Actor and comedian Rick Wharton explained that he had two reasons for putting on the evening. “A few years ago the Fund helped me out after a job fell through at the last minute, leaving me scrambling to pay my bills.  Their assistance allowed me to keep my head above water financially while I secured more work.  It made a real difference to me and ever since I have wanted to do something to raise money for the Fund so that it can continue making a difference in people’s lives.  The second reason was that Tony Rosato called me and said ‘hey, let’s do something together on stage’.  I respect and think the world of him, not to mention all of the cast….These guys are some of the finest.  There is a brotherhood here on many levels.  It is going to be a fun night.”  Wharton also promises that this is only the first in a series of shows to raise money for the Actors’ Fund.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in theatre, film & TV, music and dance.  The Actors’ Fund is not just for actors:  performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can apply for help from the Fund which delivered over $450,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments, and other basic living expenses in the last 12 months and has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958.

“We are happy to once again be able to increase our annual contribution to the Actors’ Fund” says Louis-Marie Bournival, a Theatre Cares committee member. “The Fund supports hundreds of members of our community every year, not just people with HIV/AIDS.  The assistance they provide helps people not just financially, but emotionally as well.  When people receive help from the Fund they realize that they are part of a community that cares about them, something that can be invaluable for anybody dealing with a serious personal misfortune.”

Actors’ Fund Executive Director David Hope said: “Theatre Cares is one of those incredible organizations that manages to accomplish great things because of the dedication of their volunteers, who raise over $35,000 every year with no paid staff. Over the past 20 years they have contributed over $100,000 to the Actors’ Fund which has supported many members of the community and for which we are incredibly grateful.”

Theatre Cares Vancouver is a volunteer based organization that unites the generous spirit of Vancouver’s performing arts community with its supporters to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS relief and other worthy charities. The charity is entirely volunteer run, allowing 90% of funds raised to go directly to the charities they support.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in theatre, film & TV, music and dance. The Actors’ Fund is not just for actors: performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can apply for help from the Fund which delivered over $450,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to clients in the last 12 months and has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958.

Richard Greenblatt commented on the contribution, saying “.The Actors’ Fund does an invaluable job of providing support to theatre artists in crisis situations.  We’re happy and honoured to be able to contribute to an organization that has helped so many members of our community.”  Ted Dykstra added “When we created 2 Pianos 4 Hands we had no idea that we would be performing it 15 years later.  During that time we have had the opportunity to work with so many talented and creative Canadian artists, both through 2 Pianos 4 Hands and other projects. Holding an Actors’ Fund benefit has been a great way to give back to the theatre community that has contributed to the play’s success.”

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in theatre, film & TV, music and dance. The Actors’ Fund is not just for actors: performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can apply for help from the Fund which delivered over $450,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to clients in the last 12 months and has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958.

Moon Point opens its one-week run in Toronto on February 3^rd, with the 1^st screening at 2pm at AMC Theatres Yonge and Dundas with later screenings that day at 4:45, 7:00 and 9:45.  Donations for the Actors’ Fund of Canada will be collected at a February 2^nd screening as well as at the Moon Point merchandise table at the evening shows on February 3^rd and 4^th,

Moon Point has played the festival circuit with great success, showing at the Anchorage International Film Festival, at Cinefest in Sudbury, Edmonton international Film Festival, and the Film North Festival, where it won the People’s Choice Award.

Moon Point is the first film to be distributed by INDIECAN ENTERTAINMENT, a new distribution company introduced in November 2011 by veteran film producer Avi Federgreen. Indiecan will focus on Canadian independent, low-budget films. Indiecan’s vision is to not only support Canadian production but to encourage the viewing of Canadian films by Canadian audiences.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that has delivered over $450,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to entertainment industry members in crisis in the last year and has helped over 11,000 members since it was founded in 1958.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada was the recipient of the 2011 Gemini Special Award for exceptional service to the Canadian television industry.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry. Performers and others who work behind the scenes in film and television, theatre, music and dance can apply for emergency financial aid from the Fund. Through its Film and Television Relief Program (www.emergencyrelief.ca), the Fund will help hundreds of film & television industry workers recover from illness, injury or other circumstances causing severe economic and personal hardship in 2012.

