Broadway gives so many young artists the opportunity to continue their craft and make a name for themselves in the theater capital of the world. Broadway also provides a wide variety of fantastic entertainment that attracts tourists from all over to visit New York City. On top of all of that, the Broadway community finds time to give back to the community and support charities across the country. Today I thought I would share the amazing work the theater community does through Broadway-based organizations.
In 1993, Broadway Cares and Equity Fights Aids joined together to form Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids (BC/EFA) supporting the Actor’s Fund of America and the National Grants Program. This fundraising effort started in the ’80s during the AIDS Crisis, which affected a large majority of the Broadway community. La Cage Aux Folles and many other shows banded together to raise money for research to fight AIDS and HIV-related illnesses.
Two major fundraisers each year are the Gypsy of the Year competition in the Fall and the Easter Bonnet competition in the Spring. Broadway shows spend six week prior to these competitions raising money by auctioning off onstage roles, backstage tours and other props from the show for numerous nights. They also have actors with buckets in the lobby after the show to collect money from patrons. If you ever hear about this going on from the cast at curtain call, definitely dig up a few dollars before you get to the door. Sometimes the cast will even let you take pictures with them in costume!
Other fundraisers include the Broadway Bares burlesque-style show, involving many ensemble and chorus members from numerous Broadway shows. Also, the Broadway Bears auction, where each participating Broadway show or Off-Broadway show dresses a teddy bear in the style of their show. Of course, everyone also knows about the Shubert Alley Broadway Cares Annual Flea Market each Fall.
So whether you attend these fundraising events and shows, or shell out some spare change in the red buckets at a touring show, every little bit helps! Giving back not only makes you feel good about yourself, but also gives you a better sense of comaradery within the theater community. I hope this article gives you something to think about in the upcoming season of giving.