WHO EAG HELPS
EAG's programs and services focus primarily on sustaining and supporting the careers of working actors, singers, and dancers in NYC.
We are here to help bridge those inevitable gaps that happen in arts careers and get people back on stage or on set and performing.
EAG helps qualified performing artists regardless of religion, race, national origin or ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, political ideology/affiliations, language, immigration status, or marital or parental status.
We are here to help bridge those inevitable gaps that happen in arts careers and get people back on stage or on set and performing.
EAG helps qualified performing artists regardless of religion, race, national origin or ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, political ideology/affiliations, language, immigration status, or marital or parental status.
STORIES FROM THE PERFORMERS
EAG came to the rescue.
About the client: a 47 year old actress, singer, dancer, choreographer, and teacher
The crisis: Client is the primary breadwinner for her small family. Her husband (a part-time lighting designer) stays at home with their five-year-old daughter. When COVID hit in March, she was laid off from her teaching job. Then, all of her summer work was cancelled. Finally, her holiday gigs, usually a big source of their annual income, didn't materialize. Monthly expenses were adding up quickly and she was very concerned about how to keep up and not drown during this crazy time.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, Actors Pantry
The crisis: Client is the primary breadwinner for her small family. Her husband (a part-time lighting designer) stays at home with their five-year-old daughter. When COVID hit in March, she was laid off from her teaching job. Then, all of her summer work was cancelled. Finally, her holiday gigs, usually a big source of their annual income, didn't materialize. Monthly expenses were adding up quickly and she was very concerned about how to keep up and not drown during this crazy time.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, Actors Pantry
For many years I've been able to make my living and support my family by working in the arts as both an actor/choreographer and an educator. When the pandemic hit, I panicked and felt like I was drowning in expenses and debts I couldn't keep up with. Basics like rent and food that had normally been well within reach became overwhelming. The combination of regular pandemic depression and worrying that my family would be uprooted during this time was truly devastating.
But then, EAG came to the rescue. They gave me a boost by showing me that our community can come together to help each other. I've volunteered with many organizations and felt the satisfaction of knowing I made a difference, and now I know how it feels to be on the receiving end. Thank you, EAG. You've given me much more than you can know and I appreciate you so much. —EAG Client
But then, EAG came to the rescue. They gave me a boost by showing me that our community can come together to help each other. I've volunteered with many organizations and felt the satisfaction of knowing I made a difference, and now I know how it feels to be on the receiving end. Thank you, EAG. You've given me much more than you can know and I appreciate you so much. —EAG Client
It helps tremendously to know there are people like you and organizations like EAG that truly care and bring such hope and positive energy into people's lives. - EAG Client
EAG kept me focused on the future and hopeful.
About the client: a 50 year old actress, singer, filmmaker, and composer
The crisis: Client was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment including radiation and multiple surgeries. She and her husband (also an actor) exhausted their savings as she was unable to work.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, Actors Pantry, Artist Afternoon workshops, and Headshot Project
The crisis: Client was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment including radiation and multiple surgeries. She and her husband (also an actor) exhausted their savings as she was unable to work.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, Actors Pantry, Artist Afternoon workshops, and Headshot Project
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I had been battling breast cancer for over a year and one of my counselors at the Actors Fund recommended that I contact The Episcopal Actors’ Guild for further assistance. I did so and was introduced to the most helpful people there. Not only did they help with rental assistance, free classes, and headshots, but they help me regularly with food from the pantry as well. I was surprised by the quality of the food: lots of organic and natural foods from Trader Joe’s and nutritious staple foods that have kept me afloat for months.
Karen Lehman Foster is so kind. She understands what I am going through and encourages me to take what I need. It’s hard enough to go through cancer treatment and surgeries, but also having food anxiety and needing to eat cheap, unhealthy food is very detrimental. EAG’s food pantry has helped me cut food anxiety out of the equation and stay focused on healing. The free classes and headshots have kept me focused on the future and hopeful about staying in the acting profession, once I’m healed. —EAG Client |
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You are true angels of mercy during this very dark moment in all our lives. - EAG Client
Thanks to EAG, I can smile and perform pain-free.
About the client: a 44 year old actress, dancer, and teacher
The crisis: The client had a terrible dental experience: failed root canal, infected implant, and a lot of pain. She usually does well covering all of her expenses but was not prepared for this unexpected emergency medical expense.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program
The crisis: The client had a terrible dental experience: failed root canal, infected implant, and a lot of pain. She usually does well covering all of her expenses but was not prepared for this unexpected emergency medical expense.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program
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When it comes to health, it is very difficult to find good doctors when you have limited insurance and funds. In order to use my insurance, I had been going to teaching-universities for dental care. Once in a while I had a good experience; more often than not, I had terrible experiences. At my last checkup, I found out that ALL the general work I had received there had pretty much failed. They would not even repair the damage or offer an implant for the bad work. I called Karen at EAG to ask for recommendations in the hope that some members might have found better care. Unfortunately, none of those doctors would accept my insurance, and my last option was another teaching center.
