BWW Blog: Miranda Jackel - Broadway's Youngest Stars Give Back

The life of a young Broadway performer isn't easy-these kids are practically living double lives, going from a busy, exhausting school day to casually performing in a Broadway show eight times a week. #nbd But despite their jam-packed schedules, these talented t(w)eens still make time to do good in the world with KIDS SERVE, a program of BROADWAY SERVES dedicated to providing Great White Way youngsters with the chance to give back. Broadway Serves in an affiliate of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids committed to creating opportunities for professional theater artists to "be the change beyond the stage". It was created in 2012, by Broadway performers Dionne Figgins (Memphis, Motown), Kimberly Marable (Sister Act, The Lion King), and Dana Marie Ingraham (Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, Motown). The three women were inspired to create the organization after participating in the Million Hoodie March in NYC, following the tragic death of Trayvon Martin, along with a slew of other members of the Broadway community. They began to discuss the need that existed for an organization that would allow theater professionals to share their feelings about what was going on in the world, and, furthermore, work together to make a difference. Kimberly Marable, Broadway Serves Co-Founder and Kids Serve Coordinator believes this is important because, "There are so many issues and people who need assistance. From food insecurity, to homelessness, to special needs and mental and/or health issues, and more; there are countless organizations that address these concerns and could use the help of volunteers. As for the Broadway community, and the theatrical community as a whole, engaging in service allows for us to remember that before we are actors, carpenters, pianists, stage managers, dressers, etc., we are human beings. And as humans we have a duty of compassion towards our fellow human. It's an honor to enable others to be of service and to engage in the greater community." I recently attended Kids Serve's 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Bag Decorating Event, participating with Broadway Serve's newest branch, Teens Serve. Almost 60 kids beautifully decorated 75 bags that will be used to deliver Thanksgiving dinners to many New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other severe illnesses tomorrow. Furthermore, Broadway Serves will be donating 8 boxes of food (from the new food drive component of the event) to Midtown NYC's St. Clement's Food Pantry, all of which were packed by the Teens Serve peeps! It was amazing to see all these young Broadway performers' deep passion for and excitement about serving. Beada Briglia (Matilda the Musical), 15, is in her second year volunteering with Kids Serves, and thinks the work of the organization is deeply necessary: "I think it's important for the Broadway community to give back, because we are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to perform in these amazing shows. We reach a very wide audience, and by working together and taking the time to give back, we can help many people and causes. The Broadway community has a big voice, and under the guidance of Kimberly Marable and the leaders at Broadway Serves, we've learned that we can help people in need." PREACH, GIRL, PREACH!!! Over the course of the past 3 years that she's been serving, Alexa Shae Niziak, (Matilda the Musical, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Christmas Story), 15, has discovered that this work doesn't only bring joy to those in need, but to her as well! She says, "The most rewarding thing to me about serving is to see the smiling faces of those we help. Whether it is serving meals, or distributing blankets or coats, or working with students in a school, the smile on their faces is worth every effort, and shows how we can touch lives in a positive way." LOVE that!!! It's not just those in need who are grateful for the amazing help they are getting through Broadway Serves-it's the kids getting the opportunity to do good, too! Take Olivia Chun, (The King & I, School of Rock), 9, who feels that, "As a Broadway actress, I have been very lucky to receive so much attention and applause from the general public. However, it's important to give back to the people who are in less fortunate places, and we want to encourage them with hope and light, so they can believe in brighter futures. I want to help spread positive energy, possibility and [the idea of] 'Dream Big' to the kids." Even at such a young age, (speaking of which, she's an adorable nugget of delight, in addition to being super smart as you can tell), Olivia understands what an amazing positive impact she can have on the community. It's not just the young volunteers who LOVE Kids Serve-the adults do, too! Kimberly Marable says, "It's awesome to see kids so excited to help others. And having FUN doing it!"

Broadway (and Kids/Teens) Serve is a truly incredible organization. It's so wonderful to see Broadway performers using their success to promote change in the world, and encouraging the next generation of Broadway to do the same. I'm deeply grateful to have had the experience to work with such a fantastic organization-if you'd like more info about Broadway Serves (for people of all ages), and how YOU can "be the change beyond the stage", go to www.broadwayserves.org! Have a lovely Thanksgiving!!!