Musical theatre has always found ways to evolve with the times, from Broadway stages to viral online sensations. In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a powerful tool for theatre enthusiasts, performers, and composers to showcase their talents, engage new audiences, and even influence what happens on stage.
A New Stage for Theatre Enthusiasts
TikTok's short-form video format provides the perfect medium for musical theatre lovers to engage with their favourite shows. Fans post lip-sync performances, dance covers, reaction videos and behind-the-scenes content. Shows like Hamilton, Hadestown, and Six have thrived on TikTok, where fans share their interpretations and creative content.
The Rise of TikTok-Born Musicals
Perhaps the most notable example is Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, which started as a spontaneous community-driven project and turned into a fully staged, star-studded virtual production, raising over $2 million for charity. Since then, projects like Bridgerton: The Musical have followed suit.
Revitalising Older Musicals
TikTok has also given older musicals a new lease on life. Songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Beetlejuice, and Newsies have resurfaced through viral trends and challenges, introducing these productions to younger audiences.
Boosting Ticket Sales
Producers and marketing teams have taken note, using TikTok as a promotional tool to boost ticket sales. Shows like Moulin Rouge! and & Juliet actively engage with the platform by encouraging audiences to share their experiences. With the right viral moment, a musical can generate buzz that translates directly into sold-out performances.
