The upcoming Broadway musical The Prom, which explores how the theatre scene can (perhaps comically) band together to support a school community in need, will live up to its promise through an arrangement with the Educational Theatre Foundation.
In an unprecedented partnership, the musical will donate a percentage of box-office sales to ETF, which provides support for theatre programs to schools across the country. The funding will help support the Educational Theatre Association’s JumpStart Theatre initiative, as well as help provide need-based grants to both schools and individual educators.
“The spirit of The Prom is one of tolerance, acceptance, and love—very much in line with the inclusive philosophies of the Educational Theatre Foundation,” said the producers of the musical. “We're honored to be part of this partnership and look forward to a wonderful and collaborative journey together.”
ETF President Julie Cohen Theobald added, “To have a portion of proceeds from ticket sales going directly to increase access to school theatre programs that help those most in need find a better life path is truly something to get up and dance about.”
The announcement was made as part of the EdTA-produced International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Prom, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, will begin performances October 23 at the Cort Theatre. The Bob Martin, Matthew Sklar, and Chad Beguelin musical tells the story of an Indiana high schooler barred from bringing her girlfriend to the prom—and the group of eccentric Broadway folk who infiltrate the town in an earnest, misguided attempt to fight the injustice.Reprising their performances from the 2016 Atlanta world premiere will be Tony winner Beth Leavel, Tony nominees Christopher Sieber and Brooks Ashmanskas, Caitlin Kinnunen, Isabelle McCalla, Angie Schworer, Josh Lamon, and Courtenay Collins. Joining them for the Broadway bow is Michael Potts.
