Dear Actors Fund Friends,

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on these women who were influential members of our Actors Fund community and history.

Nedda Harrigan Logan was the first female president of The Actors Fund; a highlight of her tenure from 1979-1989 was the construction of The Edwin Forrest Wing, expanding The Actors Fund Home with the addition of a fifty-bed extended care skilled nursing facility.

As president of Actors’ Equity Association and chair of The Fund’s Executive Committee, Colleen Dewhurst launched the HIV/AIDS Initiative and helped found Equity Fights AIDS.

Phyllis Newman, outspoken and honest in her battle against cancer, launched an outreach program to women in our community, via The Fund: the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.

Sono Osato was a groundbreaking dancer, a major benefactor of Career Transition For Dancers and a beloved advocate of supportive services for the entire dance community.

The New York Times obituaries for Nedda, Colleen, Phyllis and Sono attest to their legendary and influential careers. They made a difference in the lives of our community and our organization is stronger for their service.

Thank you for continuing to be a part of our Actors Fund community and celebrating these remarkable women.

Emma Z.
Available Now

Facebook

Emma Z. is a hilarious short satire filmed entirely in isolation and deals with the newest of 12-step groups to emerge in the pandemic–Amazon Anonymous–and it's unexpected pitfalls.

For a donation of any amount (suggested $10) you will receive a password protected link for the month of March to the film. All proceeds go to The Actors Fund so please join us in laughter and love for our community.

Directed and produced by Jeremiah Kipp and Jennifer Plotzke, Emma Z. stars Yaegel T. Welch, Jennifer Johnson, Amy Chang and Jeanine Flynn.

Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera
March 25–April 11

Eventive

Quantum Leap Productions will present Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera, a documentary film that celebrates the artistry of live theater, as an online benefit to support creative professionals out of work due to the pandemic. In the award-winning documentary, opera’s hallowed traditions and America's cowboy culture converge to celebrate the collaborative power of art. The documentary details the creative process of all artists involved in live theater onstage and backstage. Zane Grey is read by Peter Coyote, with performances by shining young opera stars Karin Wolverton, Morgan Smith, Laura Wilde, Joshua Dennis, Joshua Jeremiah, Keith Phares and Kristopher Irmiter. Half of all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit The Actors Fund.

Rise Up With Arts
Saturday, March 27, 3:30 pm ET

Rise Up With Arts

Celebrate World Theatre Day with our friends across the pond. Professional dancer Anya Garnis presents Rise Up With Arts, a global live stream variety show with co-creator, dance partner and Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Actors Fund and the British charity Theatre Support Fund. The show is an uplifting collaboration between some of the biggest names from Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars, musicians, Broadway stars and those from The West End, and more. Scheduled to appear are Pasha Kovalev, Anya Garnis, Don Black, Arlene Phillips, Lisa Riley, Kevin Clifton, Robin Windsor, Kerry Ellis, John Logan, Duncan James, Benny Benack III, Jim Caruso, cast members from 14 Tony Award nominated Moulin Rouge! The Musical and stars from the musical Chicago.

More Online Events:
#BWAYWORLDRECORD: Help break The Guinness World Records title for the record of largest online video album of people singing the same song.
Stars In The House: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 pm ET