In my work as a lawyer, I have the great privilege of working with inspirational individuals and businesses. As we’re navigating work and life during this uncertain time, I thought it would be nice to profile some of my clients (with their permission, of course). I hope to promote them and introduce you to some interesting content, services and products that you might be able to enjoy now, from wherever you are.
I’m a native New Yorker, and have always been a theater lover. Starting with shows like Annie, Peter Pan, Barnum and The Wiz, seeing a Broadway musical each year for my birthday was one of my favorite family traditions. I’ve had the privilege of seeing hundreds of live theatrical productions since then. So imagine my extreme delight when Theatre Development Fund became a client!
Theatre Development Fund (“TDF”) is the largest not-for-profit Performing Arts Service Organization in the country. Created in 1968 to help strengthen Broadway and Off Broadway, TDF has subsidized more than 1,000 plays and musicals, including 37 productions that later became Pulitzer Prize winners. In addition, TDF has developed a wide-ranging variety of programs to serve audiences and theaters, including its internationally renowned Autism Theatre Initiative, National Open Caption program, award-winning education programs, and costume collection. Through its programs, TDF reaches millions of theatergoers, students, educators and artists across the country and around the world every year.
TDF also has a membership program that provides deeply discounted tickets to students and recent graduates, retirees, teachers, freelancers, government employees, arts professionals and more.
TDF is perhaps most well-known for its TKTS discount tickets booths, the most famous of which is located in Times Square in New York City. Since the TKTS booth first opened in 1973, tens of millions of tickets have been sold. Tourists and New Yorkers congregate around the booth and on the famous Red Steps to revel in the pulse of the city.
Because of Coronavirus, all performance venues in New York are closed, which means that the iconic TKTS booths are closed. This is having a devastating impact on TDF’s ability to generate revenue. In addition, TDF’s school, community and access programs are suspended.
There are so many organizations in need of support right now. If you are a fan of live theater, please consider a donation to TDF. You can contribute using this link. In addition, a discounted annual membership is now available for $30, and will likely pay for itself after you buy tickets to your first show. So if you’re not already a member of TDF, please click here to see if you are eligible, and consider purchasing a membership today. Your donation or membership fee today will help TDF survive during this difficult time.
Finally, if you’re looking to be entertained while staying safe at home, TDF is publishing roundups of live-streamed and pre-recorded performances that you can watch from the comfort of your home. Visit TDF Stages for more information.
I can’t wait until the neon lights are back on Broadway, which they will be (though not soon enough). I look forward to standing on line at the TKTS booth and to sitting on the Red Steps in the heart of my New York City. Until then, we need to support our great non-profit arts institutions, including TDF, so they can help keep those Broadway lights shining bright.
Take care, and #FlattenTheCurve
-Stacy
