''Acting for a Cause'' is a live read series of classic plays and screenplays created, produced, directed and hosted by Brando Crawford. The script is typically announced days before the event alongside a playbill featuring the cast and an animation on Instagram. The actors have one rehearsal ahead of time. Each reading is organized to raise money for charity. The readings garnered over 500,000 viewers between the first play read on March 27, 2020 and the last announced read on July 31, 2020. The series has featured young Hollywood actors such as

Florence Pugh Florence Pugh ( ; born 3 January 1996) is an English actress. She made her acting debut in 2014 in the drama film '' The Falling''. Pugh gained recognition in 2016 for her leading role as a young bride in the independent drama ''Lady Macbeth' ...

Margaret Qualley Sarah Margaret Qualley (born October 23, 1994) is an American actress and model. A daughter of actress Andie MacDowell, she trained as a ballerina in her youth. She made her acting debut with a minor role in the 2013 drama film ''Palo Alto'', a ...

Ruby Rose Ruby Rose Langenheim (born 20 March 1986) is an Australian model, actress, disc jockey and television presenter. Rose was a presenter on MTV Australia (2007–2011), followed by several high-profile modelling gigs, including Maybelline New Yor ...

Madelaine Petsch Madelaine Grobbelaar Petsch (born August 18, 1994) is an American actress and YouTuber. She is known for portraying Cheryl Blossom on The CW television series '' Riverdale'' and Marissa in ''F the Prom''. Early life Petsch was born on August 1 ...

Zazie Beetz Zazie Olivia Beetz ( ; ; born June 1, 1991) is a American actress. She stars in the FX comedy-drama series ''Atlanta'' (2016–22), for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy ...

David Corenswet David Packard Corenswet (born July 8, 1993) is an American actor. After graduating from the Juilliard School in 2016, he began guest starring in television series, including ''House of Cards'' in 2018. He then played lead roles in the Netflix seri ...

Jacob Elordi Jacob Elordi (born 26 June 1997) is an Australian actor. He is known for his roles as Noah Flynn in Netflix's ''The Kissing Booth'' teen film franchise and Nate Jacobs in the HBO series ''Euphoria''. Early life Elordi was born on 26 June 199 ...

Natalia Dyer Natalia Danielle Dyer (born January 13, 1995) is an American actress. She is known for starring as Nancy Wheeler in the Netflix science fiction horror series ''Stranger Things'' (2016–present), in addition to her starring role in the comedy-dr ...

Corbin Bleu Corbin Bleu Reivers (; born February 21, 1989), known professionally as Corbin Bleu, is an American actor and singer. He made his acting debut in the 2004 adventure comedy film '' Catch That Kid''. He has since appeared in the Discovery Kids d ...

Julia Fox Julia Fox (born February 2, 1990) is an Italian-American actress and model. As an actress, she is known for her debut performance in the 2019 film '' Uncut Gems'', for which she was nominated for the Breakthrough Actor Award at the 2019 Gotham ...

, Tommy Dorfman, Madeline Brewer,

Sophia Lillis Sophia Lillis (born February 13, 2002) is an American actress. She is known for her role as Beverly Marsh in the horror films '' It'' (2017) and '' It: Chapter Two'' (2019) and for her starring role as a teenager with telekinetic abilities in th ...

, Wyatt Oleff,

Cameron Monaghan Cameron Riley Monaghan (born ) is an American actor and model. He is known for his role as Ian Gallagher on the Showtime comedy-drama Comedy drama, also known by the portmanteau ''dramedy'', is a genre of dramatic works that combines elem ...

. Recurring participants include

Auliʻi Cravalho Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho (; born November 22, 2000) is an American actress and singer who made her acting debut as the voice of the titular character in the 2016 Disney 3D computer-animated musical feature film '' Moana''. She went on to star in ...

Brandon Flynn Brandon Paul Flynn (born October 11, 1993) is an American actor, known for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series '' 13 Reasons Why'' (2017–2020), as well as appearing as himself in the short film ''Home Movies'', and Mike the Intern i ...

, Justice Smith,

Alex Wolff Alexander Draper Wolff (born November 1, 1997) is an American actor and musician. He first gained recognition for starring alongside his older brother Nat in the Nickelodeon musical comedy series '' The Naked Brothers Band'' (2007–09), which ...

, Ronen Rubinstein, Jessica Frances Dukes, Mason Alexander Park,

Sydney Lemmon Sydney Noël Lemmon (born August 10, 1990) is an American actress. Lemmon graduated from Yale School of Drama at Yale University. She stars as Ana Helstrom in the Hulu series '' Helstrom''. She has appeared in the HBO series ''Succession''. Le ...

