Providing Lifelines of Support for Those Onstage and Offstage

Throughout the year, for eight shows a week, artists onstage and the unseen theatre professionals offstage entertain audiences across the country. But, when the physical toll of this demanding life sets in or unexpected crises arise, it can be challenging to know where to turn in times of need.

Thanks to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ supporters, $6.2 million was shared with The Actors Fund in 2019. This supports the Fund’s lifesaving and life-affirming social service programs including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, Addiction and Recovery Services, The Dancers’ Resource and more. It’s a safety net of social services helping everyone in entertainment and the performing arts who are in need, crisis or transition.

The Friedman Health Center, operated by The Actors Fund in partnership with Mount Sinai Doctors, is the only center in New York City focused on the needs of the entertainment and performing arts community. The center expanded in 2019 to include more specialists and general practitioners. This growth was buoyed by annual support of $1.2 million from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

“We’re responsive to the needs of the community,” said Renata Marinaro, director of health services, national at The Actors Fund. “We’re listening and reacting to the demands of our patients. An example is the number of women who have told us they need good gynecological care in this city as well as quick, easy access to it. So that is something we made sure to add, and part of what has fueled this growth at The Friedman.”

In addition to a female gynecologist, The Friedman Health Center added a female family medicine doctor this fall, who joins the two existing male primary care physicians. The center also added a dermatologist – with a second still to come, who is in addition to the podiatry and physical therapy services that have been part of the center’s expansion.

“Dermatology was very important to us because it’s something our community expressed they needed,” said Dr. Jason Kindt, medical director at The Friedman Health Center and one of its general practitioners. “Also, sports medicine and physical therapy were key additions because of dancers’ and performers’ injuries. The center is open to everyone, but we are definitely keeping the needs of performing arts professionals in mind as we move forward and expand.”

The Friedman Health Center’s physical therapist is a former dancer, furthering the deep connection and understanding with the center’s patients.

“You can’t necessarily stay off of your foot for two weeks when you’re a performer,” Marinaro said. “We know your job depends on it.”

These doctors and specialists exist within the supportive ecosystem of The Actors Fund, offering flexible schedules and comprehensive insurance coverage for professionals in need.

“People go on and off their insurance all the time, so we accept a broad range of insurance,” Marinaro said. “If they go from Equity coverage to being uninsured, we can continue to be their medical home. We support people when they’re going through these transitions, because it can be a volatile industry. Plus, we’re open until 7 pm most nights to accommodate these individuals when they need it.”

The Actors Fund also offers wellness events every month that are free and open to the public. Led by experts, recent seminars have covered topics from coping with insomnia without medication to preventing hearing loss in an industry inundated with loud noises and special effects.

Ultimately, The Friedman Health Center, thanks in part to Broadway Cares and its supporters, thrives because its wellness professionals appreciate and respect the craft of those onstage and behind the scenes.

“I did plays when I was in high school, but my love of musical theatre didn’t make up for my lack of talent, so I went to medical school,” Kindt joked. “I never dreamed I’d get to combine both of my passions. The fact that I am this involved with the theatre community blows my mind. It’s truly a dream job for me. I get to work with some of my idols every day.”

For Marinaro, her love for the community is driven by how the community inspires her. “They make us laugh, they make us cry,” Marinaro said.” I have such respect for the work that is done in this community. Musicians, dancers, ushers, everybody in every facet puts in long hours. Their resilience is incredible. And I feel privileged to be able to help them when they need it.”

✛ HIV/AIDS Initiative

 

The HIV/AIDS Initiative works with men and women in the entertainment industry to create confidential, holistic plans and support systems that will meet each person’s emotional, medical and financial needs. The HIV/AIDS Initiative facilitates support not just for those living with HIV/AIDS, but also for their caregivers and partners who are HIV-negative.

The HIV/AIDS Initiative provides an array of supportive services including emergency financial assistance for basic necessities such as rent, food, health insurance and non-reimbursable medical expenses, case management referrals to other sources of community and public assistance, benefits advocacy, vocational retraining, counseling and support groups.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $2 million in support for the HIV/AIDS Initiative in 2019.

✛ Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative

 

The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, created in 1996 with a grant from Broadway Cares, is staffed by social workers experienced in helping women manage a range of critical health concerns.

The initiative’s dedicated resources address needs specific to women, including breast, cervical and ovarian cancers, domestic violence, chemical dependency and mental health issues. The goal is to help women receive the care and support they need to reduce stress and focus on their wellness.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $900,000 in support for the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative in 2019.

✛ Artists Health Insurance Resource Center

 

The fund’s Artists Health Insurance Resource Center was started in 1998 with the singular mission to insure every artist in the United States.  Now that that goal is closer to reality, AHIRC is positioned to help the industry understand the Affordable Care Act, its opportunities and its implications.

With in-person counseling in New York and Los Angeles, national telephone support and workshops throughout the country, AHIRC continues to work to reduce the number of uninsured artists and expand access to quality, affordable health care.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $450,000 in support for AHIRC in 2019.

✛ The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts

 

The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts offers primary and specialty care, expedited referrals and extended hours, designed with the entertainment industry’s busy and often atypical schedules in mind.

The health center also provides primary and specialty care and accepts most insurance plans, including commercial insurances, several Marketplace/Exchange plans, Medicare and Workers’ Compensation. Free and unbiased health insurance enrollment and counseling are available onsite, as well.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $1.2 million in support for The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts in 2019.

✛ The Career Center

 

A comprehensive employment and training program, the Actors Fund Work Program helps entertainment professionals identify and find sideline work and new careers in industries where their skills and experience are also valued.

By highlighting the skills of entertainment industry professionals – such as communication, discipline, creativity, flexibility and professionalism – the Actors Fund Work Program has helped clients begin careers in many other industries, including teaching, administrative support, healing professions and real estate.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $300,000 in support for the Actors Fund Work Program in 2019.

✛ The Dancers' Resource

 

Launched in 2007 with a grant from Broadway Cares, The Dancers’ Resource provides support, education and information through one-on-one counseling in New York City and telephone and email support to those across the country.

Through a dedicated social worker, the program also offers groups for dancers dealing with injuries or other health concerns. Through these groups, dancers can safely and confidentially address the emotional issues and other complexities that are specific to dancers facing physical problems. The program also addresses mental health issues, eating disorders, substance abuse and depression.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $200,000 in support for The Dancers’ Resource in 2019.

✛ Stage Managers' Project

 

The Stage Managers’ National Health Directory offers a web-based directory providing Broadway and national touring companies with a list of doctors and health professionals in 30 cities across the country. The Actors Fund as a single reliable source of doctors and specialists who can be called when cast members, crew and staff need medical care assembled the directory. The practitioners included were recommended by theatres, stage managers, actors and others in the entertainment industry.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $50,000 in support for the Stage Managers’ Project in 2019.

 

 
 

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Support for The Actors Fund by Fiscal Year

2019

Support for The Actors Fund

HIV/AIDS Initiative	$2,000,000
The Friedman Health Center For the Performing Arts	$1,200,000
Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative	$900,000
Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC)	$450,000
Addiction and Recovery Services	$350,000
The Dancers’ Resource	$200,000
The Career Center	$300,000
Safe Workplace Initiative	$250,000
Looking Ahead – Paul Libin Center	$100,000
Senior Services	$225,000
The Stage Managers’ Project	$50,000
California Wildfires Assistance	$100,000
Miscellaneous	$61,000
The Actors Fund Total: $6,186,000

 

2018

Support for The Actors Fund

HIV/AIDS Initiative	$2,000,000
The Friedman Health Center For the Performing Arts	$900,000
Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative	$850,000
Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC)	$450,000
Addiction and Recovery Services	$450,000
The Dancers’ Resource	$300,000
The Career Center	$300,000
Safe Workplace Initiative	$250,000
Looking Ahead Center	$100,000
Senior Services	$100,000
The Stage Managers’ Project	$100,000
Miscellaneous	$96,575
The Actors Fund Total: $5,896,575

 

2017

Support for The Actors Fund

HIV/AIDS Initiative	$2,000,000
Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative	$850,000
The Friedman Health Center For the Performing Arts	$900,000
Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC)	$400,000
Addiction and Recovery Services	$400,000
The Dancers’ Resource	$350,000
The Career Center	$300,000
The Stage Managers’ Project	$150,000
Miscellaneous	$37,000
Hurricane Relief	$150,000
The Actors Fund Total: $5,537,000

 

2016

Support for The Actors Fund

HIV/AIDS Initiative	$2,000,000
Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative	$810,000
Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic	$600,000
Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC)	$400,000
Addiction and Recovery Services	$400,000
The Dancers’ Resource	$310,000
Actors Fund Work Program / Career Center Stage Managers’ Project	$300,000
Miscellaneous	$82,550
Friedman Clinic Capital Campaign	$500,000
The Actors Fund Total: $5,602,550

 

2015

2014

2013

2012

2010

2009

2008

2007

BC/EFA Support for THE ACTORS FUND in 2007:  THE AIDS INITIATIVE GRANT $2,105,000  PHYLLIS NEWMAN WOMEN’S HELATH INITITATIVE GRANT $570,000  THE HIRSCHFELD FREE HEALTH CLINIC at The Auraora $675,000  ACTORS’ WORK PORGRAM – NYC $200,000  THE DANCER’S RESOURCE $125,000 TOTAL SUPPORT:  $3,675,000