How The Episcopal Actors’ Guild Keeps Actors Supported And Thriving

What happens when the show must go on, but life gets in the way? Since 1923, The Episcopal Actors’ Guild (EAG) has been a lifeline for New York City’s actors. From financial help to their beloved Actors Pantry, EAG ensures performers can keep chasing their dreams, even in tough times.

Whether it’s rent, groceries, or counseling, the EAG is there to help actors stay in the spotlight—even when life throws them a curveball. And with YouCanBookMe (YCBM), they’ve got a nonprofit scheduling software that’s streamlining their services into a seamless experience.

Here’s how the EAG offers genuine, dignified support to actors and performance artists throughout New York. 

A century of stepping in when the curtain falls

There’s no stopping showbiz, and for over 100 years, the EAG has ensured performers can keep chasing their dreams, even in tough times.

One of their earliest success stories? The legendary Fred Astaire and his sister Adele. Facing eviction while preparing for a Hollywood screen test, they turned to EAG for help. The Guild provided $500 for rent and travel—a life-changing sum at the time. Thanks to the generous support of the EAG, Fred went on to become a legend, and in gratitude, he donated $500 annually for the rest of his life.

Today, EAG serves over 3,500 performers annually with:

• Emergency grants to cover rent, utilities, and medical bills.
• The Actors Pantry—a food bank that treats performers with dignity.
• Counseling and support groups to help actors navigate life’s challenges.

Meet the team behind the scenes at EAG

EAG may be small in size, but their impact is enormous. Led by Executive Director Karen Foster and Director of Operations Rebecca Lovett, their team works tirelessly to support NYC’s performing arts community.

In fact, EAG members are all former or current performers themselves. With deep industry insight, they’ve built services that truly meet the needs of actors, from rent assistance to scheduling private pantry visits.

Treating all actors like stars

In 2014, EAG launched the Actors Pantry after realizing many performers were struggling to afford food. From the start, Karen and Rebecca wanted to do things differently—creating a food bank experience that prioritizes privacy and dignity. 

With YouCanBookMe’s nonprofit scheduling software, clients can schedule private visits to the pantry. They arrive at their chosen time, pick out groceries that fit their needs, and leave feeling respected and supported.

Supporting the unique needs of creatives

Performers and other creatives don’t just need a food bank—they need flexibility. Between auditions, side gigs, and erratic schedules, traditional approaches don’t always work. That’s why EAG built the Actors Pantry to reflect the lives of the people they serve, offering a customizable, private experience.

With YouCanBookMe’s scheduling tool, EAG ensures performers can book one-on-one visits at times that fit their busy lives. The result? Less stress, more support, and a system designed for the unpredictable schedules of the creative world.

By tailoring their services to meet the needs of NYC’s performing artists, EAG offers more than just resources—they provide confidence and flexibility in a world that often lacks both.

The tools keeping EAG on cue

1. YouCanBookMe

As a nonprofit on a budget, EAG needed scheduling software that was affordable, easy to use, and tailored to their unique needs. YouCanBookMe fit the bill perfectly, streamlining their scheduling process so staff could focus on their mission instead of administrative headaches.

How YouCanBookMe helps EAG:

• Keeps pantry visits private and respectful.
• Syncs with Google Calendar to prevent scheduling conflicts.
• Frees up staff time by automating scheduling.

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2. Google Workspace

EAG relies on Google Workspace to stay organized. With YouCanBookMe syncing to Google Calendar, every appointment is seamless.

3. Squarespace

EAG’s website is its digital stage, and Squarespace set it up for success. Embedding YouCanBookMe booking links makes it simple for performers to book appointments directly from the site.

4. Zoom

Workshops, support groups, and counseling sessions went virtual during the pandemic, thanks to Zoom. It’s still a vital tool for connecting with NYC’s performing arts community.

Why EAG loves YouCanBookMe

• Privacy first: Performers can book on their own time, keeping the process discreet and respectful.
• A major time-saver: Automated scheduling means more time spent helping clients, not managing emails.
• Works seamlessly: Google Calendar and Squarespace integrations make YouCanBookMe a perfect fit for their workflow.

YouCanBookMe: The nonprofit scheduling tool EAG trusts

For over a century, The Episcopal Actors’ Guild has been a lifeline for NYC’s performers. Whether they’re providing financial help or groceries, EAG is dedicated to keeping actors supported and thriving.

With YouCanBookMe, the nonprofit scheduling tool they trust, EAG has turned scheduling into a seamless process, freeing up time to focus on its mission. 

Interested in doing the same? Try YouCanBookMe today to deliver the best possible experience for the people you serve.