The Sock-Puppet Interviews: In this video, Emily K. Harrison (as sock-puppet Veronica) meets award-winning local actor Chad Afanador. Just as Chad was becoming a first-time father, he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease. Local actor and chef John Arp, using funds from the Denver Actors Fund, provided meals for the Afanador family for eight months. For more on Chad’s story, click here

The Denver Actors Fund is a source of immediate, situational relief when members of the metro theater community find themselves in medical need. It was founded by DCPA Senior Arts Journalist John Moore (who also created the media outlet you are reading right now) and local actor/lawyer Christopher J. Boeckx in 2013. Here is a little bit of background on the how and why they did it.  

In its first 16 months of existence, the Denver Actors Fund has raised more than $26,000 and assembled an army of more than 60 Action Team volunteers who provide services ranging from meal delivery to transportation to and from medical appointments. Here’s a little bit about how it works and how to apply for help.

Here are brief stories of actors, directors, stage managers and even properties specialists who have been helped so far. Perhaps you know some of their names. They include Shelly Bordas, Tom Borrillo, Russell Costen (pictured at right), Sheila Ivy Traister, Maggie Stillman, Brock Benson, Traci J. Kern, Laura Adducci, Chad Afanador, Twanna LaTrice Hill, Marq Del Monte, Meghan Ralph and Becky Toma.

If someone wanted to put on a play, that would make for one heck of a creative team.

Here’s an unsolicited testimonial from GerRee Hinshaw, a young mother who benefited from a random act of kindness from the Meal Delivery Team following a death in the family.

The Denver Actors Fund raises its money in a variety of ways, including regular fundraising events hosted by individuals or local theatre companies on the Fund’s behalf. Here’s one example of how young people under age 18 have raised more than $3,000 for the Denver Actors Fund.

Now in its sixth year, “BALLS! A Holiday Spectacular” is an annual variety show with guest stars, audience sock puppet singalongs, spontaneous haikus and a white elephant. And every year, a local nonprofit is designated to receive all proceeds. This year, that nonprofit is the Denver Actors Fund. Please come to a performance on one of the next two Monday nights, and help the Denver Actors Fund to keep helping local artists.

“BALLS! A Holiday Spectacular”: Ticket information
7 p.m. Mondays Dec. 8 and 15
Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street
$18 in advance; $22 day of show
Call 303-293-0075, or order online here

Hosted by GerRee Hinshaw, Emily K. Harrison, Jim Ruberto and Mare Trevathan, with prominent local guest stars including musicians John Common, Jess DeNicola, Janet Feder and Jen Korte; storyteller Adam Goldstein; drag queen Zoe O; and comedians Mara Wiles and Eric Mather.

Note: As of this morning (Dec. 6), only about 20 tickets remain for the Dec. 8 performance.

For more info on the Denver Actors Fund, click here

The Denver Actors Fund will soon be accepting new volunteers for 2015 Action Teams. To express your interest, send your name, phone and email to denveractorsfund@gmail.com.

The Sock-Puppet Interviews: Lulu meets Sheila Ivy Traister:

The Sock-Puppet Interviews: Ooprah meets Tom Borrillo:

The Sock-Puppet Interviews: Louis meets GerRee Hinshaw: