For Your Benefit, Benefit Organizers
Dec. 4th, 2004 11:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mrdreamjeansA dozen members of the “Evita” cast participated in a benefit last night for a Detroit Organization called WAGS. The benefit was held to raise money to help people with AIDS take care of their pets. It was held at a local bar and when all was said and done, the organizers including members of the Detroit Bears group, raised $4000.
However, I’d like to address how it was perceived by our cast members and to address some mistakes that were made. Musical Theater actors are very willing to participate in charity events which center around fund raising for any AIDS charity or organization. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised tens of millions of dollars during its existence and continues to fight the fight.
The company of “Phantom of the Opera” of which I was a member, raised about $400,000 during my time with them through benefits in most cities we played, poster sales by cast members in the lobby of the theatres after a performance and solicitation and speeches from the stage during bows. We were very proud of our work. We always put a lot of time, thought and effort into the shows, often performing on our only night off. We were glad to do so.
The “Evita” cast’s involvement in the benefit last night began very informally with a cast member’s interaction with an event organizer he met on bear411. There was a lot of miscommunication; at one point it was being advertised that attendees could win a dinner date with a cast member, something none of us had any intention of doing, nor had ever agreed to do.
Our contact, Joel Briel, nipped that idea in the bud when I found out through LJ member WonderBoyMi (Brian) what was being advertised. This exaggeration almost assured that we wouldn’t participate. However, the idea of WAGS and the worthiness of the cause overcame the cast’s reluctance and several people freely volunteered their talents on a Friday night before a two-show day, including our Eva, Kathy Voytko.
As I said, the event was successful, but successful despite some serious mistakes on the part of the organizers. Organizers! If you want first-rate professional entertainers to participate in your benefit, don’t hold the event at a bar. Your cause will never be the center of attention.
If you want top-notch talent involved, then provide them with the proper instruments and sound system. Last night, the accompianist showed up only to find out the ivories he was to tickle were on a child’s Casio keyboard, with keys 2/3 the regular size. (The cast was told that a piano was being provided.)
The Casio keyboard wouldn’t plug into the club’s sound system.... anyone watching the singers who was more than a few feet away, thought the singers were singing A Capella. They also had to compete with the country-western music from the next room where the sound system was working just fine. Think ahead! Provide the necessary equipment. It is insulting and embarrassing to the performers who take great pride in their work and are performing gratis. It leaves a sour taste.
Last night’s mistakes won’t keep our company from organizing our own events or participating in others organized by local promoters, but it will make us more cautious and careful in our choices. Indeed, we’ll be doing a benefit during our run in San Francisco next Spring for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Joel organized the Broadway company of “Cats” participation in benefits for BC/EFA during his ten years in that show. Angela De Cicco did the same for the Broadway company of “Les Miserables” of which she was a part for six years. We are planning a full out show with group numbers. We are willing to do the work because we believe with all of our hearts that it's important to continue the battle. I definitely plan to participate in the SF benefit.
A DEBUT
On another note: Kate Manning, who normally plays the Mistress in our production of “Evita”, is one of our Eva understudies. Kate made her debut this afternoon in the title role and did a terrific job. Talent and skill don’t always come in one package, but Kate has both in large quantities. Her agent, a friend of mine in NYC refers to her as Petita (not unlike the first actress to play Eva, Elaine Page). LOL! Kate gave a compelling and commited performance that was exciting to watch.
DRIVING IN DETROIT (Real Directions to a mall:)
Take I 75 to Exit 69, Big Beaver Road.... then head West, young man:)
However, I’d like to address how it was perceived by our cast members and to address some mistakes that were made. Musical Theater actors are very willing to participate in charity events which center around fund raising for any AIDS charity or organization. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised tens of millions of dollars during its existence and continues to fight the fight.
The company of “Phantom of the Opera” of which I was a member, raised about $400,000 during my time with them through benefits in most cities we played, poster sales by cast members in the lobby of the theatres after a performance and solicitation and speeches from the stage during bows. We were very proud of our work. We always put a lot of time, thought and effort into the shows, often performing on our only night off. We were glad to do so.
The “Evita” cast’s involvement in the benefit last night began very informally with a cast member’s interaction with an event organizer he met on bear411. There was a lot of miscommunication; at one point it was being advertised that attendees could win a dinner date with a cast member, something none of us had any intention of doing, nor had ever agreed to do.
Our contact, Joel Briel, nipped that idea in the bud when I found out through LJ member WonderBoyMi (Brian) what was being advertised. This exaggeration almost assured that we wouldn’t participate. However, the idea of WAGS and the worthiness of the cause overcame the cast’s reluctance and several people freely volunteered their talents on a Friday night before a two-show day, including our Eva, Kathy Voytko.
As I said, the event was successful, but successful despite some serious mistakes on the part of the organizers. Organizers! If you want first-rate professional entertainers to participate in your benefit, don’t hold the event at a bar. Your cause will never be the center of attention.
If you want top-notch talent involved, then provide them with the proper instruments and sound system. Last night, the accompianist showed up only to find out the ivories he was to tickle were on a child’s Casio keyboard, with keys 2/3 the regular size. (The cast was told that a piano was being provided.)
The Casio keyboard wouldn’t plug into the club’s sound system.... anyone watching the singers who was more than a few feet away, thought the singers were singing A Capella. They also had to compete with the country-western music from the next room where the sound system was working just fine. Think ahead! Provide the necessary equipment. It is insulting and embarrassing to the performers who take great pride in their work and are performing gratis. It leaves a sour taste.
Last night’s mistakes won’t keep our company from organizing our own events or participating in others organized by local promoters, but it will make us more cautious and careful in our choices. Indeed, we’ll be doing a benefit during our run in San Francisco next Spring for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Joel organized the Broadway company of “Cats” participation in benefits for BC/EFA during his ten years in that show. Angela De Cicco did the same for the Broadway company of “Les Miserables” of which she was a part for six years. We are planning a full out show with group numbers. We are willing to do the work because we believe with all of our hearts that it's important to continue the battle. I definitely plan to participate in the SF benefit.
A DEBUT
On another note: Kate Manning, who normally plays the Mistress in our production of “Evita”, is one of our Eva understudies. Kate made her debut this afternoon in the title role and did a terrific job. Talent and skill don’t always come in one package, but Kate has both in large quantities. Her agent, a friend of mine in NYC refers to her as Petita (not unlike the first actress to play Eva, Elaine Page). LOL! Kate gave a compelling and commited performance that was exciting to watch.
DRIVING IN DETROIT (Real Directions to a mall:)
Take I 75 to Exit 69, Big Beaver Road.... then head West, young man:)
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