The Drama League Gala made a stylish return this October with its newest gala event, Drama at the Disco. Breaking away from the traditional black-tie fundraisers, this vibrant evening was a lively celebration of theatre, music, and dance, all while supporting the vital Directors Project initiatives. The gala took place at The Edison Rooftop, chaired by Mary Jain, and the theatre community gathered to tear up the dance floor for a night of fun, entertainment, and philanthropy.
Under the creative direction of Drama League Directors Project Alum Elena Araoz, Drama at the Disco brought together the best of Broadway with immersive, interactive experiences and high-energy tribute performances by Broadway stars Ephraim Sykes, Nikki Rene Daniels, Jeff Kready, Jeanna de Waal, and others. Third Reprise, a genre-bending band led by music director and pianist Daniel Rudin, treated guests to live music. Third Reprise is known for its creative and boundary-pushing arrangements, blending Broadway show tunes with genres like disco funk, yacht rock, jazz fusion, and synthpop.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of immersive experiences, including casino gaming with Tony nominee Richard Kind as the Blackjack dealer, a professional photoshoot, and celebrity bartender Craig Bierko serving custom cocktails. The night was filled with incredible performances, interactive activities, and opportunities to hit the dance floor.
This year’s gala honored producer Patty Baker of Good Productions with the prestigious Arts Ally Award. The award, given annually, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the foundation of the arts. Baker, a Tony-winning producer whose credits include Memphis, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Hamilton, and Water for Elephants, was celebrated for her ongoing efforts to strengthen and uplift the theatre community.
Baker’s dedication extends beyond producing critically acclaimed shows; she also serves on the boards of several arts organizations, including the Bay Street Theater and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In her acceptance statement, Baker expressed her excitement at being recognized by The Drama League, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for historically excluded and aspiring directors to make a difference 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.
Honoree Patty Baker and her husband Jay Baker. © Catalin Media
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 founding in 1916, The Drama League has been at the forefront of the American theatre community, offering resources, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging directors. Through programs like the Directors Project, The Drama League helps nurture the next generation of theatre artists, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
The Drama League hosts two significant fundraisers yearly, the Drama League Awards, the oldest theatrical honors in America. These awards, chosen by Drama League members who attend Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, celebrate the theatre world’s best while raising vital funds for the organization’s programming. The second fundraiser is the gala.
Mary Jain and Third Reprise.
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.
With Drama at the Disco, The Drama League is putting a fresh spin on its traditional gala format, creating a fun and engaging event that brings together the community while supporting the future of theatre. Whether you’re attending for the music, the dancing, or the chance to support a worthy cause, Drama at the Disco was a night to remember.
Major donors for the evening included: 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, John Gore Organization, Darin Oduyoye, and Stan Ponte.
Visit DramaLeague.org for more information.
