Suggestions

DIRECT AUDIENCE APPEALS - This is by far the most effective way to raise funds and awareness. All this means is that you ask the audience for donations in a short speech that is direct and to the point. Very easy. Very painless. It is delivered after the curtain call (usually while the rest of the cast is still on stage), and if possible, cast members can then leave the stage to collect at the exits with hats, buckets or boxes. (Volunteers can always take these positions if cast members cannot.) Red ribbons can be handed out to whomever wishes one; BC/EFA will be glad to provide you with them - simply phone or e-mail your request, stating the number of ribbons you think you'll need.

It is wise to seek permission and cooperation of the management of the theater before you do an appeal. Please be sure that your sponsor (or an appropriate school official) has given approval to collect from the audience.

LOBBY SALES & SILENT AUCTIONS - Schools in the past have been rather successful in raising money by selling or auctioning items in the lobby of the theater or auditorium. Sometimes, items and services can be solicited by your community vendors and organizations: how about a free meal for two at the popular night spot? Or a day at the local spa or gym? Hand-made crafts and artwork seem to do very well, as do pictures with the cast, pieces of wardrobe or props from the show (especially if these are autographed - make your mother proud!). Backstage tours, bake sales, t-shirts and signed programs are all good ideas. Depending on the time of year, BC/EFA might be able to help you out with some Broadway show memorabilia: autographed show posters, playbills, props, etc. Sometimes we can stock up on donations, and sometimes they go pretty quickly, so don't be shy - ask! Be as creative as you can, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how generous people can be, especially if you're inspired!

OPENING NIGHT DONATIONS - Instead of exchanging opening night gifts, talk to your troupe beforehand to see if members might be interested in chipping in to make a donation on behalf of the entire troupe. You can either agree on a set amount per person, say, five or ten bucks, or you can simply set up a donation bucket and have people drop in whatever they choose. This is a great way to have the entire troupe - from the leads to the stagehands - participate. And what a great way to celebrate your hard work as a team! Go for it!

CUSS BOX - Started as a way to keep things clean, especially when kids are in the show, this has become a rather fun way of raising money. Every time someone in the cast or crew slips and lets out and off-color remark during rehearsals or production, he or she must put a donation in the box. Use your judgment and be ruthless - the bigger the curse word, the larger the donation! It's a great way to teach people a lesson while raking in some coin!

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES - If you're between shows, or if the spirit moves you, throw a Talent Show! Invite your entire school to participate, and donate the proceeds to BC/EFA. Get the Football Team to sing! Get the Math Team to dance! One-night Cabarets are also fun, and every high school has at least one Rock 'n Roll Band… Tap into talent and expand the glory; get everyone involved!

POOLS - Now, we're by no means promoting such behavior as gambling, but, if your troupe is so inclined as to organize a pool for the Oscars or the Tonys - or even the NCAA Basketball Tournament (get your Phys Ed classes involved!), why not relieve your guilty conscience by sending all or part of the proceeds to BC/EFA?

HOST AN AIDS AWARENESS DAY - Here's a big deal. Contact your local AIDS Organization and ask if they will send a speaker to your school. (If you're in the New York City area, we might even be able to come.) We'll send you ribbons to put out for donations, as well as brochures and printed matter. Write, rehearse and perform your own special piece specific to the day, and raise awareness through your talent. If you like, contact Theater Troupes whose purpose it is to travel to schools and perform on this subject, then spark a discussion with your teachers and classmates. Or, go the extra mile and contact the AIDS Memorial Quilt to schedule a showing at your school. Make the day about what you think it should be about. But mostly, don't forget to celebrate your efforts as a Troupe! (Need help? Chances are we might have a contact for these or other organizations in your area - please ask!)