, and Xxavier Lavell. While Brando Crawford serves as director and producer for every reading.

co-produced the reading of "This is our Youth", and Xxavier Lavell co-directed the reading of "Hit the Wall". The reading series was a direct response to the pandemic and launched Brando Crawford's career as a director and producer.

Readings

Brando Crawford directs and reads the stage directions unless otherwise noted. Many of the actors play multiple supporting roles. Specific roles are stated only when information is known.

2020

March 27, 2020

The Importance of Being Earnest ''The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People'' is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious ...

'' by Oscar Wilde Directed and produced by Brando Crawford * Justice Smith as Jack *

as Algernon *

as Gwendolen * Jessica Frances Dukes as Cecily * Sarah Ramos as Lady Bracknell * Odessa Young as Lady Prism * Jessica Carlson as Lane * Brando Crawford as the Master of Ceremonies Note: This cast originally included

Diana Silvers Diana Margaret Silvers (born November 3, 1996) is an American actress and model, best known for playing Erin Naird in the comedy series ''Space Force'' (2020–2022). Early life Silvers was born in Los Angeles on November 3, 1996, the daught ...

but she was unavailable at the last minute.

April 10, 2020

This Is Our Youth ''This Is Our Youth'' is a play by American dramatist and screenwriter Kenneth Lonergan. It premiered Off-Broadway in 1996 and since been produced all over the world, including the West End, Broadway Sydney and Toronto. Plot The play takes pla ...

'' by

Kenneth Lonergan Kenneth Lonergan (born October 16, 1962) is an American film director, playwright, and screenwriter. He is the co-writer of the film ''Gangs of New York'' (2002), and wrote and directed '' You Can Count on Me'' (2000), ''Margaret'' (2011), and ' ...

Directed and produced by Brando Crawford, co-produced by Alex Wolff *

as Jessica Goldman * Justice Smith as Dennis Ziegler *

as Warren Straub * Brando Crawford as the Master of Ceremonies

April 24, 2020

Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...

'' by

William Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...

Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

Willa Fitzgerald Willa Fitzgerald (born January 17, 1991) is an American actress. She is known for her starring role as Emma Duval in MTV's ''Scream''. She has played cheer coach Colette French in the USA Network's television drama series '' Dare Me'' and offic ...

as Hamlet *

as Ophelia * Madeline Brewer as Claudius *

Hari Nef Hari Nef (born October 21, 1992) is an American actress, model, and writer. Nef's breakthrough role was Gittel in the Amazon original series '' Transparent'', for which she was nominated for a SAG award in 2016. She made her runway debut at New ...

as Polonius *

as Laertes * Ronen Rubinstein as Horatio * Mason Alexander Park as Rosencrantz * Christopher Collins as Guildenstern * Chandler Lovelle as King Hamlet's Ghost * Brando Crawford as Queen Gertrude and the Master of Ceremonies

May 1, 2020

'' Romeo and Juliet'' by William Shakespeare Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

as Juliet *

as Romeo *

as Mercutio *

Skylar Astin Skylar Astin Lipstein (born September 23, 1987) is an American actor and singer. He became known for portraying Jesse Swanson in the musical films ''Pitch Perfect'' (2012) and ''Pitch Perfect 2'' (2015). He originated the role of Georg in the Broa ...

as Tybalt *

Michael Gandolfini Michael Gandolfini (born May 10, 1999) is an American actor. Gandolfini made his film debut in ''Ocean's 8'' (2018) and appeared in ''The Many Saints of Newark'' (2021), in which he played the role of Tony Soprano, which was originally portrayed ...

as Benvolio * Jackie Cruz as Lady Capulet * Kathryn Gallagher as Friar Lawrence * Erin Sanders as Nurse * Samuel H. Levine as Tybalt * Will Hochman as Lord Montague * Brando Crawford as Lord Capulet and the Master of Ceremonies

May 8, 2020

'' Pride and Prejudice'' by Jane Austen Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

Melissa Barrera Melissa Barrera Martínez (born 4 July 1990) is a Mexican actress and singer. In Mexico, she is known for roles in the telenovelas ''Siempre tuya Acapulco'' (2013), '' Tanto amor'' (2015), and the Netflix series '' Club de Cuervos'' (2017). Out ...

as Elizabeth Bennet *

as Mr. Darcy *

as Jane Bennet *

Sam Corlett Sam Corlett (born 24 April 1996) is an Australian actor who has appeared in '' The Dry'', ''Chilling Adventures of Sabrina'' (2020) and '' Vikings: Valhalla'' (2022–present). Life and education Corlett was born and raised on the Cent ...

