4731]

I completely agree with you that's it's a tricky subject, and on the topic of learning from them as actors, I'm in a production of les mis and I learned how to do a good accent from watching the 10th anniversary concert. (My second show is today!!!)

[@Kath_Steele]

break a leg!!

[@bradenmills624]

I personally make sure my phone is completely off before almost any show I attend (yes, even children's theater) because I have had some moments in a show ruined by another audience member's phone. At the same time, there are OBC's I will never see live, so a recording is nice because I get to view those original artists at work. I was lucky to see Dear Evan Hansen during the time of the OBC (even with three standbys, the show was fantastic and I cried) because I just went for it and splurged for a ticket and a trip to NYC from central KY. My bank account hates me, but oh well.

[@laurentuck8133]

i was at a show about 2 weeks ago and this guy in front of me pulled out his phone to record a song from the show and it was really annoying, and his phone was almost on full brightness, so that was fun...

[@Kath_Steele]

ugh thats so obnoxious! I'm so sorry to hear that :/

[@trickytreyperfected1482]

laureeen Like, if you're going to make a bootleg for something or record a song from it, at least turn your brightness *all the way down.* You're in a dark theater and should have no problem seeing. Smh. I don't get some people.

[@kyrajohnson3029]

YEAH EXACTLY just use common sense!

[@thekat2784]

If you're gonna bootleg atleast try not to disturb anyone

[@ameliagrace30]

I just finished a 35 minute BMC bootleg.. sorry

[@mewimacat3859]

Amelia's Channel same 😂

[@doctorlove6090]

i waS JUST On THat

[@avamyers3382]

Ash Kenna we probably did!

[@duolingobird5081]

Amelia's Channel same

[@christianpate7786]

Im in the middle of Hamilton bootleg and i am still going to go back to it.........😮😯😏😕

[@ella-ri7pn]

I feel like bootlegs are a very debatable subject. legal professional recordings are so so so wonderful and helpful but they may be hard to find. there are only so many of these recordings. Bootlegs may be the closest way to see a show for people that aren't on the wealthy side or live too far away. It's not a good thing to do, but I feel like it spreads the word of the show and sometimes pushes people to want to see it live even more. Seeing a show live is a much better experience and nothing feels as good as when you know that you're in the same room as your Broadway idol. This is a very touchy subject, thank you for talking about it!

[@Kath_Steele]

+Ella likes theatre yes, totally! I've read quite a few examples in the comments of people learning about off-broadway shows & other lesser known works via bootlegs. I can totally see how bootlegs would help!!

[@andreamanrique3059]

I live in Venezuela so nobody is in a rush to be setting up a showing of any type of theater; much less a musical something that is commonly written in English and something not everyone is dying to watch. The musical theater culture is really small here and would be nonexistent without bootlegs.

[@general1871]

First we take over Broadway *ThEn ThE wOrLd*

[@luckyduck1000]

My friend got me to watch Heathers and around a month later there was a performance of it being held at a place 20 minutes away and we went and saw it!! It’s such a good point to make that people will give anything to see those musicals live even if you’ve seen a bootleg. It brings a whole new aspect and air to it seeing it live

[@jiminjungkookmin]

god damn it dave with your android

[@Noilamall]

I am sure this has already been said, but Starkid seems to have no problem releasing their musicals online and still getting an audience to their live shows.

[@sevencats4964]

I'd say it's how they get most of their fans, really

[@l.n.3372]

Star Kid is amazing but in all fairness, that's probably how they get the majority of their views and money. They don't run their productions for years: each of their shows was live for less than a full month before they uploaded them to KZbin.

[@RileyLastname]

I just love listening to you talk, you have such a nice voice and you speak so eloquently (Hamilton reference not intended)! #TheatreThursday is my favourite day of the week!

[@Kath_Steele]

Aaah thank you so much!!! :) #TheatreThursdayFam 🎉💕🎭

[@AshesForAshes1]

I'm newer to your channel and I have to say that I"M OBSESSED. I love finding people who are just as obsessed with Broadway related things as I am!! I swear we would be best friends in real life. But just here to say KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! Can't wait till next Thursday!

