Russ Supports...

The following organizations are those whom Russ supports by friendship, time, and money:

Founded by theatre workers in 1976, TBA's mission is to unite, strengthen and promote theatre in the San Francisco Bay Area region. It does this by providing communication networks and opportunities and creating resources for theatre companies, theatre workers, and theatre lovers. TBA serves as a liaison between the theatre community and government, business and others who benefit from a healthy and thriving theatre community.

Theatre Bay Area serves more than 300 member theatre companies and 2,900 individual members in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. They provide services to their members, however, they are not a presenting organization nor a casting agency.

TBA also publishes Theatre Bay Area magazine, operates TIX Bay Area (the half-price ticket booth at Union Square in San Francisco), administers the Mary Mason Lemonade Fund for critically ill theatre workers, and conducts the annual General Auditions. TBA also administers the CA$H grant program for artists and small companies.

This 6-day, 5-night intensive theatre training congress is specially designed for young actors between the ages of 10-18 years old who are interested in the performing arts. An accomplished group of Instructors and Counselors, remarkable Master Class Teachers, and the brightest, most talented Bay Area students come together for an unforgettable theatre experience!

The New Conservatory Theatre Center of San Francisco, established in 1981, is a professional theatre arts school and performing arts complex. The Theatre Arts School programs enhance the creative, social, and intellectual development of students ages 6-17. The Theatre Center is dedicated to the presentation and production of quality arts entertainment for diverse audiences of all ages. The New Conservatory Theatre Center offers professional classes and productions to participants of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, regardless of sexual orientation, in a supportive and challenging artistic environment. The New Conservatory Theatre Center encourages individual responsibility and human understanding. Through their work, they strive to make positive contributions to enrich the cultural and educational well-being of our world.

Praised by the New York Times for its "precise, pure, and deeply felt singing," and by the Los Angeles Times for its "luxurious perfection," Chanticleer has developed a remarkable reputation for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music. With its seamless blend of twelve male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, the ensemble has earned international renown as "an orchestra of voices."

Named for the "clear-singing" rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer was founded in 1978. Their long-standing commitment to developing the choral repertoire has led the group to commission works from an ever-growing list of important composers.

Chanticleer is the recipient of major grants from The National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, The James Irvine Foundation, The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, The William Randolph Hearst Foundation, and the City of San Francisco. With the help of foundation and corporate support, the group brings the gift of singing to young people by conducting artist-in-the-schools residencies both on tour and in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chanticleer's activities as a not-for-profit corporation are supported by its administrative staff and Board of Trustees.

Outlet supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. Outlet successfully increases youth confidence, builds personal assets, and creates healthier communities.

Outlet is the only program of its kind on the Peninsula providing support, leadership development, outreach and education for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth ages 13-18.

The program is a lifeline for hundreds of youth each year as they struggle with feelings of isolation, homophobia, and harassment. Outlet is a safe, accepting, and confidential place for LGBTQQ youth to express themselves, develop their strengths, and help improve their communities.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American Theatre community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $100 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.

The Mission of BC/EFA is to mobilize the unique abilities within the entertainment industry to mitigate
the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. To achieve this BC/EFA will:

* Ensure direct support to individuals in the entertainment industry affected by HIV/AIDS;
* Provide assistance to organizations nationwide that directly serve others affected by HIV/AIDS;
* Promote awareness about AIDS;
* Provide assistance to support advocacy that affects public policy, education for the prevention and research for a cure for HIV/AIDS; and
* Generate the funds to fulfill the mission and achieve these goals.