Times Square Vaccination Site Opens

On April 13, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced the opening of a new vaccination site for film, television and theater works in Times Square. Among those present at the press conference was SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President and New York Local President Rebecca Damon and National Board member Michelle Hurd. 
 
In their statements, both Damon and Hurd thanked DeBlasio for getting the site up and running and praised the act as a first step towards revitalizing the city’s arts community.
 
“We live in the most beautiful and creative city in the world, with some of the most talented storytellers, actors and entertainers,” said Damon. “As performers, we know that storytelling is crucial because it isn’t just our job, but our passion. Whether on set, on location or on the stage, we love our work. It’s a balm for the soul and food for the creative engine. 
 
“There cannot be a real recovery without this vital segment of our economy, and we applaud the work being done to bring the New York arts and entertainment industry back to life,” said Damon. “The Times Square vaccination site is an invaluable service for performing artists throughout the industry, and especially for our members.”

Hurd added, “This vaccination site sends a powerful message that the arts, entertainment and media industry is coming back.”

Later that afternoon, representatives from all sectors of the film, TV and theater industries joined DeBlasio and N.Y. State elected officials in Times Square for the site’s grand opening. Also in attendance as a special guest was SAG-AFTRA member Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“We want to tell stories, and we can’t do that if we don’t feel safe and you don’t feel safe,’’ Miranda said in praise of the vaccination site.  

The site is located on 7th Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets and is open daily from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. You can register for an appointment at actorsfund.org/BroadwayVaccination.

Photo: From left, IATSE Local 764 President Patricia White, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, New York Senator Brad Hoylman (D-NY), Actors Equity Association VP Ira Mont, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President and New York Local President Rebecca Damon, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Executive Director Laura Penn, NYC-CLC President Vincent Alvarez and Local 802 President Adam Krauthamer at the Times Square vaccination site opening on April 13.