as Mr. Bingley *

as Mrs. Bennet * Andy Allo as Kitty Bennet, Caroline Bingley *

Katherine McNamara Katherine Grace McNamara (born November 22, 1995) is an American actress, known for playing Clary Fray on the 2016–2019 supernatural drama television series '' Shadowhunters'', and Mia Smoak in the superhero series ''Arrow''. She has also s ...

as Lydia Bennet *

Lexi Underwood Lexi Underwood is an American actress and singer, best known for her role as Pearl Warren in '' Little Fires Everywhere''. She also played Athena in ''Will vs the Future,'' a comedic science fiction series created and executive produced by Tim ...

as Mary Bennet * Ronen Rubinstein as Mr. Collins * Daniel Newman as Mr. Wickham *

as Lady Catherine *

Matthew Postlethwaite Matthew Postlethwaite (born 25 September 1991 in Whitehaven, England) is a British actor, writer, singer, artist and entrepreneur. He produced, created and starred in the 2020 short film ''The Great Artist''. His production company, Purpose Co. ...

as Sir William * Brando Crawford as Mr. Bennet and Master of Ceremonies

May 15, 2020

Jane Eyre ''Jane Eyre'' ( ; originally published as ''Jane Eyre: An Autobiography'') is a novel by the English writer Charlotte Brontë. It was published under her pen name "Currer Bell" on 19 October 1847 by Smith, Elder & Co. of London. The first ...

'' by

Charlotte Brontë Charlotte Brontë (, commonly ; 21 April 1816 – 31 March 1855) was an English novelist and poet, the eldest of the three Brontë sisters who survived into adulthood and whose novels became classics of English literature. She enlisted i ...

Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

Alexander Hodge Alexander Hodge is an Australian actor. He is best known for portraying Andrew on the HBO series '' Insecure''. Hodge has acted on ''Black Lightning'', '' Resort to Love'', and '' Joy Ride''. Early life and education Hodge was born and raised in ...

as Mr. Edward Rochester *

as Helen Burns * Elle Loraine as Mrs. Fairfax *

Bertha Bertha is a female Germanic name, from Old High German ''berhta'' meaning "bright one". It was usually a short form of Anglo Saxon names ''Beorhtgifu'' meaning "bright gift" or ''Beorhtwynn'' meaning "bright joy". The name occurs as a theonym, s ...

* Richard Ellis as St. John Rivers * Jessica Frances Dukes as Mrs. Reed *

Rudy Pankow Rudy Pankow () is an American actor. He stars as JJ Maybank on the Netflix teen drama series ''Outer Banks''. Early life Pankow was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. He began his interest in acting and production in middle school via YouTube ...

as Brocklehurst * Brando Crawford as the Master of Ceremonies

May 22, 2020

Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...

'' by William Shakespeare Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

as Viola * Brandon Thomas Lee as Duke Orsino * Taylor Trensch as Sebastian *

Froy Gutierrez Froylan Gutierrez III (born April 27, 1998) is an American actor and singer, known for playing Nolan Holloway in ''Teen Wolf'' and Jamie Henson in '' Cruel Summer''. Early life Gutierrez was born and raised in Highland Park, Texas and attended B ...

as Sir Andrew Aguecheek * Ben Levi Ross as Feste * Will Roland as Malvolio * Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Olivia * Nicole Kang as Maria * Brando Crawford as Sir Toby Belch and the Master of Ceremonies

June 23, 2020

''Hit the Wall'' by

Ike Holter Ike Holter (born 1985) is an American playwright.

Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

Ryan Jamaal Swain Ryan Jamaal Swain (born 13 March 1994) is an American actor and dancer. He is known for his role as Damon Richards-Evangelista, a homeless gay dancer, in the FX television series '' Pose''. Early life Ryan Swain was born to a single-mother ho ...

as A-Gay *

Angel Bismark Curiel Angel Bismark Curiel (born October 16, 1995) is an American actor from Liberty City, Miami. He has appeared in ''America Adrift'' (2016), ''Louie's Brother Peter'' (2017), ''Night Comes On'' (2018), '' Monsters and Men'' (2018) and ''Ashes'' (2 ...

as Newbie *

Daniel Kyri Daniel Kyri (born October 10, 1994) is an American actor, best known for portraying firefighter Darren Ritter on '' Chicago Fire''. Early life and education Kyri was born on October 10, 1994 and grew up on the South Side of Chicago. He performed ...