[@Kath_Steele]

AAAAAH YAY!!!! THANK YOU!!!! Welcome to the #TheatreThursdayFam 🎉💕🎭

[@emmag2306]

i'm guilty as charged with watching bootlegs. but i usually stick to the shows i've already seen, or shows that i will never in three million years get to see (closed shows, hamilton, great comet etc.) gosh i feel so guilty now but it's the only way bc i live in texas

[@lieaparisss08]

Ugh I know right? I live in Houston and I have only seen Hamilton but it wasn't the original cast. I still loved it.

[@jessicaedward4305]

When I was doing a musical i really wanted someone to record that because I was just so proud of the cast and would love to see it played back

[@ariannaparks5200]

I would love if they did a thing like KZbin movies. They record the musical and put it on KZbin for people to pay for. That way it is not disrespectful because it is a professional recording and we are still paying for their hard work. Although I do not think it should be as expensive as a real ticket.

[@AliaRosedreamer]

My policy on bootlegs: If the show has closed or is closing at a time when I won't ever get to watch it (Great Comet...still salty), I'll watch a bootleg. Case in point: Amelie. Specifically the Samantha Barks version from the Berkeley Rep in Los Angeles. I hardly knew anything about theatre when that show was running. Then, right as I was getting into the show, it announced its closing. So I found a bootleg and to this day it's the only bootleg I've watched.

[@EmmaInANutshell]

thank you for being open minded and showing both sides of the story💕

[@juliaeckert3478]

I'm so completely conflicted on this subject! Obviously, I love watching them because I don't live in New York and seeing live musicals is not very easy. But at the same time, I find it so incredibly disrespectful when people film during shows. It's so frustrating because I hate them and love them at the same time! 😫

[@courtneycollinsworth2529]

Let's be honest, if bootlegs let me watch The Great Comet then I might as well be a proud criminal

[@pia1867]

I was in a show where I had to perform a emotional scene. There was not a Sound to be heard, just my voice and the piano. Then of course my dad decides to start recording from the audience. The big problem was that his phonecover reflect so Everyone and I mean everyone on the stage got distracted by the sudden light.

[@TheAnimeViber]

I’m a simple girl. I see Be More Chill, I click.

[@olakorzec9872]

I have a question. Where can I see recording of Falsettos? Or any other legal videos of musicals

[@gaymer_ry]

Ola Korzec i know on October 27th PBS is gonna air it, but that may just be in my state.

[@olakorzec9872]

Ryan Windle yeah, I unfortunately won't see it on tv because I live in Poland but I thought I could see it on the internet somewhere

[@gaymer_ry]

Ola Korzec hmmmmm I know they sang some songs at Barnes & Noble and while it isn't a performance they do sing some of the songs from the show.

[@irenehickey8668]

Ola Korzec there is a website called Broadwayhd and it will be on that website soon (I don't know the exact date). But there are different payment methods (if you only want to watch it once you just pay for that one time)

[@olakorzec9872]

Ryan Windle ok, thank you 💟

[@nellissh2553]

My rule of thumb is if I have a playbill from the show , then I can watch the bootleg 😂 I feel like I contributed to the show by buying a ticket. However, you get a bootleg pass during quarantine!

[@mickyyluvsyou]

one more thing about the lincoln center library archive of broadway recordings: the only ones that are available are for shows that have already closed! (aka it's not a free way to go and see hamilton, but it is a free way to watch Bridges of Madison County for "research purposes" 😊) also you need a New York Public Library card!

[@Kath_Steele]

+mickyyluvsyou oh, interesting! Thank you mentioning that!!

[@emilyschofield5405]

The great comet reference broke my heart :( Praying that the comet will return one day ❤💛❤

[@rierie8989]

I think if you have the guts to record a bootleg yourself more power to you. But keep it to yourself (and like your close friends). I feel bootlegs shouldn't be posted online until after the show has closed

[@longlivethegays]

That is actually a great point. Unless they've been running for years and us, people from around the world with no way to travel, haven't seen a peep from them.

[@occasionalcooper8814]

I was watch DEH in the west end and this adult next to me started to record and I had to very quietly whisper “please can you stop is very rude for everyone in this theatre.”

[@maddiegrace5234]

My friend just made me listen to Be More Chill AND IM LIKE WHY DIDNT I LISTEN TO THIS BEFORE

[@ArturoEntreLibros]

As a theatre fan who lives in Mexico I thank god for the existence of bootlegs. I think by watching bootlegs (and listening to cast recordings) is how I fell in love with musical theatre and I'm really thankful for that, because it made me work hard to fulfill that dream of seeing a live broadway show, and this year I could finally afford that trip to NYC and watched not only one but six broadway shows. So I encourage everyone to keep watching those but if you have the chance, save money for that trip and go see a live broadway show, it'll be totally worth it.

