Stratford Festival Raises Record-Breaking Amount for Actors' Fund of Canada

William Shakespeare wrote in The Merchant of Venice: "How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world." In 2014, the Stratford Festival shone by raising a record-breaking $66,686 for the Actors' Fund of Canada, the lifeline for Canada's entertainment industry. Company member giving to the Fund through payroll donations, proceeds from Madness Mug sales, audience collections and a benefit performance of Hay Fever, helped to provide much-needed financial aid to entertainment industry members who are facing times of crisis.

In the month of September, Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino and Executive Director Anita Gaffney provided precious stage time, to hold audience collections for nine shows at all four Stratford Festival theatres, an initiative led by Actors' Fund Board Member, and veteran Stratford Festival performer, Seana McKenna. "My gratitude to all the individuals, from the casts, crews and various departments at Stratford, who were involved in the audience collections and all those who gave through payroll donations," McKenna said. "Special thanks as well to our Stratford patrons who gave so generously!"

The Stratford Festival has a long history of supporting the work of the Actors' Fund of Canada, and Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino is proud that the Stratford Festival can continue supporting cultural workers in need, including those working in theatre. "Part of the mandate of the Stratford Festival has always been to foster and support the development of Canadian theatre professionals. One of the many ways we do that, along with our many wonderful educational and training programs at the Stratford Festival, is to help those who work in the theatre to recover from what otherwise might be a career-ending injury or illness and return to the development of their craft," said Cimolino.

The Actors' Fund of Canada thanks the Stratford Festival, Seana McKenna, company members, Stratford Festival patrons and everyone involved for their continued support.

Photo by David Hou