For the second year running Key Grip, Mark Manchester organized a garage sale on the set of King. Members of the crew donated DVDs, clothes and other items to be sold during the lunch break. While shoppers perused the goods they also had the opportunity to buy fresh oysters that were being sold to raise additional money.  All together, $1,053 was raised over the course of one lunch.

Lost Girl got cast and crew involved by holding a series of 50/50 draw that raised $1,425 over the course of a few weeks. The producers at Prodigy Pictures matched that amount, bringing their total to $2,850

On the set of Covert Affairs $400 was raised with a scrap metal drive.  The team effort was spearheaded by set Wireman Ian Foulds, assisted by Location Support crew member Craig Stewart.  Scrap metal from the construction of the set was collected and sold, with the money benefiting the Actors’ Fund of Canada and its Film & Television Relief Program.

“Taking part in the Charity Challenge is an important part of working in the film and television industry; by raising money you help strengthen a safety net that will be there to catch you if you need it” said  Foulds. There are always opportunities for raising money if you look for them, I would encourage everybody working on a set in Canada to think up a way that their production can help this important cause.”

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that has delivered over $450,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to entertainment industry members in crisis in the last 24 months and has helped over 11,000 members since it was founded in 1958.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada was the recipient of the 2011 Gemini Special Award for exceptional service to the Canadian television industry.

CONTACT:

David Hope, The Actors’ Fund of Canada
Phone: 1-877-399-8392
E-mail:contact@actorsfund.ca

Scott Florence, Artistic Director of A Company of Fools was pleased with the event, saying “We’re known for passing the hat outdoors at our summer productions, so we thought we’d keep the tradition going for our indoor winter show. We were delighted to support the Actors’ Fund, especially during the holiday season when many of us concentrate so much on celebrating we forget how much need still exists.”  Nancy Oakley, General Manager at GCTC added “We have a second benefit planned for late spring, but when Company of Fools suggested doing audience collections during their production we were happy to participate. Every fundraiser really makes a difference, with the money raised going to support those who need it the most. With that in mind I would like to remind people that the theatre season is drawing to a close and that if your theatre has not yet held a benefit, now is the time to start thinking about scheduling one. The Fund is there for everybody in this community, but it is up to us to ensure it remains strong.”

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in theatre, film & TV, music and dance. The Actors’ Fund is not just for actors: performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can apply for help from the Fund which delivered over $450,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to clients in the last 12 months and has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958.
 CONTACT:

David Hope, The Actors’ Fund of Canada
Phone: 1-877-399-8392
E-mail:contact@actorsfund.ca

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry. Performers and others who work behind the scenes in film and television, theatre, music and dance can apply for emergency financial aid from the Fund. Through its Film and Television Relief Program (www.emergencyrelief.ca), the Fund will help hundreds of film & television industry workers recover from illness, injury or other circumstances causing severe economic and personal hardship in 2012.

“We were very happy to participate in the Film & TV Charity Challenge”, said My Babysitter’s A Vampire Producer Byron A. Martin who, with Really Me Producer Jim Corston supported the fundraising effort. “The Actors’ Fund is critical to the health of our industry and we urge any production that is in a position to raise funds through the Charity Challenge to do so.”, added Mr. Martin.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in film & TV, theatre, music and dance. The Actors’ Fund is not just for actors: performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can apply for help from the Fund which delivered over $450,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to clients in the last year and has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada was the recipient of the 2011 Gemini Special Award for exceptional service to the Canadian television industry.

CONTACT:

David Hope, The Actors’ Fund of Canada
Phone: 1-877-399-8392
E-mail:contact@actorsfund.ca

 St. John’s – On a late November weekend, the cast and crew of Republic of Doyle laced up their skates to raise $12,000 for the Actors’ Fund of Canada’s Film & TV Charity Challenge in the annual Kilgallon Cup hockey tournament to break the previous Charity Challenge fundraising record of $11,700 held by CBC TV’s Heartland.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry. Performers and others who work behind the scenes in film and television, theatre, music and dance can apply for emergency financial aid from the Fund. Through its Film and Television Relief Program (www.emergencyrelief.ca), the Fund will help hundreds of film & television industry workers recover from illness, injury or other circumstances causing severe economic and personal hardship in 2012.