[@ZoraTheberge]

I do understand the respect side, but too often do people get on their high horses about it. We've all seen the occasional Wicked clip. Get over yourself. But where I personally draw the line is at filming and selling footage. Any footage that exists ought to exist for everyone. And I would personally never film. And I'm lucky enough to see the best shows. This year alone I've seen the LA tryout of Amelie, Great Comet the matinee before the Tony, Dreamgirls in London starring Amber Riley and I have Hamilton tickets in Hollywood. (And I still may go to Denver to see Frozen) but I have never taken out a camera. (I'm also just too nervous. What if I get caught?")

[@withyouimfearless]

Doing a deep dive on your channel & its giving me everything! Was never a theatre kid (Can't sing, dance, or at to save my life) but have always been a huge theatre fan since my mom and I would run around the house listening to Les Mis as a small child. You're channel is just so uplifting! Thanks!

[@Kath_Steele]

+mollierose Aah! I'm honored, welcome to the #TheatreThursdayFam 🎉💕🎭!!!

[@ava-xr5vd]

YES NEW UPLOAD PRAISE THE LORD. I just opened Cinderella yesterday- I was the fairy godmother. God it was so awesome! Couldn't have done it without your tips Kat. ❤️

[@Kath_Steele]

AAAH so happy to hear that!! Glad you had a wonderful time!!! :)

[@charlotted1321]

just binge watched this channel, love every vid, you're sooo pretty as well!

[@silentdamfino2918]

Some rules I set for myself in watching bootlegs 1. The show must have made their money back such as Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen 2. Or the show has stopped its run 3. Or I watch it for educational purposes like what Katherine said in the video! To watch actors techniques over and over again. To learn from them and become a better actor. I watch plenty of bootlegs but trust me I would give anything to see these shows and if I was ever given the opportunity I would pay full price to see these shows. I have full respect for the time and money and resources put into these shows and I mean no harm by watching these illegal videos.

[@bfhbdfhshsbwjnq6515]

Mike Faist tweeted recently about an audience member recording Dear Evan Hansen. He said that it was disruptive.

[@Kath_Steele]

+Theater Nerd 😕😕😕

[@brebee4291]

This video is literally everything I've ever said wrapped into a nice little bow, next time my friend talks to me about bootlegs I wanna show them this now because it's so true!! There are always pros and cons and sometimes people forget that it's not a black and white issue. Are they illegal? Yes. But then what about the people who can never afford to see the show? But then what about the actors' hard work just being taken like that?? The list goes on and on... (that's why I've never fully picked a side)

[@OhUhEmily]

I'm so lucky to live in a town with a local theater. I live in almost the smallest town in Kentucky and nobody knows we exist, but it's a really friendly place to live and grow up. Our local theater is a great place to come together as a community and everyone really enjoys going and I've basically lived there for the 15 years of my life. It's introduced me to an entirely new world and I'm so grateful.

[@juliapetersen4822]

The ultimate theatre mom

[@BeautifulDollsaster]

I think this video did an excellent job of illustrating the pros and cons. Another pro that I would like to add is something I’ve personally experienced: I was never able to see Heathers: the Musical in 2014. As a longtime Heathers fan, I was absolutely crushed. When the show ended, I thought I’d never get a chance to see any of the original cast, and I didn’t want my first viewing to be anything else. Stumbling across the bootleg a couple years ago on KZbin, I was finally able to see the show & fell absolutely in love. My friends grew interested because of me, and every one of us bought a copy of the soundtrack, which are sales that otherwise would not have occurred. It also resulted in us seeking out any showings within a 2-hour radius, and making the trip to go see them. We’ve now been able to support multiple smaller-scale theaters (that obtained the rights legally, of course). Though the bootlegs are illegal, they do continue to generate a fandom around the show and create interest that encourages new people to buy merch and support smaller theaters doing that show.

[@lilplant2250]

I live in Spain and I have to go to London to be able to see some musicals which aren't translated or just don't come here.

