More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A former Ramsgate pupil is preparing to launch herself into the app-developing world with a plan to bring theatre productions into the home.
Following on from the success of the Disney Plus Hamilton production, which increased the platform's weekend downloads by 74% in the US after launch, Clementine Ewins wants to make theatrical productions across the country even easier for people to see.
Based on the success of Hamilton and National Theatre filmed productions available online, the ex-Chatham and Clarendon Grammar pupil believes her project Theatrix could introduce theatre to those who cannot afford to visit live performances.
The 24-year-old, who now lives in Broadstairs, said: "Our mission is to make theatre inclusive and affordable as well as available to as many countries as possible.
"We have a vision, to be one of the leading theatre online platforms out there that gives every theatre despite the size an opportunity to get a wider audience and be recognised.
"I went to see Hamilton when it came out, but I was lucky because my university gave us vouchers for half price tickets.
"If I was considering going to watch it and pay full price I don't think I would have been able to afford it."
The proposed Theatrix app would work similarly to platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix, with a monthly fee which would give users access to theatrical productions big and small.
Miss Ewins also said her app concept could help connect theatres with audiences once again, after the colossal effects on the industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Venues such as The Marlowe Theatre recently appealed to the government for emergency funds, as the almost total loss in earnings during lockdown threatened its permanent closure.
Despite the announcement this week of a £1.57bn cash injection to support the arts sector, there is still no indication as to when theatres will be able to open to the public once again.
She said: "Right now with everything that's happening people don't necessarily want to go out, they don't want to take the risk and visit very crowded areas.
"And when theatres do open again is will likely be very limited audiences, but with an app like Theatrix it could give everybody an opportunity to just enjoy the show."
Miss Ewins is currently studying for her Masters degree at Imperial College London.
The Theatrix team are hoping to released a beta version of the app to test on the public by the end of August.
In the meantime, Miss Ewins is hoping she can convince theatres across Kent to make their productions available to film and stream on the platform.
