Just last week, I was telling my circle of theatre friends that Broadway could release professionally-filmed footage from the archives and sell it on various platforms (Apple, Amazon, etc.) to continue paying performers during this pandemic. There are so so many shows for which I would pay to have professionally recorded versions. I realize there would be a lot of red tape, but it would be a way to raise funds to help performers on Broadway during this pandemic.
I'm still shocked there's no way to legally watch Bandstand, which had a proshot and a theatrical release. Maybe the tour would've been a conflict, but multiple dates have been postponed/cancelled (including the location in my area, which would've performed this past weekend).
"I think that when a movie says it was 'based on a true story,' oh, it happened - just with uglier people." - Peanut Walker, Shucked
Most big movies are just delaying their release dates, not offering VOD. Universal just happened to release a bunch of titles right before the virus really kicked in, so they're already taking a bath at the box office. Plus, no reason to release stuff quickly, as a lot of current productions are shutting down, so there will be a void.
I don't think any performers would pay their rent based on an old production of theirs being available publicly, even if there were a plan and a desire, both of which are probably the case.
someone asked the great comet composer / writer about this and he responded:
alas no, contractual logistics make it a bit impossible to release video from broadway/off-broadway/equity shows without significant legal and financial woe. GQ we can do what we want with, as we are independent and non-union; but there's just 6 of us, and we rule by consensus