EAG helped cover the costs for me to go to a trusted family doctor who did all the repairs for me, and even saved the failed root canal that teaching-doctors wanted to rip out. Thanks to EAG, I did not lose any work, and I can smile and perform pain-free. The Episcopal Actors’ Guild makes me feel good about being an artist. Walking into the Guild Hall, there is never any judgment, only good feelings, good vibes, and compassion for people who have dedicated their lives to the arts. You guys are the best! —EAG client |
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The reduction in stress is making me more physically able to cope and live and seek work, and I am not afraid of not making rent for April. - EAG Client
Because of the fund, I knew his dream was attainable.
About the client: a 45 year old actress
The crisis: The client had surgery earlier in the year and recovery was slow and painful. EAG had been able to step in to help with an emergency grant when she was worried about losing her home while she was unable to work. Then, just before the holidays, while in the process of putting the financial pieces back together again, the show she was working on was cancelled.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, EAG's Florence James Children's Holiday Fund
The crisis: The client had surgery earlier in the year and recovery was slow and painful. EAG had been able to step in to help with an emergency grant when she was worried about losing her home while she was unable to work. Then, just before the holidays, while in the process of putting the financial pieces back together again, the show she was working on was cancelled.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, EAG's Florence James Children's Holiday Fund
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Being a single mother and actor in the film and television industry is hard, but it gets worse during and after Christmas. Everything shuts down for at least two weeks. Some shows go on hiatus until the middle of the year, and work just trickles in at the beginning of the year. You have to rely on any reserves you accumulated throughout the year to hold you over until things pick up again. In my case, the show I was on got canceled, so there was a delicate balance between when and what to spend money on because my next paycheck wasn’t guaranteed.
When I heard about the Florence James Children’s Holiday Fund, I literally felt a burden lift off my shoulders. My 6-year-old son had told me he wanted lots of gifts under the Christmas tree. Because of the fund, I knew that his dream was attainable. I was able to get him toys and other essentials he needed and watch his little face light up as he opened his presents. Thank you, EAG! You made our Christmas. —EAG Client |
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You guys are constantly thinking of us. Always. The food card brought me to tears. - EAG Client
EAG is a hub of the artistic community.
About the client: a 51 year old actor
The crisis: The client had a heart attack, which led to quadruple bypass surgery. The recovery period for this is substantial and the client was not able to work. His wife collects social security but they were not able to make it on her money alone.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, Artist Afternoons workshops, Actors Pantry, Headshot Project
The crisis: The client had a heart attack, which led to quadruple bypass surgery. The recovery period for this is substantial and the client was not able to work. His wife collects social security but they were not able to make it on her money alone.
Program/Service: EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program, Artist Afternoons workshops, Actors Pantry, Headshot Project
In 2017, my wife and I were on track for the next phase of my career. I never anticipated there would be an unavoidable obstacle in our way. On September 12, I was leaving a film set late at night, not feeling well. Ignoring the pain in my chest, I briskly walked through Times Square, headed home. Once there, I prepared for bed, anticipating the much needed rest that would relieve the pressure. However, instead of subsiding, the excruciating pain in my sternum increased, waking me up fully at 2 am as it radiated down my left arm to my elbow and hand. After rushing to the emergency room, I was informed I was having a heart attack, one that would require a quadruple bypass. My physical impairment caused me to be out of work for a full year.
EAG’s support was and is, for us, a source of great generosity, wonderful humor and unparalleled kindness. My wife and I have learned that everything rises and falls based upon leadership. An organization like EAG can only function efficiently based on the graciousness and benevolence of Executive Director Karen Lehman Foster and her wonderful staff. They truly have a heart for people. EAG is not just another arm of charity, it is a hub of the artistic community which quietly and consistently provides life support to those of us who have fallen on hard times. EAG also gives us hope and helps shape our skills and spirits through career-building workshops.
Thank you EAG for your depth of loving shown by your degree of giving into our lives. Thank you for loving and creating community. You will forever have our gratitude. —EAG Clients
EAG’s support was and is, for us, a source of great generosity, wonderful humor and unparalleled kindness. My wife and I have learned that everything rises and falls based upon leadership. An organization like EAG can only function efficiently based on the graciousness and benevolence of Executive Director Karen Lehman Foster and her wonderful staff. They truly have a heart for people. EAG is not just another arm of charity, it is a hub of the artistic community which quietly and consistently provides life support to those of us who have fallen on hard times. EAG also gives us hope and helps shape our skills and spirits through career-building workshops.
Thank you EAG for your depth of loving shown by your degree of giving into our lives. Thank you for loving and creating community. You will forever have our gratitude. —EAG Clients
Thank you to all of you at The Episcopal Actors' Guild for being there when I needed you most, and unbelievably calling me to check up again today, making sure I had food supplies, during this pandemic. - EAG Client
The Episcopal Actors' Guild of America, Inc. - 1 East 29th Street - New York, NY 10016 - (212) 685-2927
The Episcopal Actors' Guild (est. 1923) provides emergency aid and support to professional performers of all faiths and none who are undergoing financial crisis. We are also dedicated to helping emerging artists advance their careers through scholarships, awards, and performance opportunities. The Episcopal Actors' Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. All services are strictly confidential. Review our Privacy Policy.
photography by Ahron R. Foster
The Episcopal Actors' Guild (est. 1923) provides emergency aid and support to professional performers of all faiths and none who are undergoing financial crisis. We are also dedicated to helping emerging artists advance their careers through scholarships, awards, and performance opportunities. The Episcopal Actors' Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. All services are strictly confidential. Review our Privacy Policy.
photography by Ahron R. Foster
