Organization Details:

The Actors Fund is a nationwide human services organization that helps everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition.

Description and/or History:
The Actors Fund's history dates back to 1882, when people working in the arts and entertainment – Buffalo Bill Cody, P.T. Barnum, and the esteemed actor Edwin Booth, to name a few - decided that a formal entity was needed to support troupes stranded out of town, or who had no place to live or retire, or had no proper recourse for funeral and burial services. The Actors Fund is available for everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment – including actors in theatre, film, and TV; musical performers; dancers – show, classical, modern, etc.; opera artists; and the myriads of those craftspeople and professionals who work in making the arts and entertainment come to life each day. The Actors Fund works closely with the major entertainment unions and guilds, yet clients do not have to be a member of a guild or union – or a member of The Actors Fund – to receive services, participate in programs, or receive support. Through ongoing research, participation in many partner programs and an active role in the entertainment community, The Fund continuously assesses the needs of our constituency and adds to our programs, offering an ever-growing profile of services. We accomplish our nationwide work through offices and staff in key industry locations – a New York City headquarters and offices in Los Angeles and Chicago – and our direct program support reached 10,987 in 46 states in 2008. The New York office serves almost 55% of all cases and clients each year.

Contact people:

Barbara Davis, Chief Operating Officer, (212) 221-7300, (email) Carol Wilson, Program Director, (212) 221-7300, (email) Charlene Morgan, Assistant Director, (212) 221-7300, (email)

Address:

729 Seventh Avenue 10th Floor New York, NY 10019 (See a map)

Directions:

The N, R or W train to 49th Street/7th Avenue, come up to street and walk 50 feet to building entrance. The 1 Train to 50th Street, walk East to 7th Avenue, then 1 block South to 729 Seventh Avenue The E. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: N/R 49th Street-7th Avenue,   Walk distance (in minutes): 1   Nearest Bus Stop: M50 at 7th Avenue, 1 minute walk