[@lydia8526]

I remember Charissa Hogeland once shared a bootleg of herself and said "As much as I think this is disrespectful to the actors on stage not all people have enough money or live in NY as a kid I remember watching bootlegs of my favorite shows because none of them had pro shots and I could not go see them" And I completely agree with that

[@GracePerforms]

I think everything you've said here has been by exact argument both for an against bootlegs. I live in Australia, and not one of the major performance cities. I regularly fly over to see shows in our main musical city, Melbourne, and see everything that does make its way to us in Perth as well as community and college productions of musicals. I've also made it to Broadway once a few years ago and saw 7 shows in 6 days, some of which I had seen bootlegs of beforehand and all I have watched bootlegs for since. If I were to see someone filming in a theatre I'd be the first one to tell them to put their camera away, but also I am so grateful for the bootlegs that do exist because it's the way I connect to the theatre I can't reach. I think it'd be worthwhile for producers to do their own recordings and sell them to combat bootlegs of their show, I'd much rather pay for a quality recording as I use bootlegs for accessibility, not for their being free of cost.

[@jemimathekitten7435]

I could NEVER record a bootleg myself, but those of you who do do it... THANK YOU SO FRIKIN MUCH!

[@victorjandre7276]

I live in Brazil but I love all kind of musicals, really. So i watched Hamilton and Heathers bootlegs and I already watched 8 times Into the woods, my first musical that i got into, so I WOULD pay for watching any of those. Love your videos :D

[@achoquenao3719]

Victor Jandre Yaay outro brasileiro

[@anamations9280]

AQUI É BR NA VEIA ASHUAHHSS

[@abbeyloser8645]

I totally agree. I was in a junior version of an amazing musical, bugsy malone, and it took many weeks of practice, and lots of money. During the first showing, somebody pulled out a camera, (like, a CAMERA camera not a phone camera.) and they stupidly turned the flash on. Now, as a member of he cast I was used the the bright lights that shone onstage. I played the role of a surly waitress. My only solo kin was, "Hey buddy, I'm not a piece of the furniture, are ya meetin or are ya eatin?" And I was super excited to say my line. But just as I was about to say my line, this man took a photo, the flash was EXTREMELY bright. And I was in shock because now my vision was blurred. I didn't mess up my line, but it looked as I I had forgotten it. I was totally embarrassed, but I went on with the scene, and I think the man realized the flash distracted the actors, because he didn't use the flash again when I was in the down and out scene. This also happened in a play, wagon wheels a rollin, but it was because I realized somebody was videoing a scene, and I almost froze up. But I let it slide. So, I do have experience and know that videoing actors or taking pictures is distracting. Thank you for making this to spread the word.

[@fayclark9423]

I love bootlegs because I live in a small town in England where there only two theatres in the whole city. So because I love musical Theater, bootlegs are the only way for me to watch musicals. I know there illegal and I would do anything to get a Hamilton ticket in New York but it is impossible because 1) the tickets are already super expensive and 2) the plane tickets and hotel prices are too much for five of us. So I’m not saying that bootlegs are good, but they have been my saving grace into getting into the Theatre common 💕

[@jennatomashosky8624]

I feel that they are a good way to expose people to closed shows, which may not tour. I also believe that they can give people the full theatre experience from their house and can help expand the audience for Broadway shows and spread the word.

[@manuelorozco7760]

Jenna Tomashosky Or may not have a regional production

[@potaotman4334]

Ben Platt watches Wicked bootlegs

[@manuelorozco7760]

potaot man He should play Boq in the movie

[@Robbity]

My arguements to bootlegs is that Be More Chill is probably never going to be on Broadway again. I really want to see my favorite musical ever, but I can’t.

[@avitalgoldberg-curran4956]

I was recently working in a 360 theater so seats on all sides of the stage and seeing the red blinking like from section C was extremely distracting. So even though I like watching bootlegs they are really annoying when there getting taken so idk what to think.

[@MBM1117727]

As a poor Scottish, formerly homeless theatre student Seeing a show in Broadway seems like an impossible dream. Bootlegs are the only way at least for now that I can see Broadway shows. I appreciate you making that point as I think a lot of people just don't realise that some people don't have the privilege of being able to see a show on Broadway.

[@alisonmarie450]

I'm new to your channel and I love it so far! I know this is beyond recent but can you consider doing a video about the Great Comet controversy? I would love to hear your opinion!

