Before Google, one of the most efficient ways to find potential actors was the Players' Guide. Inside its hardbound cover were white glossy pages of tiny headshots of actors young and old, along with their names and - of course - their agent. 

And though today it seems old-fashioned to call someone a character actor or, even worse, an ingenue, that's exactly how the Players' Guide divided the performers. 

Below are a few shots from the 1967 Guide, featuring some famous faces and a few special friends of EAG.

For a bit more on the publication, read the New York Times' 'obit to the Guide here. 

Joseph Jefferson lived quite a life. Today, he's best known as one of the most celebrated actors of the 19th-century and the one responsible for coining the name "The Little Church Around the Corner." 

But Jefferson had another passion: painting. Fellow actor Francis Wilson said of Jefferson that he "became restless if long without a brush in his hand." Jefferson even had several exhibitions of his work including those at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the National Academy of Design. 

Today, one of his landscapes is proudly displayed on our walls. And next to it is a photograph of Jefferson at work, looking restful with brush in hand. 

Check back for more treasures from the Archives at EAG. 

- Matt Roberson

A lot has changed since 1923, but our desire to “take good care” of performers in crisis remains strong and constant. Guided by this mission, we’re proud to now offer a full suite of programs ranging from scholarships for emerging artists to grants for veteran actors.

In this difficult economy though, it’s not surprising that EAG’s most in-demand program is The Actors Pantry, which since December 2014 has given free groceries to over 200 clients and their families.
Unfortunately, this basic need shows no signs of going away. That’s why we're asking you to make a generous financial donation to The Actors Pantry.

Giving is easily done by clicking on the button below to donate via PayPal; by calling (212) 685-2927 with a Visa, MasterCard or Discover; or by mailing a check made out to "The Episcopal Actors' Guild" to us here at Guild Hall (1 East 29th Street, NYC 10016).

Tony-nominees Lisa Howard (It Shoulda Been You, South Pacific, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), John Herrera (Mystery of Edwin Drood, Evita, The Mambo Kings) and Jane Summerhays (A Chorus Line, Me and My Girl) join singer Jason McCollum and actor Brian Roland in the lineup for EAG’s Second Annual Summertime Soiree benefit! 
 
Enjoy performances, appetizers, and cocktails throughout the evening.  Plus, there is the chance to win amazing raffle prizes including:

1. "Cinema al Dente": one year Cineaste Plus One membership at IFC Center PLUS dinner for two at Da Andrea Ristorante.
2. "Music... the Food of Love": a three course dinner for two at The Gander PLUS two tickets to see "The Band's Visit" at Atlantic Theater Company (Nov '16-Jan '17)
3. "Everything's Coming Up Roses": two passes for an Act One Broadway Up Close Walking Tour PLUS a one year Family Pass to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
4. "Plays for Days": two tickets to see "Layover" at 2econd Stage (Aug-Sep '16), two tickets to see "Avenue Q" at New World Stages (now thru Dec '16), two tickets to any 59E59 production (now thru June '17) PLUS a one year membership at 59E59.
5. BROADWAY TICKETS: two tickets to one of the following Broadway shows courtesy of Nederlander Producting Company: Waitress, Finding Neverland, On Your Feet!, Motown!, or An American in Paris. The best part...you win, you pick the show!

All proceeds benefit New York’s performing artists in need.  

Ticket Pricing:
 
$35: Individual Ticket (includes food and 2 drink tickets)
$50: Individual Reserved (includes food, 2 drink tickets & a reserved seat)
$250: VIP Table for 4 (includes food, 3 drink tickets per person & a reserved table in the front)
  
To Order Tickets:
Please call the Guild Office (212-685-2927) with your credit card number
OR you can pay at the door.

NOTE:  This event is on the second floor with no elevator.

​Since 1923, supporters of The Episcopal Actors’ Guild have shown incredible dedication to our mission of helping actors “of all faiths, and none.”
 
Powered by this support, EAG continues to develop and expand our vital programs and services, through which we help clients deal with a wide range of challenges, including those faced by senior performers, those with children, and those living with HIV/AIDS.
 
Just look at what we’ve accomplished in the past year:

• 180 emergency grants to local, professional performers
• 36 performers saved from eviction or utility shut-offs
• 43 helped with paying medical bills and insurance
• 46 free, professional headshots for working actors
• $5,500 in scholarships to emerging artists
• Free groceries to 86 clients and their families through the Actors Pantry

 
As a friend of EAG, we know you believe in the value of this work, and want to make sure we can continue for years to come.
 
That’s why we are asking you to make a contribution to this year’s Annual Giving Campaign.
 
Every dollar makes a difference and you can easily give in one of three ways:

• By Mail: Send a check to The Episcopal Actors' Guild, Attn: Annual Giving Campaign, 1 East 29th Street, New York, NY 10016.
• By Phone: Call (212) 685-2927 and we can process your credit card donation.
• Online: Click the button below to donate through PayPal.