Students Follow Broadway Giving Tradition

Burr and Burton Academy’s cast and crew from last spring’s performance of “Grease” decided to follow a theater tradition: they pooled all the money they would have spent on opening night gifts for each other and on closing night presented director Jim Raposa with a substantial donation to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids based in New York City. The students recently received a letter of thanks from the organization: “The money you have raised for us helps to assure our continued support for such organizations as AIDS Project of Southern Vermont in Brattleboro, Vermont CARES in Burlington, and Twin States Network in Guilford. Through your kindness, you have helped so many people in need. In addition, you are helping to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in your own community.”

“I had described to them how the theater community in New York and beyond has always supported people stricken with this disease by fundraising and taking collections during the month prior to Easter in a different Broadway theater each year, “said Raposa. “I was extremely surprised when on closing night they presented me with their donation.” Raposa said he thought this new theatrical tradition reflected the generosity of Burr and Burton’s students and would continue with all future shows.