[@Kath_Steele]

Hi Alison!! Welcome to the #TheatreThursdayFam 🎉💕🎭 and totally! I do a monthly Q&A, you can submit you question for the August one (it'll be either via Facebook or Twitter this month)

[@SusanTonnard]

This is so true, I live in Belgium and I'm a musical theatre student in Brussels. It is impossible for me time-wise and money-wise to go to New York! So glad you addressed this issue! I have to watch bootlegs to educate myself!! First video I ever saw on this channel but I thing there will be many more!

[@FlutterbyTwinkle]

look, okay, I'm only 15, I live in Australia, where shows come very late if at all, and I try to be respectful of the shows and stuff, but I want to get involved in fandom, and it's near impossible to do that if I don't watch (or listen to in BMC's case) a bootleg. Let me make this clear, my family, especially the girls, are SUPER into musical theatre, and we have a lot of money, and we do occasionally go for the long drive out to the city, pay a lot of money, and see a show live. I, personally, have watched Cats, the Lion King, and recently Matilda live, in theatre, at full ticket price. My parents, recently, have gone to see Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, live, in theatre, at full ticket price. HOWEVER! it takes soo so long for real good shows to come here. No musical I am in fandom for, to my knowledge, has come here (I wouldn't count myself in the Book of Mormon fandom, even though I love the music, I have listened to the track, but not watched a bootleg.), and that makes it super difficult to feel involved with the musical without watching a bootleg. I have watched/listened to the bootleg for Dear Evan Hansen, Heathers, and Be More Chill. I have NEVER legitimately considered watching a full bootleg of Hamilton. I have watched some songs in bootleg form, and even then it's just little bits, like the end of Say No to This, or the awesome rap part of Washington on Your Side, Tomorrow There'll be More of Us (because it's not in the track and I needed the angst ok) little bits like that. This is because Hamilton is the ONLY musical of the ones I am currently in fandom for that you can get most of the musical from the track, possibly because Lin-Manuel Miranda is a super overachiever. But for things like Be More Chill, I really felt like I needed the bootleg, because the fact that there is just NOW a revival coming in the US, it means there won't be one here for a while. Watching/listening to bootlegs makes me feel like _shit,_ but I really want to get the jokes and stuff from the musicals, and especially in Dear Evan Hansen's case, with so few songs, just understand the plot. Anyway, that's enough rambling, and kudos to anyone who read my whole wall of text. I am up for debate, I love debate. just be gentle with any comebacks, I'm delicate~

[@Kath_Steele]

+alipopsie 👋🏻 I read it! And I totally gotcha, thank you for sharing!! 💖

[@FlutterbyTwinkle]

wow I can't believe you actually read my text wall ha. glad you appreciated my random ramblings

[@alienillusi0n]

Yeah. I live in Sweden and it takes AGES for musicals to come here. A lot of musicals don't even come here at all. Plus my family is pretty poor and shows cost so much money. PLUS the gas money if we have to drive down to Stockholm to see it (which takes 4 hours from where I live). If I could see the shows live, I would. And I try to contribute in other ways, like buying the show's merch.

[@faerly_simple2340]

Yup. I live in Bulgaria and there are no musicals at all, except just kids stuff. And before that I lived in Russia and well, we had some stuff but it was almost never official or even professional (except Mozart, l'opéra rock but I was too little to go :c ). So the bootlegs are the only way for me to see/hear most of the shows. Like if there were legal recordings of the shows I like, I'd buy them, why the heck not. But seeing as there aren't any... A girl gotta do what a girl gotta do ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Northflowo]

I love that you tackled the all of these arguements. I would do almost anything to go see some of my favorite musicals live but I live in FINLAND so the flight to the US would take almost 24 hours and cost a lot of money not even mentioning the planning it would require. (and the fact that I have school for most of the year). I don't like wátching bootlegs but it's really all that I have.

[@kyrajohnson3029]

Ok for the issue about the show not earning money from everyone who watches a bootleg they wouldn't have gotten that money anyways because most people who watch them have no way of going to see the show. When/if I ever have the money and time to go see a show I WILL but right now I'm so broke, I'm still in high school which I can't just stop and drop that, I still live under my parents' roof so I have to work with my parents' schedule, and I have no car so I can't even drive anywhere. I WILL MAKE LITERALLY EVWRY WFFORT TO SEE SHOWS WHEN I AM ACTUALLY ABLE TO