Interview: WICKED Alum Eden Espinosa Chats 4 Charity

Broadway's newest charity organization creates a unique way for fans and Broadway stars to give back to the community as a team. Chat 4 Charity allows anyone to give a Broadway star, like Eden Espinosa, a call and pay by the minute to benefit a charity of the actor's choosing. Espinosa recently sat down with BroadwayWorld to discuss her role in the up-and-coming program.

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You're involved in Chat 4 Charity, which is a really creative new concept. Can you tell us a little about that?

Yeah, it was actually, I think a year ago, and you know Ramona Keller [Chat 4 Charity founder] is a friend of mine, and she called me up, and she was just so fired up about this idea. She was like, "I have this idea, it's called Chat 4 Charity, where you take phone calls and the proceeds go to charity, and I just want to get going on it. Are you interested in it?" And I was like, "Of course, absolutely!" So really, this is all her idea and creation, and she took the reins. I was happy to be a part of it, and I've already taken a few phone calls, and people have purchased some signed pictures. It's just a really cool way for people to give to charity, but it's kind of like they feel like they're getting a really special experience talking to you on the phone or getting a personalized autographed picture. So yeah, I'm glad that it's getting some press so more people can know about it.

Yeah, and that's very cool for you to be able to participate in that in such a personal way. So have you been involved in other charities like Broadway Cares or things like that?

Absolutely. As long as I've been in the Broadway community I've always done Actor's Fund, Broadway Cares, and benefits, concerts, and all that kind of stuff. Karen Olivo's Chat 4 Charity proceeds go to Broadway Cares, and also I do Rosie's Theater Kids. So I'm always about giving back. I love Actor's Fund and Broadway Cares so much.

Absolutely. And how did you choose Rosie's Theater Kids?
You know, I chose them because I happened to go to one of their galas, not this year, but the year before, and I just really, I loved the program. And actually, when I tried to decide which charity I wanted my proceeds to go to, I paid a visit to Rosie's Theater Kids, and I went down to their building. At first, I just thought it was for kids to get involved in performing arts, which of course is great, but the thing that really sold me the most is it's just for kids to have a place to go and have a snack after school, get their homework done, take some classes, and get tutored. And it's not just about performing arts, but yes, they do offer it. It's just a place for them to enrich themselves and have some support where they might not have it at home.

That's really awesome. Have you been involved with Rosie's Theater Kids besides just doing Chat 4 Charity?

No; I chose them specifically for this. But you know, I'd love for my involvement and our relationship to grow further. I would love that!

What kind of responses have you seen with Chat 4 Charity?

Well, it's just now starting to get some traction, you know, through Twitter and Facebook, and, you know, I think obviously the article that BroadwayWorld did in August, earlier this summer has helped. I've taken phone calls; I just had one of my pictures ordered from the website. Eventually we're going to have more merchandise available as well, but it's just now starting to take off a little bit. It's really exciting to see my friend's vision come to fruition. But also, people are starting to really respond on Twitter, like, "Oh my gosh, it's such a great idea! That's so cool!" So, it's just now starting to spread its wings a little bit, which is really exciting.

And how long do callers usually stay on the line? I mean, it's expensive, but of course it's for charity.

It is, and you know, it's only really a few minutes. I've done a two-minute, a three-minute, and I haven't had any more than three minutes. So it's just a quick couple questions with an intro. And it's honestly amazing how fast the time goes. The first time, I was like, "Oh it's over already? Oh my gosh, it went so fast!" But yeah, it's only a few minutes.

So how do you see the charity being impacted by the work you're doing?

Well I think ultimately, the more word is spread, the more the charity's going to benefit from it. Hopefully other people, and even more recognizable names than us will get on board, and all the charities can benefit even more.

What's different about Chat 4 Charity than other charities, do you think?

I just think that what's different is, it was developed by a performer, not a charity itself. It came from somebody that was like, "I have this idea that will benefit multiple charities." And we get to choose whichever one we want, we can change it, and I mean, it's really about giving back to multiple organizations and not just one in particular. And it's also a chance for people to feel like they get an up close and personal treat, you know? And so I think that's what's different and special about it. It's coming from performers for the charities that they feel passionate about.

Yes, absolutely. Have the people who have called you been familiar with Rosie's Theater Kids, or were they just calling because they're a fan of yours?

For the most part up to now, they've just been calling because they wanted to talk to me. [Laughs]

Well that's got to be fun!

Yes! [Laughs] And I'm glad!

In your conversations, do you tell them about Rosie's Theater Kids at all, or do you just stick to their questions?

There hasn't really been time permitting in these phone conversations for that yet. Maybe one day, someone will order like, eight minutes, I don't know. [Laughs]

What a great program! I did also want to ask you a bit about your upcoming performance plans. Of course we would love to see you back on Broadway as soon as possible. Do you have anything in the works?

I don't have any of my own. I'm going to be singing in Scott Alan's concert in January. I have a special duet planned with somebody special. But I haven't done a show in New York in a while, so I think it's definitely time in the New Year. I really want to get that going, but we'll let you guys know for sure!

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Chat 4 Charity was created by an entertainment professional who was inspired to use a 'pay per minute' telecommunications platform in a way that would help fellow members of the entertainment industry raise money for their favorite charity and connect with their fans. A minimum of 10% of ALL profits made on this network is donated to a charity. For more information, visit Chat4Charity.net.