Ivy Bethune Awards

For the last several years, the city of Detroit has been focused on revitalization, improving or creating housing, businesses and infrastructure. That growth includes the arts, which has a rich history in the city. Detroit Public Theatre is both a symbol of how far city renewal has come, and an institution doing its part to improve the local economy and lives of its neighbors.

With Broadway Serves, Equity members and their colleagues in the industry have the opportunity to project that energy outwards through public service.

Every year, the Actors' Equity Foundation acts on behalf of the Equity community to award grants to theatres across the country.

The cast of MJ is filled with beautiful souls matched only by their immense talent. To receive the Legacy Robe in their company and stand before them as representative of the hard work and dedication that it takes to participate in a Broadway ensemble filled/fills me with pride.

"I adore this tradition, knowing how hard the ensemble in a Broadway show works each day and how special it is to be a part of an original Broadway company, and I couldn’t be prouder to be among the legacy of recipients before me."

"To me being presented with the Robe is like joining some sort of fraternity on Broadway."

"Booking a Broadway show is a dream. And it makes you think, 'How did I get so lucky to be here?' But being presented with the Robe made me feel like this wasn't just a fluke. I have always looked up to so many people I have worked with or known in the industry, and to be awarded with such an honor that has put me into the same category as them is truly unbelievable."

“This time, receiving the Robe was even more special and sentimental. I never dreamed I would ever get it, much less receive it again on the very same stage as last time."

"I'm just so proud to be part of the ensemble of a Broadway show... To be in an ensemble, there's something joyful about it."

"The Legacy Robe ceremony serves as an anchor for me. It calms me and reminds me of our purpose. As I took in our Camelot company, each person in the building who helps bring this story to life, it did that and more."

"The ceremony was amazing. Over the years I’ve been a part of them, but it was an honor to actually receive the Robe. It meant a lot; after almost 30 years in the business and I'm very, very grateful for everything that I have."

“It's a treat to now be a part of the Legacy Robe community. It’s a very humbling group of people who have been in this business for a long time.”

"Receiving the Legacy Robe and being a part of this tradition is one of the greatest honors I could ever imagine. From the time I was five years old, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life: be a performer on Broadway."

"The Legacy Robe is such a special tradition; to me, it is the best representation of community – community within each show and the Broadway community at large. I was so surprised to receive the Robe! And so special to share the tradition with our 12+ debuts and so many true Broadway 'legends' within the cast. To be a vessel for the collective energy and love that day was truly an honor."

“The Legacy Robe and tradition, to me, represents how theatre is such a collaborative entity. How we couldn't create the magic we do without the people around us. Or without the people who came before us."

"To me this tradition is one of the most exciting parts of opening night. It is a symbol of all my hard work and dedication over the years. I never really dreamed of wearing the robe as me being a Black Woman has come with so many challenges beyond my control, so I was overwhelmed with emotions when my name was called. & Juliet is incredibly special as we have 15 broadway debuts and we are a melting pot of some of the most insanely talented people from so many different backgrounds. To stand before them and become part of history, representing all of their hard work as well, fills me with gratitude and pride and is a moment I will never ever forget."