For those who may not know, the Audience Appeal RED BUCKETS fundraiser happens TWICE a year in the Broadway and Live Theater community where all the shows come together for a friendly 6-Week competition to raise the most money for BC/EFA. It happens during the Fall (usually end of October – early December) and the Spring (usually end of March-April) of each Theater season. After a performance during the curtain call, a cast member comes forward with a speech talking about BC/EFA, the fundraiser, and encouraging Theatergoers to donate what they got. Several cast members usually will hang out in the back of the auditorium “guarding the exits” holding the famous buckets. Along with the donations, they even sell some really unique items for sale (depending on how your budget is) that is usually NOT sold at the Merchandise stands in the Theater. Many of them include…

signed playbills and posters (for those who can’t stay afterwards to stage door),

recycled prop pieces,

backstage tours,

possible cameo appearances in some of Broadway’s hottest shows,

and more.

Sometimes even during the speeches, there would be a LIVE AUCITION for unique items for sale even before the audience exits from signed score pieces, backstage tours, and even a post-show encore sing along.

Both these competitions lead up to 2 annual benefit competition variety shows the Theater community does. For the Fall, it would be for THE RED BUCKETS FOLLIES COMPETITION (formerly GYPSY OF THE YEAR) usually held at the New Amsterdam Theatre. For the Spring, it would be THE EASTER BONNETT COMEPETION at the Minskoff Theatre. Both these competitions feature casts from both Broadway and Touring companies performing creative song and dance pieces. You never know what can go down….. from powerful tributes to hysterical musical parody spoofs (on another Broadway show, or even their own). The performances itself would be judged some familiar Broadway favorites in the audience. At the end of the competitions, the judges would come out presenting Awards for standout performances and the show that has raised the most money for BC/EFA.

Despite the Fall fundraising NOT happening this year, it still does NOT hurt for Broadway fans and supporters to donate whatever they have for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. No donations are too big or too small….. ever. This organization has helped so many people in need…. both dealing with HIV/AIDS, serious conditions, natural disasters, and even this past year and a half alone with the COVID-19 pandemic where they raised over millions of dollars alone. All of this helps those struggling have food, shelter, necessities, and so much more. For donate, they take CASH, CREDIT CARDS, & CHECKS (OH MY!). Let’s keep Broadway’s legacy alive and support those in need.

Stay Safe Broadway and BC/EFA!!!

Thoughts?