Each spring and fall Broadway, Off-Broadway and touring shows take a moment during curtain calls to ask audiences for donations to help Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS raise money in the ongoing fight against the disease and its effect on the theatre community.
For college and high school theatre programs across the country that want to get into the act, BC/EFA has produced a starry video and created a new section of its website to show thespians everywhere how to help, and how to get the most out of their fundraising efforts.
Hamilton star Javier Muñoz joins fellow Broadway luminaries Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Newsies), Carolee Carmello (Tuck Everlasting), Ali Ewoldt (Phantom of the Opera) and Lesli Margherita (Matilda) in the video that shares tips and tricks to give a successful audience appeal for a Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser at high schools, colleges and other performances.
Those who sign up and take the Broadway Cares pledge will receive monthly “Pledge Actions” with fun challenges and information about how to get involved in the work that Broadway Cares is doing.
BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola said, “For more than a decade, our education outreach team has served as a successful bridge between young theatre artists and the Broadway community. We’re able to provide personalized guidance and support to students in middle school, high school and college for fundraising efforts that ultimately provide lifesaving resources to the most vulnerable among us. Our special social media campaign this month, specifically reaching students and teachers nationwide, is an extension of the work that goes on year-round to help address the inequalities that those living with HIV/AIDS still face every day.”
Sarah Mitchel, BC/EFA's director of education and outreach said, “What’s so special to me is helping these talented, young students channel their passion for theatre and desire to make a difference into productive efforts that provide much-needed resources and support for those in need across the country and, often for the students, across the street. We help provide them the tools to sell red ribbons, create special performances, launch silent and live auctions, and hold bake sales, talent shows, dances, sporting events, AIDS awareness days and more, all in support of Broadway Cares’ annual grants to The Actors Fund and more than 450 social service organizations in all 50 states.”
You can find a list of organizations in your state supported by Broadway Cares at Broadwaycares.org/granteesbystate.
Visit PlaybillEDU for information on college programs in theatre, music and dance.
