Dear Actors Fund Friends,

In celebration of Juneteenth this past Friday, we shared our commitment to listening to and learning from Black voices in our performing arts and entertainment community and beyond. We encourage everyone to learn about the history of the day and what it symbolizes; and also to follow organizations that are actively lifting up Black members of our community, including Color of Change, Black Theatre United and Women In Film’s Hire Her Back campaign.

On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village. This began five days of demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ community and culminated in a nationwide rights movement. The following year, the Christopher Street Liberation Day March took place, and today we march around the world. While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted this year’s marches, The Actors Fund joins in celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community with our friends, supporters and everyone we serve in performing arts and entertainment.

We’re sending you wishes of health and safety, and we hope you enjoy this week’s line-up of online events and digital highlights.

Humpday with Hampshire: SERIES FINALE!
Wednesday, June 24, 5 pm ET

The Actors Fund YouTube Channel

The Actors Fund is so grateful to have had the opportunity to team up with Schitt's Creek star, award-winning actress and Screen Actors Guild® Nominee Emily Hampshire for a weekly live-streamed talk show Humpday with Hampshire.

This week marks the 10th episode and will celebrate the series finale with stellar guest appearances by Lauren Ash (Superstore, She-Ra and the Princess of Power), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt’s Creek), Rizwan Manji (Schitt’s Creek), returning guests Adam Rippon (Olympic Bronze Medalist), Catherine O’Hara (Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek), Natalie Maines (lead singer of The Dixie Chicks) and Debbie Gibson (singer, actor and 1980s icon).

And you will not want to miss this week’s Jeffrey East song challenge, where he will do an ENTIRE series recap including this finale episode. Plus, there may a surprise celebrity guest appearance—tune in to find out!

Crain’s Art & Culture: How are producers innovating?
Tuesday, June 30, 4 pm ET

Crain’s Website

As Broadway remains dark, Crain’s New York Business talks to some of the theater district’s top producers and talent about how they are innovating and reaching loyal audiences with strong content. Tune in for lessons learned about Broadway abandoning old rules and reinventing themselves. Individual tickets are $150, and with each ticket purchase, $50 will be donated to The Actors Fund COVID-19 relief efforts.

One World
Online Now

One World Website

Oscar-winning songwriter Franke Previte (“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing) was spurred by the global pandemic to enlist “One World” co-writer Pamela Phillips Oland (Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin) to work together to create an entirely new recording of their historic 1989 collaboration.

This new version has updated lyrics, freshly retooled for the sole purpose of giving 100% of all proceeds from downloads to four major charity partners, including The Actors Fund. And if you make a donation, you will receive a link for a digital download of the song!

Auction of 1000 Stars



MasquerAID
Costumer Professionals For Wage Equity have partnered with The Actors Fund to create these one-of-a-kind masks to help raise funds for our COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance program. Some masks are made from actual medical masks, while others are full facial masks. Each design is different from the next. Bid on your favorite one today!

Livin’ On A Prairie
If you’re a fan of Little House On The Prairie, this memorabilia collection is for you. Members of the cast of Little House On The Prairie have come together and donated items related to the television series in an effort to raise funds for those affected by COVID-19. Special thanks to Pamela Bob for helping curate this auction lot of autographed photos, DVDs and more. Check it out and bid on this special collection today!

More Online Events:
State vs. Natasha Banina: Sunday, June 28, at 8 pm ET
Broadway Jackbox: Every Tuesday and Friday at 6 pm ET
Viral Vignettes: Every Wednesday at 3 pm ET
“What I Got” Music Video from Because of Winn Dixie: Watch now