PROFILES IN ARTS ACTIVISM
Broadway Star and Arts Activist Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess, whose impassioned “Sit down, you’re rockin’ the boat” raised the rafters at last year’s Tony Awards, is beloved on Broadway not just for his show-stealing performances in Jersey Boys, The Little Mermaid and Guys and Dolls, but also for his generosity of spirit. Despite an intense schedule that has included four hit shows in as many years, the Georgia native finds time each season to volunteer in the youth outreach programs of Sing for Hope and ASTEP. He has developed a particular closeness with the young students from The Bronx and South Westchester who study at Young at Arts, a Sing for Hope partner program since 2005, where for the past two years he has shared his wisdom and performances, together with music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell. In his characteristically enthusiastic way, Tituss has this to say about his arts activism in action.
What initially sparked your interest in humanitarian outreach through the arts?
I’ve always wanted to figure out a way to spread the word about the arts and how important it was in my development and in the development of our youth. When my best friend (and Sing for Hope Board Member) Mary-Mitchell Campbell founded ASTEP, I knew then it was the perfect chance to put my money where my mouth was! I have since traveled with her to India to participate in her amazing arts outreach work there, and I’ve also collaborated here in New York with Sing for Hope and the Young at Arts kids in The Bronx.
What particular causes inspire you?
I tend to migrate towards inner-city kids. Mainly kids of color. It’s important to me to try and redesign what is cool to participate in and what is not. Any chance I get to show them that Usher can burn up the charts and pack a Broadway house, I seize it!
Thank you, Tituss, for lifting your voice for our kids, and “rockin’ the boat” in such positive ways!
Tituss and fellow Guys and Dolls cast members perform “Sit down, you’re rockin’ the boat” at the 2009 Tony Awards:
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