A.C.T. Fundraiser Brings In $320,000

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) raised over $320,000 and counting by hosting a one-night-only virtual fundraiser last Saturday. Proceeds will support A.C.T.’s education and community programs, reaching almost 200,000 Bay Area–based recipients each year.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Theatre Bay Area’s Performing Arts Worker Relief Fund for performing arts workers whose income was impacted by coronavirus.

More than 850 guests tuned in via multiple platforms.

“The community came out in full force to celebrate and support A.C.T.,” said executive director Jennifer Bielstein. “We had theater-lovers, board members, artists, teaching artists, staff, and volunteers join us online. We are grateful to these friends of A.C.T., and because of the funds raised, we are able to confidently continue providing vital arts education and training to the San Francisco Bay Area.”

The event included performances including songs from A.C.T.’s recently canceled productions of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show and Poor Yella Rednecks: Vietgone Part 2. Between performances were heartfelt testimonials from performers including two-time Emmy Award winner Tony Hale (Wakey, Wakey), Tony Award winner BD Wong (The Great Leap), and acclaimed actress Ellen McLaughlin (Seascape).

The fundraising efforts were boosted by matching gifts, one for $50,000 from A.C.T. Trustee Jerry Dodson and his wife, Thao Dodson, and one for $5,000 from Fred Levin, in memory of A.C.T. Chair Emerita Nancy Livingston Levin. In addition, A.C.T. Trustee Toni Rembe provided funds to be used as additional matching funds for dollars raised throughout this week. Donations continue to be accepted on A.C.T.’s YouTube Page.

The Event Committee, led by A.C.T. Trustees Gerine Ongkeko and Patrick S. Thompson, includes Jesse Lee Eller, Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff, Toni Ratner Miller, Susan Minasian, and Abby Sadin Schnair.

Spring Forward’s Sponsors are Hilton Union Square/Parc 55 and JPMorgan Chase & Co., with additional leading support provided by Linda Jo Fitz & Abby and Gene Schnair, Frannie Fleishhacker, Kevin and Celeste Ford, Jascha and Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff & Patrick S. Thompson, Gerine Ongkeko and Jorge del Calvo, and Robina Riccitiello.

A.C.T. has launched This Is Just Intermission—InterACT at Home, an online initiative that aims to engage, enrich, and entertain patrons through a series of interactive events, activities, and innovative programming from the comfort and safety of their homes. Visit A.C.T.'s website to see upcoming events.