as Mika * Eve Lindley as Peg *

Clark Moore Clark Moore (born 1991) is an American actor and writer. He is best known for the role of Ethan in the film ''Love, Simon'' and the role of AJ on the final season of ''Crazy Ex-Girlfriend''. Early life and education Moore was raised in Atlanta ...

as Cliff * Dilone as Roberta * Jan Luis Castellanos as Tano * Travis Bryant as Carson *

Imani Hakim Imani Hakim (born 1993) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Tonya Rock on the UPN/ CW sitcom ''Everybody Hates Chris'' as well as portraying Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas in the 2014 Lifetime original movie ''The Ga ...

as Madeline * Xxavier Lavell as Narrator and Co-Director * Brando Crawford as the Cop and the Master of Ceremonies

June 30, 2020

'' Up in the Air'' by Jason Reitman and

Sheldon Turner Sheldon Turner is a screenwriter and producer. His produced credits as a screenwriter include '' The Longest Yard'' (2005), '' The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning'' (2006), '' Up in the Air'' (2009) and '' X-Men: First Class'' (2011). He ...

Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

as Natalie Keener (originally played by Anna Kendrick) *

Pom Klementieff Pom Alexandra Klementieff (; born 3 May 1986) is a French actress and model. She was trained at the Cours Florent drama school in Paris and appeared in such French films as '' The Easy Way'' (2008) and '' Sleepless Night'' (2011), before making ...

as Alex Goran (originally played by

Vera Farmiga Vera Ann Farmiga ( ; born August 6, 1973) is an American actress who is best known for portraying paranormal investigator Lorraine Warren in the Conjuring Universe films '' The Conjuring'' (2013), '' The Conjuring 2'' (2016), '' Annabelle Co ...

) *

Michael Zegen Michael Jonathan Zegen (born February 20, 1979) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in the television series '' Rescue Me'' (2004–2011), ''Boardwalk Empire'' (2011–2014), and '' The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'' (2017–present). ...

as Ryan Bingham (originally played by George Clooney) *

as Craig Gregory (originally played by Jason Bateman) *

Jessica Parker Kennedy Jessica Parker Kennedy (born October 3, 1984) is a Canadian actress. She played Melissa Glaser on the CW series ''The Secret Circle'', Max on the Starz original series '' Black Sails'' and Nora West-Allen / XS on ''The Flash'', and has also app ...

as Kara Bingham (originally played by

Amy Morton Amy Morton (born April 3, 1959) is an American actress and director, best known for her work in theatre. Morton was nominated two times for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performances in '' August: Osage County'' and ''Who's Afra ...

) * Benjamin Barrett as Jim Miller (originally played by

Danny McBride Daniel Richard McBride (born December 29, 1976) is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer. He starred in the HBO television series ''Eastbound & Down'', '' Vice Principals'', and ''The Righteous Gemstones'', also co-creating th ...

) and Steve (originally played by

Zach Galifianakis Zachary Knight Galifianakis (born October 1, 1969) is an American actor and comedian. He appeared in ''Comedy Central Presents'' special and presented his show '' Late World with Zach'' on VH1. Galifianakis has starred in films including ''T ...

) * Mason Alexander Park as Bob (originally played by

J. K. Simmons Jonathan Kimble Simmons (born January 9, 1955) is an American actor, considered one of the most prolific and well-established character actors of his generation. He has appeared in over 200 films and television roles since his debut in 1986. He i ...

) and Maynard Finch (originally played by

Sam Elliott Samuel Pack Elliott (born August 9, 1944) is an American actor. He is the recipient of several accolades, including a National Board of Review Award, and has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Aw ...

) * Zoey Burger as Julie Bingham (originally played by

Melanie Lynskey Melanie Jayne Lynskey ( ; born 16 May 1977) is a New Zealand actress widely known for her portrayals of complex women in several independent films and television shows and also known for her command of American dialects. Lynskey is the recipi ...

) * Brando Crawford as Master of Ceremonies

July 7, 2020

Ferris Bueller's Day Off ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' is a 1986 American teen comedy film written, co-produced, and directed by John Hughes and co-produced by Tom Jacobson. The film stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck with supporting roles by Jennifer ...

'' by John Hughes Directed and produced by Brando Crawford *

as Ferris Bueller (originally played by

Matthew Broderick Matthew Broderick (born March 21, 1962) is an American actor. His roles include the Golden Globe-nominated portrayal of the title character in '' Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' (1986), the voice of adult Simba in Disney's ''The Lion King'' (1994) ...

