Click to take the survey from Stagesource!– FREELANCERS AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS — Today we’re asking you to please take five minutes to take our survey on the impact COVID-19 has had on you in particular. We are committed to working with our members to forge specific, actionable strategies that will help us as we move through this difficult and confusing time. Individual responses will be kept anonymous, but the data we collect will be used to identify needed resources and to advocate for our community with funders, the press, and the public.
Financial Resources and Relief Funds
Check your eligibility for unemployment benefits
From Congressman Seth Moulton’s Town Hall on SBA:
You can and should apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) ASAP as the funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis. You can now apply (with the same application) for a $10,000 loan advance, which is payable within 3 days. That advance is really a grant, which is 100% forgiven. Whether you get an EIDL, are declined, or don’t have a decision yet, apply for this advance. If you already received an EIDL, go back to the SBA site and reapply, and this time ask for the advance. The new application is streamlined and takes less time than the original one.
Payroll Protection Plan: this is a new program under the CARES Act designed to help you keep your employees employed and help you come back strong when you re-open or scale back up. It is possible that this loan can be 100% forgiven! Applications will be made thru SBA lender banks, and you can apply starting Friday. Self-employed and sole proprietors can apply at a later date TBD. Much more guidance on this coming out in next few days. For now, you can view the application and general info on www.home.treasury.gov and click on the red box at top of home page.
You can apply for both EIDL / loan advance AND the Payroll Protection Plan but not for the same expenses.
Boston- Artist Relief Fund– requires that you live in the city of Boston
Boston Music Maker Relief Fund
Boston Dance Alliance Relief Fund
Crew Nation– Live Nation fund for music crews
Forbes: Small Business Relief Tracker
Collections of Resources, Advice
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources
Mass Cultural Council COVID-19 Resources
Mass Cultural Council- Relief Effort for Individuals
Mass Cultural Council- Relief Effort for Organizations
WBUR The Artery: Grants and Resources for Artists and Nonprofits
NEFA COVID-19 Resources for Individuals and Organizations
Stage Directors and Choreographer’s Society Resources
Advice from a coach for creatives and entrepreneurs
Gig Cancellations due to Coronavirus: Survival Tips for Freelancers
Coronavirus Cancellations in Entertainment- What Else to Do?
US COVID-19 Mutual Aid Resources– a Google Drive folder with A TON of resources, sorted by state
Call your city councillor/state senator/state representatives!! Use this link to find your representatives at the state level– the link takes you to a page with election information, but if you fill out the form it tells you who your current representatives are.
Training, Education and Research
QLab is offering free temporary pro bundle licenses from now until June 1 to support teachers and students. Use your .edu email to create an account at qlab.com/account and then email support@figure53.com
Qlab Training Videos on Youtube
Live Design- COVID 19: The Entertainment Industry Reacts with Training Options
ETC- Free Online Training Classes through May 15th– programming Element and Eos, color tools, virtual media servers, DMX, networking, troubleshooting, Unison Mosaic Designer, maintenance
ACT Lighting Online Courses– Free through June 1
Lightwright- John McKernon has created an emergency Lightwright license for students that need to complete projects and no longer have access to Lightwright. Details in the link.
Vectorworks Spotlight Essentials– use the code TRAINMENOW for a 100% discount. Click on enter promo code on the Seminar Admission page.
USITT Lighting Commission Training and Education Links
Free/Discounted Online Theater Courses
The Art of Social Distancing– a growing list of online resources for creatives for research, personal practice, and connection in the time of social distancing
BPL Online Resources– any MA resident can apply for a library card or e-card, and have access to not only free ebooks and audiobooks, but academic databases, business classes, language learning, art archives, music databases, Hoopla streaming media, movies, documentaries, a dance video database, videos of both theater and opera, and more.
Take Care of Yourselves
Taking Care of your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Free Workouts You can Do at Home- All Levels
Five Free Mindfulness Apps Worth Your Attention
Expert offers Practical Advice to Manage your Coronavirus Anxiety