Theatrical charity Acting for Others has announced the formation of a separate Covid-19 Fund which will be available to its 14 member charities.
An increasing number of fundraising events have been organised by theatremakers in aid of the charity and its support to theatre workers in this unprecedented time of need. Some of the highest-profile include including All the Web’s a Stage, Fleabag For Charity, A Song for Our Time and Hear the People Sing.
At the same time, in response to the pandemic restrictions, the charity has had to indefinitely postpone its one of its ordinary fundraising events, the second annual West End Flea Market, which had been due to take place on 16 May 2020.
Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, co-chair of Acting for Others, said:
“Raising money for our charity at this time is all the more important, given the number of theatre workers in the industry now out of work due to Coronavirus, and we are so grateful to all those fundraising on our behalf.
“While we are disappointed to be postponing West End Flea Market this year, it is necessary in order to protect the welfare of artists, staff, and visitors. We hope that those who are in a position to might consider supporting some of the tremendous online events organised in support of our theatre colleagues in this time of need. We look forward to welcoming theatre fans and supporters to West End Flea Market again soon.”
All the Web’s a Stage takes place on 23 April 2020
All the Web’s a Stage
Theatre Together’s All the Web’s a Stage, an online event on Shakespeare Day, 23 April 2020, featuring a variety of live performances including from Joanne Clifton, Danny Mac, Marisha Wallace and A4O Ambassadors, Jodie Prenger, Cleve September and La Voix. The event is free to access with all donations distributed to several arts charities and funds including Acting for Others.
Fleabag on Demand
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre, in partnership with National Theatre Live in London and Amazon Prime Video present the smash-hit Fleabag – the original one-woman stage play that is, written and performed by Waller-Bridge – on Soho Theatre’s website, and then on Amazon Prime Video for two weeks from Friday 10 April 2020. Proceeds will be donated to a variety of charities and funds including Acting for Others.
Who will compose the best song for our coronavirus time?
A Song for Our Time
Danielle Tarento and Paul Wilkins are inviting composers to write and submit and original composition, A Song For Our Time, with one version selected to be recorded by a virtual choir including West End stars with all proceeds going to Acting for Others. Deadline for submissions is midnight this Friday 10 April 2020. Multi-award-winning Broadway composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown is the judge.
Hear the West End sing
Over 70 performers from top West End shows came together to record a special version of Les Miserables‘ anthem Do You Hear The People Sing?, reminding us that ‘even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise’. With an introduction from Christopher Biggins and a voiceover by Lesley Joseph.
About Acting for Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities: Actor’s Children’s Trust, Dancers’ Career Development, Denville Hall, Drury Lane Theatrical Fund, Equity Charitable Trust, Evelyn Norris Trust, SafetyCurtain, King George V Fund for Actors and Actresses, Ralph and Meriel Richardson Foundation, Dance Professionals Fund, The Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund, The Royal Theatrical Fund, Theatre Chaplaincy UK and The Theatrical Guild.
