Zoomsical

A zoomsical, which is a portmanteau of the words "Zoom" and "musical", is a form of theatrical performance that combines dialogue, music and lyrics that is then performed, either live or recorded, for an online audience via a video conferencing platform like Zoom.

Zoomsicals can be either original works or adaptations of existing stage musicals. The zoomsical arose in 2020 as a response to the social distancing guidelines put in place in many countries to stem the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines made it impossible for many theatre companies to continue their planned seasons of rehearsals and performances, and many were cancelled.[1] The zoomsical emerged from the necessity for musical theatre performances that could adhere to physical distancing guidelines, yet also maintain a venue for artistic self expression. Many theatre companies that produce stage musicals, having pivoted away from their live seasons, began experimenting with live streaming video platforms [2] as a way to continue to bring new works to audiences during lockdown.

Published on 5 May 2020 by Music Theatre International,[3] the first known zoomsical is an adaptation of the Theatre for Young Audiences production of The Big One-Oh! by Academy Award winning author Dean Pitchford. It features music by Doug Besterman, lyrics by Pitchford, and a book by Timothy Allen McDonald.

Composer, lyricist and director Haddon Kime of Atlanta is credited with creating the first original zoomsical.[4] His zoomsical, produced and premiered by Out of Hand Theater, is entitled LAG: A Zoomsical Comedy, and premiered 30 May 2020 simultaneously on Zoom and YouTube.[5] It has subsequently been published by composer Roger Bean's publishing company, Stage Rights International.[6]