Kris Andersson, actor, writer and comedian behind the famed drag persona Dixie Longate, and creator of the smash hit Drama Desk Award nominated off-Broadway show, Dixie's Tupperware Party, has partnered with the streaming company Stream Ally to launch a new platform (name soon to be announced) that allows virtual productions the ability to stream simultaneously, through multiple venues, in various time zones - maximizing audience and revenue for participating theaters. 22 arts centers and theaters across the country are currently utilizing the new service by presenting the world premiere of Andersson’s new comedy “DIXIE’S HAPPY HOUR” – delivering it as a fundraiser where they each keep 80% of the profit from ticket sales.
DIXIE’S HAPPY HOUR is being made available (free of charge) to theaters across the country - from big arts centers down to small indie theaters. Theaters that present the production are able to keep 80% of ticket sales. The other 20% goes to cover the cost of the production and the streaming service itself. The theaters market the show to their patrons and subscribers. The new platform integrates with the theater's ticketing system and delivers the stream to the ticket holders. Now, on any one given night, the show can be seen from multiple theaters across the country. Audiences are not coming to the streaming service, they are going directly to the theaters themselves, just as they always have, pre-pandemic. The platform entices arts centers to reach out to local content creators and theater artists who didn’t have an opportunity to get into these arts centers or theaters before, a bridge between them and the centers to stream new content.
“We’re looking at this as a “Netflix for theater” type platform and my hope is that we can bring some much-needed funding to theaters that are struggling to keep their doors open right now,” says Andersson. “Also, if successful, there is now a streaming platform that both theaters and new playwrights and content creators will have access to, bridging the gap between theaters and creators in a much more direct way.”
“We are thrilled to present DIXIE’S HAPPY HOUR as our first streaming production to our patrons,” said Jason Wise, vice president, programming and engagement management, with Performing Arts Fort Worth at Bass Performance Hall. “It’s presented in a way that reminds patrons the value of sitting down and enjoying a performance at a designated time versus On Demand like so many of the other streaming shows,” Wise added. “Additionally, the financial model and opportunity for us to connect and engage directly with our patrons in ways that help strengthen and foster loyalty and support is a game changer. DIXIE’S HAPPY HOUR is the first streaming production that provides us this opportunity and I hope it’s a model for future streaming opportunities.”
DIXIE’S HAPPY HOUR first premiered in January at Starlight Amphitheater in Kansas City and is a fitting show to launch the platform. Right now, the world needs a drinking buddy - and there’s no one more qualified for the job than Alabama’s favorite daughter and America’s favorite bar hopper, Dixie Longate – a gal who’s never too far away from a cocktail. Audiences spend an evening with Dixie on an uproariously raucous joyride where she shares stories that prove happiness isn’t only found at the bottom of a margarita glass. It’s an uplifting story that challenges the audience to search for their personal happy hours by looking for the good in even the most complicated situations.
