By now, many of us have been home and sheltering in place for over a month. We have gone through many different phases while adapting to a “new normal” and we might be feeling seemingly more adjusted to our current reality. We’ve discussed finding creative ways to stay fit and ways to broaden our personal skillsets, and now we want to shift gears and offer suggestions for you to sit back and relax with your family. Here are five ways to enjoy culture and the arts from the comfort of our couches.

Get the Latest Release

Even with major theater chains around the world closing their doors and many film studios pushing back the release of blockbuster films, there are still many new movies that have seen earlier-than-expected digital releases – or in the case of Universal Picture’s “Trolls: World Tour” –  skipped a theatrical release altogether. Grab a seat, open up your favorite on-demand video service and enjoy these newly released films.

The Brightest Lights of Broadway

The energy of attending a live stage production is difficult to replicate, but with lights temporarily darkened on Broadway and other theater districts, BroadwayHD is streaming hundreds of shows for your theater-going pleasure. From “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera,” to the “King and I” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” take in some incredible performances of world-famous shows.

Sit in the Front Row

If stage productions or films aren’t what you’re looking for, you can always take a virtual front row seat at a concert. Billboard has an ever-expanding list of livestreams and concerts  streaming directly to your TV or mobile device. It’s also a great time to see what your favorite artists are up to on platforms like YouTube for rare and intimate performances from their personal spaces.

Upgrade Your Equipment

Now more than ever, you may begin to realize that your TV or sound system could use a refresh. Take a moment to visit the Wirecutter and browse recommendations for ways to spruce up your multimedia experience. Sometimes even simple and low-cost updates can yield fruitful results in making your living room feel more like a theater or event venue. 

Don’t Forget the Snacks

Whether it’s a movie in a standard cinema, an elevated dine-in, drinks during intermission or in between sets, the food and drink at a theater helps complete the experience. With food delivery services like Doordash, GrubHub, Amazon’s Whole Foods delivery and more – you can round out your virtual viewing with the same snacks you normally would to help make it feel more “real.”

It’s important to keep doing the things that you enjoy – even if you have to find new ways to do them while staying safely at home.

Originally published in April 21, 2020 by Erik Weinbrecht