The Drama League Gala made a stylish comeback this October with its latest event, Drama at the Disco. Departing from the usual black-tie fundraisers, this lively evening was a vibrant celebration of theatre, music, and dance, all in support of the essential initiatives of the Directors Project. Held at The Edison Rooftop and chaired by Mary Jain, the gala brought together the theatre community for an unforgettable night full of fun, entertainment, and philanthropy.
Under the creative guidance of Drama League Directors Project Alum Elena Araoz, Drama at the Disco showcased the best of Broadway, featuring immersive interactive experiences and high-energy tribute performances by Broadway stars such as Ephraim Sykes, Nikki Rene Daniels, Jeff Kready, and Jeanna de Waal. Guests were treated to live music from Third Reprise, a genre-bending band led by music director and pianist Daniel Rudin, renowned for its innovative arrangements that blend Broadway show tunes with diverse genres like disco funk, yacht rock, jazz fusion, and synthpop.
Attendees enjoyed a wide array of immersive experiences, including casino gaming with Tony nominee Richard Kind as the Blackjack dealer, a professional photoshoot, and the opportunity to sip custom cocktails crafted by celebrity bartender Craig Bierko. The evening buzzed with incredible performances, interactive activities, and plenty of chances to hit the dance floor.
This year’s gala honored producer Patty Baker of Good Productions with the esteemed Arts Ally Award. This annual award recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to the arts community. Baker, a Tony-winning producer with credits that include Memphis, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Hamilton, and Water for Elephants, was celebrated for her unwavering commitment to strengthening and uplifting the theatre community.
Baker’s dedication goes beyond her impressive production credits; she also serves on the boards of several arts organizations, including the Bay Street Theater and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During her acceptance speech, Baker expressed her gratitude for the recognition by The Drama League and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for historically excluded and aspiring directors to make a meaningful impact in the theatre world. “I’m thrilled that aspiring directors have a place to find realistic, educational, and practical help to realize their hope of making a difference,” she said.
Drama League President Bonnie Comley echoed these sentiments, calling Baker “a true champion of the theatre community” and expressing gratitude for her dedication to the arts. The Arts Ally Award is a testament to Baker’s tireless efforts to nurture the next generation of theatre professionals.
While Drama at the Disco was an unforgettable night of entertainment, the event served a deeper purpose: supporting The Drama League’s mission to provide lifelong artistic resources for directors. As Drama League Executive Director Bevin Ross emphasized, ”This gala is about more than just having fun—it’s about ensuring that America’s only full-time creative development home for directors continues to thrive.”
Since its establishment in 1916, The Drama League has been a leader in the American theatre community, providing crucial resources, mentorship, and opportunities for up-and-coming directors. Through initiatives like the Directors Project, The Drama League is committed to fostering the next generation of theatre artists, equipping them with the necessary tools for success.
Each year, The Drama League organizes two major fundraising events. The first is the Drama League Awards, the longest-running theatrical honors in the country. These awards, which are selected by Drama League members who attend both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, recognize outstanding achievements in the theatre world while generating essential funds for the organization’s programming. The second fundraising event is the annual gala.
Drama League President Bonnie Comley has been a board member for over sixteen years and a supporter for over thirty years. “Fundraising has changed after the pandemic, and many nonprofits are trying to deal with the new giving levels and look for patterns of donors. Nonprofits are collapsing or eliminating programs as they struggle to find funding. The Drama League is uniquely positioned because the mission is so laser-focused on directors that we stand alone as the only mentoring launchpad for early career directors. The almost fifty-year-old Directors Project initiative has seen applications skyrocket from a few hundred to over twelve hundred last year. The diverse pool of talent that we have assisted over these past decades is experienced and ready to take the helm on the incoming wave of new playwriting voices. The international theater community uses the Drama League Director Projects Fellows for their shows and collaborates with the Drama League in their mentorship. It is a win-win for everyone,” says Comley.
The Drama League is putting a fresh twist on its traditional gala format with Drama at the Disco, creating an engaging and enjoyable event that brings the community together while supporting the future of theatre. Whether you’re there for the music, the dancing, or simply to back a worthy cause, Drama at the Disco was truly a night to remember.
Among the major donors who contributed to the evening’s success were Patty Baker/Good Productions, Jay and Patty Baker, Mary Jain, BroadwayHD, Frederic J. and Barby K. Siegel, Dr. David Helfet, Dr. Bryan Kelly, Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi/HSS, Una Jackman, Talu Productions, the John Gore Organization, Darin Oduyoye, and Stan Ponte.
For more information, visit DramaLeague.org.