) * Brando Crawford as Cameron Frye (originally played by

Alan Ruck Alan Douglas Ruck (born July 1, 1956) is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Cameron Frye, Ferris Bueller's best friend, in John Hughes's film ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' (1986); Stuart Bondek, a lecherous, power-hungry member of ...

) and as Boy in Police Station (originally played

Charlie Sheen Carlos Irwin Estévez (born September 3, 1965), known professionally as Charlie Sheen, is an American actor. He has appeared in films such as ''Platoon'' (1986), ''Wall Street'' (1987), '' Young Guns'' (1988), '' The Rookie'' (1990), ''The Thr ...

) * Emeraude Toubia as Sloane Peterson (originally played by

Mia Sara Mia Sarapochiello (born June 19, 1967), known professionally as Mia Sara, is a retired American actress. She made her film debut as Princess Lili in the fantasy film ''Legend'' (1985), and had her breakthrough starring as Sloane Peterson in the ...

) * Charlie Weber as Rooney (originally played by

Jeffrey Jones Jeffrey Duncan Jones (born September 28, 1946) is an American character actor, best known for his roles as Emperor Joseph II in '' Amadeus'' (1984), Edward R. Rooney in ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' (1986), Charles Deetz in ''Beetlejuice'' (1988 ...

) and as Economics Teacher (originally played by Ben Stein) *

as Jeannie Bueller (originally played by

Jennifer Grey Jennifer Grey (born March 26, 1960) is an American actress. She made her acting debut with the film ''Reckless'' (1984), and had her breakthrough with the teen comedy film '' Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' (1986). She subsequently earned worldwide ...

) *

Jeanine Mason Jeanine Marie Mason (born January 14, 1991) is an American actress and dancer. Her acting career began after winning the fifth season of the Fox television show ''So You Think You Can Dance''. She is best known for her role as Liz Ortecho in the ...

as Grace (originally played by

Edie McClurg Edith Marie McClurg (born July 23, 1945) is an American actress and comedian. She has played supporting roles in the films ''Carrie'' (1976), ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' (1986), and ''Elvira: Mistress of the Dark'' (1988), and bit parts in ' ...

) * Xxavier Lavell as Narrator Note: This cast originally included

Kelvin Harrison Jr. Kelvin Harrison Jr. (born July 23, 1994) is an American actor. He is the recipient of such accolades as a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for a British Academy Film Award, Gotham Award, an Independent Spirit Award. He began his caree ...

but he was unavailable at the last minute.

July 31, 2020

'' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' by William Shakespeare Directed and produced by Brando Crawford * Brando Crawford as Bottom the Weaver, Egeus, and Master of Ceremonies * Tommy Dorfman as Puck (also plays Quince – this script has them being the same person; as if Puck has disguised himself as Quince entirely) *

as Hippolyta (also plays Titania) * Andrew Matarazzo as Theseus (also plays Oberon) *

Erinn Westbrook Erinn Veronica Westbrook is an American actress, singer, dancer and model. She is known for portraying Bree in '' Glee'', Gabby Richards in the MTV series ''Awkward'', and Magnolia Barnard in the Netflix series '' Insatiable''. As of 2022, she ...

as Hermia * Pauline Chalamet as Helena *

Drew Starkey Drew Starkey is an American actor. He portrays Garrett Laughlin in the Simonverse films ''Love, Simon ''and ''The Hate U Give'', Rafe Cameron in the Netflix teen drama series ''Outer Banks'' and Hawkins in the VH1 series '' Scream: Resurrection ...

as Demetrius * Wyatt Oleff as Lysander *

Lauren McCrostie Lauren McCrostie is a British actress. She appeared in ''Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children'', '' The Falling'' and short films ''Second Skin'' and ''Brothers''. Career McCrostie attended Dulwich Village Infants' School, Dulwich Hamle ...

as Mustardseed/Snug/Lion * Paris De Chantal Smith as Cobweb/Starveling/Moon and Philostrate * Alyssa Jirrels as Narrator/Snout/Wall * Ashleigh Morghan as Peaseblossom/Flute/Thisbe

Other events

On June 5, 2020, Brando Crawford, Xxavier Lavell, and Daniel Wilson uploaded the

Black Lives Matter Black Lives Matter (abbreviated BLM) is a decentralized political and social movement that seeks to highlight racism, discrimination, and racial inequality experienced by black people. Its primary concerns are incidents of police br ...

Manifesto on Acting for a Cause's YouTube channel unannounced, in place of a reading.

References

External links

* * {{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Screenplays Charity events Cultural responses to the COVID-19 pandemic Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performing arts