Press Release - Actors Fund Celebrates 125 Years of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:  January 8, 2007
CONTACTS:
Lynne Hoppe, The Actors’ Fund, 212.221.7300 ext. 129, lhoppe@actorsfund.org

THE ACTORS’ FUND CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY
Special Events and Benefits To Be Held in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago

(New York) – For the last 125 years, The Actors’ Fund has been helping everyone – from those behind the scenes to those in front of the camera - who works in the entertainment industry.  To celebrate the 125th Anniversary, The Fund is celebrating with a full year of special events, performances and tributes across the United States, with major events in The Fund’s home cities of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

New York

The spring highlight of the celebration will be on April 30th, when People magazine celebrates 125 Years of The Actors’ Fund at the annual gala, to be held at The Waldorf=Astoria in New York.  The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner and a very special program of entertainment. April 30th will also be designated Actors’ Fund Day in New York.

On June 4th, the 92nd Street Y will celebrate The Fund with a panel discussion on the life of an actor in America.  The panel will consist of working actors who will discuss their struggles and successes, and what's really faced when pursuing a life in entertainment. Onstage interviews will explore both perceptions and realities of achieving in the arts.

In the fall, The Fund’s annual benefit concert (which in the past has included concert productions of Dreamgirls, Funny Girl and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas) will see a change of pace to mark the Anniversary.  On October 15th, Brian Stokes Mitchell at Carnegie Hall will celebrate The Fund’s Anniversary and focus on the shows, songs and people that form a living catalog of Mitchell’s career as one of Broadway’s most beloved leading men.  He will be joined by such performers as Audra McDonald and Phylicia Rashad.

Also on tap for 2007 are a slew of Actors’ Fund Special Performances, which for 80 years have been a Broadway tradition of “extra” performances, donated by Broadway companies to raise funds. Special Performances take place around the country.

Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the first anniversary event of the year is a staged reading of Addictions, three one-act plays by British playwright Tricia Walsh-Smith, on January 29th at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.  Dedicated to the memory of the playwright’s brother, Kevin Walsh, the cast includes television, film and stage stars Alice Ripley, Denise Van Outen and Christopher Biggins. 

Then on Sunday, March 25th, The Fund will present a staged reading of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, in conjunction with the Center Theatre Group, at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center.

In addition, The Fund will be expanding its popular Musical Mondays.  The event series, launched in 2006, features intimate performances in the lobby of the Pantages Theatre with pre- and post-performance artist receptions.

And special city celebrations in Los Angeles are also to be announced.

Chicago

On March 5th, The Fund, in conjunction with Season of Concern, the Chicago theatre community’s aid organization, will present a one-night-only benefit concert version of Working.  The show, based on the book by Studs Terkel and adapted by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and Nina Faso, features songs by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz and James Taylor.

National Events

The Fund will be hosting a special anniversary edition of its annual Auction of 1000 Stars, an on-line auction of unique star-studded experiences and memorabilia, which gives bidders a chance to win exclusive behind the scenes access to Broadway shows, movie premieres, sporting events and more.

In addition to the anniversary events, benefits and performances, The Actors’ Fund’s 125th Anniversary will be celebrated with a variety of special publications, honors and tributes.  And, as it did in 2006 – helping over 8,000 entertainment professionals in 45 states - The Fund will continue working every day to assist those in need, crisis or transition.

For more information about The Fund’s 125th Anniversary Year, visit the web site at www.actorsfund.org or call 212.221.7300.


The Actors Fund is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals - both performers and those behind the scenes - in performing arts and entertainment.  Founded in 1882, The Fund serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care.  Administered from offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis, or transition.  Please visit The Actors Fund website at www.actorsfund.org.