The campaign is raising funds to provide underprivileged students the opportunity to participate in the program's youth ensemble, The Broadway Bound Players, free of charge.
Founded in 2004, this educational arts organization has attracted the attention of several celebrity supporters, including John Stamos (Bye Bye Birdie, "Glee"), Tony nominee Will Chase (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rent) and Tony winner Christian Borle (Peter and the Starcatcher, Legally Blonde).
Students participating in the Broadway Bound Players program become part of a theatre troupe, receiving musical theatre training from professional teaching artists. They will perform in a full-scale musical on a New York City stage, receive mentorship from the BBK staff and attend master classes with Broadway stars. They are also involved in creating props, sets and costumes for the production.
The program runs February-May 2014, and students meet every Saturday for 14 weeks.
"In the past we've run this program at schools with PTA and parent funding, and it's been amazing to see the huge impact on the kids who've participated," Erin Glass, founder of Broadway Bound Kids, said in a statement. "We feel it's crucial to provide this program at no cost to students who currently don't have access to the arts. Indiegogo and Giving Tuesday is a great way for people from all over the world to make a huge impact in the lives of these kids!" "Theatre helped me find my identity and who I was going to be," Stamos added. "Whether you're acting or doing make-up or just part of the community, it gives you a place and it gives you purpose. If you get an opportunity to be a part of something like Broadway Bound Kids, do it!"
The fundraising campaign launched Dec. 3 as part of the national day of giving, called Giving Tuesday, and all donations are tax-deductible. The fundraiser will run through the beginning of January 2014.
Learn more about Broadway Bound Kids and the Broadway Bound Players program online at BroadwayBoundKids.org. Donate to the Broadway Bound Players program and watch the video featuring Stamos, Chase and Borle here.
