The statement, which welcomes theatregoers back to Broadway and addresses those in need, follows:

"New Yorkers are famously resilient, despite even the most difficult challenges. They always bounce back.

People in entertainment and performing arts are just as tough. We all know it takes guts to survive the ups and downs of this business.

We send a standing ovation to the Broadway community as they re-open today after closures due to the storm. The Actors Fund has been there throughout the past 130 to years, to celebrate the 'ups' and help our community during the 'downs.'

Case in point: Even though our website and NY Office number continue to be periodically affected by outages caused by Hurricane Sandy, we are open for business and our staff are here to help during this very difficult time in the Tri-State region. We've been receiving messages from people in need of emergency financial assistance, last-minute work, access to medical care and others who just want to help our community by making donations to assist those hurt most by the storm.

Whether your home or apartment was damaged in the storm and you don't know who to contact for help, or you are without work or between gigs and have no steady income, or you are without medical insurance and in need of medical care, or you simply are at risk with no friends or family to go to for emergency financial help, the entertainment and performing arts community can continue to reach out to us for assistance. That's why The Actors Fund exists.

During the time our website and NY phones are down, you'll find our contact numbers and more information on relief organizations and how to get help on our Blog at www.actorsfund.wordpress.com. Or simply call us at 917-281-5936.

Thank you to this amazing entertainment community who is always there to support each other, and we thank our incredible donors who make our work possible.

Whether you find yourself alone and in need of help, or you are back on the boards tonight at 8 pm, remember The Actors Fund is here for you. For everyone.

Now on with the show!"

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The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone—performers and those behind the scenes—who works in performing arts and entertainment, helping more than 12,800 people directly each year, and hundreds of thousands online. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund’s programs include social services and emergency assistance, health care and insurance, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund has—for 130 years—been a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition.