Beth Leavel, Brooks Askmankas and THE PROM Cast to Take Part in Online Events for Build a Virtual Prom Initiative

The Broadway Company of THE PROM launched the #buildavirtualprom initiative encouraging teenagers all over the world who are currently missing pivotal high school experiences, like the Prom, to get dressed up and dance their unruly hearts out in their homes. The idea is to give high school students a small sense of normalcy during the coronavirus pandemic. Students are encouraged to submit their videos and prom photos to broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/prom2020, and as many submissions as possible will be compiled into "one big worldwide prom."

Cast member Courtney Balan came up with this idea after her husband, a High School theatre teacher, relayed the anxiety and disappointment his students are feeling over missing the pivotal moments in their high school years like graduation, the Spring musical, and the prom.

"It made me think of an idea. I ran it past the cast and company and got a positive reaction, as well as some significant creative input to make it one big exciting event" says Balan.

To raise awareness for the #buildavirtualprom initiative, The Broadway Babysitters Playhouse will lead an all-day celebration on May 2nd, which will feature A Q&A with Beth Leavel, Brooks Ashmanskas , Angie Schworer, Micheal Potts and Josh Lamon, a dance party with cast member Fernell Hogan and more.

Vasthy Mompoint will host the event. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the Broadway Babysitters event, and donation proceeds will go to Broadway feeds Bellvue.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski