TDF will launch a second season of its Veterans Program thanks to a $100,000 grant through New York City Council funding on behalf of NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Chair of the Committee on Veterans Councilman Chaim Deutsch.
The program invites New York City’s former servicemen and women to attend a Broadway show for free, in addition to programming talks with veterans who are working with each production to help build a sense of community with former service members in attendance.
Twelve Broadway shows are currently participating in the program this season, including Summer, The Play That Goes Wrong, Head Over Heels, Beautiful, The Band’s Visit, Wicked, Frozen, The Book of Mormon, Waitress, Once On This Island, The Phantom of the Opera, and Aladdin.
TDF is currently partnering with the following veteran’s groups and organizations with more to follow: American Legion NYPD Post 460, Blue Star Families, Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, Bronx Vet Center, Columbia University Veterans, CUNY, Easter Seals, Fordham University Vets, Fountain House, NYMetroVets, NY Troopers Marine Corp Association, NYU Veterans, SAGEVets, Samaritan Village, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 72, and Wounded Warrior Project.
“We launched this program last year and it proved to be a great success,” said Victoria Bailey, TDF executive director. “We’re thankful to Councilman Chaim Deutsch and NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson for giving us the opportunity to continue to serve this wonderful group of New Yorkers, which helps solidify our ongoing commitment to make sure that everyone in New York City has access to the performing arts.”
“Providing all New Yorkers with access to our city’s unparalleled cultural scene is a priority for this Council, and that of course includes veterans of our armed forces,” Johnson said. “The TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program serves those who have served our country through the bright lights of Broadway, and I am proud to have worked with Veterans Committee Chair Deutsch and our Council colleagues to help make that service possible for another year.”
“As Chairman of the NYC Council’s Veteran’s Committee, it was extremely important to me to ensure funding for programs that provide cultural experiences for our city’s veterans,” Deutsch added. “TDF does phenomenal work bringing veteran New Yorkers to see the best Broadway can offer. After the shows, veteran groups provide an opportunity for the participants to discuss their common experiences with fellow veterans. I look forward to continuing to work with TDF as they offer programs for veterans across our city.”
