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Production · b. 1995 · Chicago, Illinois, USA
Brando Crawford is the founder and director of Acting for a Cause, an organization renowned for its groundbreaking philanthropic productions. Crawford’s Acting for a Cause first made headlines in 2020 (BBC, British Vogue, Variety, Chicago Tribune etc), for a series of star studded “guerrilla theatre” productions raising funds entirely for charitable causes. Casts included Oscar Nominee Florence Pugh, Jacob Elordi, and Bella Thorne among many other young Hollywood elites. Acting for a Cause’s digital livestreams have raised over $100,000.00 for charity and attracted millions of international viewers, introducing Gen Z audiences to critical philanthropic initiatives including AIDS research (amfAR), arts education (EIFoundation), wildfire recovery (Entertainment Community Fund), COVID-19 relief (Mount Sinai Hospital), and more.
Acting for a Cause is not only impactful in product, but also in process. All cast and crew, from the key grip to the leading actor, volunteer their time and talent- making each production 100% for charity. Prominent fashion brands such as Dolce & Gabbana (The Great Gatsby), Versace (Julius Caesar), and Fred Segal (The Room Returns) have generously contributed costumes. Bold, unexpected creative choices, transform classics and have hooked Gen Z: Julia Fox as Titania in a Midsummer Night’s Dream, Gender Swapped Hamlet, LGBT representation in every cast, and modern translations of Shakespeare texts as subtitles.
Most recently, Crawford directed and starred in a reimagining of Tommy Wiseau's 2003 cult classic The Room, starring Emmy Winner Bob Odenkirk, Bella Heathcote, and original cast member Greg Sestero, with executive producer Mike Flanagan, under the banner of Acting for a Cause. The feature-length film was shot in a single day, with Odenkirk calling it the best experience he has had in show business besides working with Chris Farley on SNL. Proceeds from the project benefit amfAR.
He is also a musician and a member of the band Never Sorry, alongside Rivkah Reyes and Joey Gaydos Jr., both known for their roles in the film School of Rock and actor Rob Raco. The band has collaborated with Twin Shadow, Pianist Mike Garson and Drummer/Victoria’s Secret model, Dilone.
In addition to his work in the arts, Crawford is passionate about preserving history and community. He owns and restores historic properties, including the International mansion in Oak Park that hosts The Language and Music School, which he co-owns with his mother.
Brando Crawford hopes to continue to transform media through Acting for a Cause by making art for the sake of art and impact.