Two teams made up of cast and crew from Republic of Doyle squared off against each other and the Toronto Morningstars, a team that included Dave Bidini of Bidiniband. Fans came out to cheer on the players, with ticket sales for the event benefiting the Fund.

The total of more than $800 raised at the door was supplemented with a $5,000 contribution from film technicians union IATSE Local 849, which was matched with $5,200 from the producers of Republic of Doyle. Directors Guild of Canada – Atlantic Regional Council topped up the total with a $1,000 contribution.

“We have wanted to participate in the Charity Challenge for a long time” said Republic of Doyle star and Executive Producer Allan Hawco. “When it was suggested that we turn our annual hockey tournament into a Charity Challenge event we knew immediately that it was a great idea. It’s great to be able to spend time having fun with the people you work with and know that you raised money for a great cause while you were doing it.”

Actors’ Fund Executive Director David Hope praised the truly remarkable effort, saying” We’re thrilled at how the cast, crew, producers and the local unions and guilds have all come together to support this event. Every day, vulnerable members of our industry approach us in some of the most difficult circumstances. It’s heartening to know that there are so many caring people who are willing to help their colleagues who to bounce back from some incredibly challenging situations.”

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that has delivered over $450,000 rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to entertainment industry members in crisis in the last year and has helped over 11,000 members since it was founded in 1958.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada was the recipient of the 2011 Gemini Special Award for exceptional service to the Canadian television industry.

-30-

CONTACT:

David Hope, The Actors’ Fund of Canada
Phone: 1-877-399-8392
E-mail:contact@actorsfund.ca
Web site: actorsfund.ca

The touring companies reached out Toronto audiences and explained the important role the two charities can play in the life of an artist struggling to recover from extreme personal or professional hardship. Audiences responded to the appeal with generosity, donating money that will help many people working in the entertainment industry get back on their feet after a serious setback.

Commenting on the fundraising effort, Actors’ Fund of Canada Executive Director David Hope said: “It was great to see three major touring companies making appeals within the span of a few weeks. These fundraisers were successful because members of the companies went to tremendous lengths, volunteering their time and energy to raise these funds. We also want to express our warmest gratitude to the presenters of these shows for supporting this fundraising initiative; without their support these collections could not have succeeded so brilliantly.”

“This is a difficult business to be in, no matter what side of the border you are on”, added BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola. “Audience collections help raise the money that is needed to support those who find themselves with nowhere else to turn. This year we have had the pleasure of expanding our partnership with the Actors’ Fund of Canada. The fact that at least one company achieved their best fundraising results of the whole tour in Toronto really goes to show the level of cross-border cooperation and understanding that exists within the theater community. We hope to continue to grow this partnership and work together to ensure a stronger, kinder entertainment industry.”

Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS is one of the leading industry-based, non-profit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations in the United States. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theater community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $200 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses nationwide. BC/EFA is the major supporter of The Actors Fund, based in New York City and awards annual grants to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations across the United States.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in theatre, film & TV, music and dance. The Actors’ Fund is not just for actors: performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can apply for help from the Fund which assists hundreds of industry members each year with rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses and has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958.

-30-

CONTACT:

David Hope, The Actors’ Fund of Canada                      Tom Viola, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Phone: 1-877-399-8392                                                      Phone: (212) 840-0770
E-mail:contact@actorsfund.ca                                         E-mail:  info@broadwaycares.org
Web site: www.broadwaycares.org

The reading will be held at  Hendry Warehouse, 140 Rupert Avenue at Lily Street, Winnipeg.  Tickets are pay-what-you-can and are available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Find out more about this benefit performance

The Master Playwrights Festival was founded in 2001, and since then has provided opportunities for both professional and emerging artists from a variety of organizations and independent companies to produce work under the umbrella of a larger festival.