Dear Actors Fund Friends,

As we look to the future, we can’t ignore all that has happened in the past year. There have been moments of deep despair and unimaginable obstacles that won’t magically disappear in 2021, and The Actors Fund will do everything we can to help those in need address and overcome these challenges.

But as we continue to help those who come to us for assistance, we also embrace all that inspires us, and hold on to hope that better days are coming. We celebrate the continued efforts of everyone who creates and joins such amazing online fundraisers that benefit our programs and services, showing the performing arts and entertainment community that they have an entire network of support. These virtual productions also bring phenomenal performances to viewers all over the world, creating a digital audience united in our shared enjoyment of the arts.

We hope you enjoy this week’s highlights of online events, and we thank you for helping build a stronger 2021 with The Actors Fund.

An Evening of Hope: Offerings for the Future of Theatre
Thursday, January 21, 7 pm ET

Broadway On Demand

This free virtual cabaret and fundraiser for The Actors Fund will feature a collection of songs, stories and conversations all responding to the question, “What is your hope for the future of theatre?” The event will be hosted by Ann Harada and will feature performances by Kerstin Anderson, Gabi Campo, Lissa deGuzman, Kendyl Ito, Gizel Jiménez, José Luaces, John-Michael Lyles, Leslie McDonel, Kate McMillan, JJ Niemann, Jennifer Noble, Samantha Pollino, Alex Prakken, George Salazar, Shanice Williams and Kristin Yancy. An Evening of Hope is directed by Lana Russell, music directed by Sinai Tabak and the stage manager is Giles T. Horne.

Rabbit Hole
Sunday, January 23, 8 pm ET

TheReadingSeries.org

The Reading Series next play is Rabbit Hole, starring Celia Keenan-Bolger, Jawan M. Jackson, Lauren Molina, Mary Testa and Andrew Barth Feldman.

Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. Rabbit Hole charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day.

Rabbit Hole, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Alison Tanney, will be streamed for free with donations welcome to The Actors Fund.

The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day
Available Now

People.com

The Eyes of the World was hoping to come to Carnegie Hall in June 2020; that, unfortunately, was cancelled along with all other live performances. This very special presentation of footage from its 2015 workshop includes Nick Cordero, who was planning to star in the production prior to his passing from COVID-19.

“This is not a video we ever wanted to—or thought—we would make. Nick’s loss is still inconceivable, as is the ever-increasing destruction caused by COVID-19. Nick had a power and presence that came across every time he set foot on stage, be it on Broadway, in a cabaret or at Carnegie Hall. That magnetism was just who Nick was—all 6’ 5” of him. But in our production, it was perhaps because he was so fascinated by the history of World War II. In it, he played the role of an ordinary American called upon to do extraordinary things; exactly what he did when he fought COVID-19 till the very end. We hope this video inspires ordinary Americans to do an extraordinary thing: pay tribute to Nick’s life and legacy by supporting The Actors Fund.”
—John Monsky, Creator and Narrator, American History Unbound
—Kate Rockwell, Actress/Singer

The presentation includes: John Monsky, Nick Cordero, Kate Rockwell, Tony LePage and Bryonha Marie Parham.

More Online Events:
Stars in the House: Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8 pm ET
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Life on The Stage Q&A: Watch now
Boys in the Band Life on The Stage Q&A: Watch now