Digital Theatre+ vs National Theatre Collection

Digital Theatre+ is an education service for English and Drama, bringing dramatic texts, poetry, performances, and curriculum-linked learning resources together. Its library lists more than 600 productions, 800 video resources, and 21,000 pages of written material, including workshops, interviews, analysis, essays, guides, and lesson plans. Institutions can use Content Controls to decide which resources students may access and set restrictions. Classroom tools and admin analytics are available. Access is commonly licensed across an institution for staff and students, with sign-in through SAML 2 single sign-on or email-and-password accounts. Subscriptions include tailored onboarding and ongoing assistance from a dedicated Customer Success Manager, with training and refresher sessions. The service runs in a browser, with current Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Android versions listed as supported; Linux is expected to work but remains untested. It does not currently offer LTI integrations, though content can be linked or embedded in some learning management systems. Institutional pricing is available on request.

National Theatre Collection brings filmed theatre productions and related learning materials into classrooms. Its catalogue covers UK productions ranging from Shakespeare to literary adaptations and classic comedies. Each play is accompanied by resources to help students explore themes, performance, and technique. Learning Packs include plot synopses with timecodes, production notes, and pointers for further research; where available, Rehearsal Insights provide rehearsal diaries and Staff Director notes. Primary Packs and Cross-Curricular Learning Guides support English, History, Geography, and PSHE. The collection also offers Key Stage 3 Packs and lesson plans for some productions. It is designed for schools and further education, including a curated selection for UK state primary schools. UK state-funded schools and FE colleges have free access. Higher education institutions can request a trial and subscription through the sales team, while UK independent and worldwide schools can ask JCS Online Resources about subscription and trial details. The service is available on the web.