Broadway & Beyond Launches $100,000 Fundraiser to Support First Hybrid Networking Event for SMs of Color

Broadway & Beyond: Access for Stage Managers of Color will host its first hybrid networking event, with both in-person and virtual meeting opportunities, in New York City this September, continuing its mission to provide opportunity, education and vital industry connections for stage managers of color. Following the extraordinary success of its three virtual-only networking events, the multi-day hybrid event will foster in-person connections for those who are able to attend in person in New York, while continuing to provide an opportunity for stage managers of color and professionals from around the country to participate virtually.

To ensure this opportunity is made available to as many qualified applicants as possible, Broadway & Beyond has launched a $100,000 fundraiser to support travel and housing costs for attendance at the event and other expenses associated with hosting its first in-person meeting. Thomas Schumacher and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS have graciously pledged to match donations made by May 31 up to $35,000.

Funds raised through the campaign will cover travel and hotel costs for stage managers of color outside of the New York City area whose applications are accepted for the event. Additional support will be made available on a case-by-case basis for applicants who live in the NYC area and need assistance with local travel, childcare or other support that enables them to attend the event in person.

To make a tax-deductible donation to support stage managers of color making vital industry connections that can earn them jobs they may not otherwise have access to, visit BroadwayBeyondAccess.com

"When we held our first networking event for stage managers of color in December of 2020, our industry was completely shut down, and meeting in person, especially in large groups, was not only impractical, but unsafe. We are so proud of the opportunities our three virtual events have provided for stage managers at various levels of the business and across the country, and we can't wait to feel the excitement and energy that can only happen when people gather together to meet, exchange ideas and share space," said Broadway & Beyond founders Lisa Dawn Cave, Beverly Jenkins, Jimmie Lee Smith and Kenneth J. McGee. "As we prepare for this next step in achieving our mission of providing opportunities for stage managers of color throughout the performing arts industry, we're incredibly grateful for the pledged support of Tom Schumacher and Broadway Cares, and we thank you for considering a donation that will enable us to create even more meaningful connections and access to our community of theatre makers."

More details about the September hybrid event, including dates and registration deadline, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Since its founding in December 2020, Broadway & Beyond: Access for Stage Managers of Color has hosted three virtual networking events. Its inaugural event was hosted by Tony-winning director Kenny Leon and marked a first-of-its-kind opportunity for 75 stage managers of color from around the country to meet more than 30 professionals, including veteran stage managers, production supervisors, producers and general managers representing Broadway, touring and several major regional theatres. Broadway & Beyond hosted two more networking events in March 2021 and January 2022, expanding the network of professionals to include Off-Broadway, opera, cruise lines and events. They have also hosted a résumé and interview prep workshop and created an online database of stage managers of color, as well as a job notices page, both of which are available for free at BroadwayBeyondAccess.com. In April of this year, they hosted professors and veteran stage managers Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter for a webinar on anti-racist and anti-oppressive stage management practices.

Since its first event just over a year ago, Broadway and Beyond alumni have accepted 50 jobs - including 15 in the current Broadway season - via connections made through the organization and its networking events.

Broadway & Beyond: Access for Stage Managers of Color is a networking organization that connects early and mid-career BIPOC stage managers with industry professionals. Led by veteran stage managers Lisa Dawn Cave, Beverly Jenkins, Jimmie Lee Smith and Kenneth J. McGee, Broadway & Beyond provides opportunities to aspiring and current stage managers of color to learn from industry insiders and meet industry leaders, and provides insights to help BIPOC stage managers start, maintain and advance a career in the arts and theatre through free networking and educational events.

For more information, visit BroadwayBeyondAccess.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram @broadwayandbeyondaccess.

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