Services for Performers

SERVICES FOR PERFORMERS

EAG's programs and services focus primarily on sustaining and supporting the careers of working performers. We are here to help bridge those inevitable gaps that happen in performing arts careers and get people back on stage and performing.

The Emergency Aid and Relief Program (EARP)

At the heart of EAG's charitable outreach is the EARP. Through this program, we give grants to qualified performers in financial crisis regardless of religion, race, national origin or ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, political ideology/affiliations, or language. Through EARP we address critical issues like eviction, housing court stipulations, utility shutoffs, emergency medical and dental costs, and sustenance needs like food and transportation. Qualified applicants live in one of the five boroughs and have an established career working as a performer for at least five consecutive years. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit the Eligbility for EAG's Services page.

The HIV/AIDS Program

This division of the EARP addresses the specific, and often ongoing, needs of performers living with this disease. Twenty percent of our annual EARP budget is earmarked for this program.

The Actors Pantry

This on-site, volunteer-supported food pantry offers free groceries to the clients of EAG. To be eligible for this program, you must be a current recipient of the Emergency Aid & Relief Program.

The Susan Carr Pickett Fund for Veteran Actors

Through this fund, a portion of the EARP is designated for working and retired actors who are over 65 years old. This special fund was created in 2013 through the generosity of Susan Carr Pickett.

The Wishing Kids Foundation

The Wishing Kids Foundation is dedicated to helping performers and their families who are suffering from life-altering illness, terminal or otherwise. Through this partnership, we will continue to pay it forward and help ease the inevitable financial hardships accompanied with such struggles.

The Florence James Children’s Holiday Fund

Each December, EARP recipients with children are eligible to apply for an additional grant to address holiday needs. To be eligible for this program, you must have been a previous recipient of our Emergency Aid & Relief Program.

The Headshot Project

Started in 2012, this service provides EAG clients with free, professional headshots, giving them a valuable and necessary tool in advancing their career. This service is a collaboration with photographer Ahron R. Foster. To be eligible for this program, you must have been a previous recipient of our Emergency Aid & Relief Program.

Artist Afternoons

Started in 2015, this service provides EAG clients and members with free afternoon career development and self-care seminars.

EAG is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts.