Appealing to actors

Published Tuesday 14 October 2008 at 11:35

Six years ago, at a meeting of the Combined Theatrical Charities, several leading actors were discussing the problems of fundraising. Representatives of the charities involved were present, between them dealing with every aspect of need and deprivation in the profession. Eileen Atkins expressed surprise that our US colleagues successfully involved themselves in the annual Broadway Cares’ appeal, whereas in the UK we had no equivalent. Richard Attenborough explained that this had been the cherished objective when he, together with Larry Olivier and Noel Coward, had established the CTC.

Dame Eileen offered to persuade her fellow cast members to give benefit performances but the difficulties when generating such performances are many. The consensus was that, without doubt, the most successful results came when actors appealed from the stage on behalf of their less fortunate colleagues; this in spite of the reservations expressed by Eileen and others of their personal misgivings about making such a speech. I was asked to set up an annual appeal and I suggested we called it Acting for Others.

Today, those of us involved recognise the problem of persuading all actors to participate, especially with making the live appeal. Where we are most successful, audiences have responded with warmth, affection and generosity. A number of leading players have grasped the challenge with enthusiasm. Patrick Stewart in Macbeth, Gavin Creel in Mary Poppins, Christian Slater in One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest - and many others have shown us all how to do it. They enthused their fellow artistes and made inspired appeals with some remarkable results. If you are one of the doubters, please consider the following:

Objection: Some actors find it embarrassing or demeaning to appeal on behalf of theatrical causes.

Response: Members of our profession are renowned for fronting appeals for every kind of good cause - cancer, multiple sclerosis, dementia, aids, child welfare, poverty etc. It is for the relief of such hardship within our own theatre industry, from these and other disabilities, that we appeal.

Objection: The perception is that actors are well paid and in a privileged position.

Response: Some of the Combined Theatrical Charities assist not only performers but backstage and theatre staff in low-profile positions who have spent their working life in the entertainment industry. Most people know that not all are in the spotlight of fame and fortune.

Objection: Theatregoers have already spent a lot on their night out.

Response: It has been clearly shown that with cast involvement, the audience response can be outstanding. Even very small theatre communities have been shown to respond with generosity, often at all eight performances.

Objection: Why involve the cast in a speech from the stage and not just make collections?

Response: If a performer makes a personal appeal with conviction and warmth, the audience respect that sincerity. Seeing the performer and cast members demonstrate concern for others in their profession can enhance their reputation and multiply the response many fold.

Acting For Others deserves your support this October and every year. Perhaps one day, hopefully not, Acting For Others may need to act for you.

Paul Gane

Chairman

Combined Theatrical Charities

Garrick Street

London WC2E