This new Czech streaming service is a Netflix for theater

Theaters across the Czech Republic are currently closed due to the country's anti-COVID-19 regulations, but this innovative new startup might help them recoup some of their lost ticket sales.

Launched today, Dramox is something like Netflix for theaters: 30 theaters from around the Czech Republic are currently streaming on-demand recorded versions of their performances for viewers to enjoy from the comfort of their own home.

A subscription to Dramox runs 299 crowns per month, and allows for unlimited streaming of all performances within the platform. While the platform is only web-based at the moment, an app for Smart TVs and mobile devices is currently being prepared.

According to representatives from Dramox, English subtitles are also currently being prepared for many of the performances; additional subtitles in other European languages may be added based on interest. 

The platform also currently offers a free seven-day trial. Dramox is available across Europe, not only within the Czech Republic.

Theaters that currently cooperate with Dramox include Prague venues like Dejvické divadlo, Divadlo v Dlouhé, Divadlo Bez zábradlí, and Divadlo Na zábradlí, and theaters from across the country including Brno's National Theatre and City Theaters of Zlín and Olomouc.

The founders had originally intended to launch the service around Christmas, but moved that date up by two months given the current situation in the country and closure of local theaters for at least the next two months.

More than half of the proceeds (55%) of Dramox subscriptions goes back directly to the theaters themselves.

"We want to bring the theater closer to people, and allow them to spend more time with it than they could so far," Martin Zavadil, one of three founders of Dramox, explains in a press release.

"I believe that Dramox will attract more people to the theater, just as similar services have attracted more people to movies or music in the past."

While streaming theater performances is not new, this kind of Netflix-like service that allows viewers to watch an unlimited number of recorded theatrical performances is an innovative concept - especially in the Czech Republic.

You can find out more about Dramox, and browse their current catalogue of performances, at the official website.