Q&A With “Puffs” Producer Colin Waitt
Alicia Ramírez
- OnStage New York Columnist
In keeping with the Puff’s spirit of acceptance and loyalty, the “Puffs” company has partnered with the Ali Forney Center for LGBTQ homeless youth in New York to collect scarves this holiday season. OnStage caught up with producer Colin Waitt to learn more about their collaboration with the Center.
OS: How did the partnership with the Ali Forney Center emerge?
CW: A few months back, the production team realized we wanted to do something for the community as we moved into the holiday season. We ourselves are a proud, big ol' group of Puffs, and—aside from a love of plants—a what is more Puff-y than bringing people together to spread some love? We decided to do something that would have a direct impact here in New York, and we unanimously agreed the Ali Forney Center was the perfect fit.
OS: Why the Ali Forney Center?
CW: The Ali Forney Center provides homeless LGBTQ youth with housing and support services to help them prepare for independent living. Their work is nothing short of incredible. It has empowered countless youth to reclaim their lives and thrive. Our scarf drive is just one part of the puzzle. We encourage people to give even further by volunteering or purchasing one of the items from their Amazon wish list, which can be found on the center's website.
OS: Are any cast members/creative team members directly involved with the Ali Forney Center?
CW: No—this partnership is a first for all of us. We look forward to finding other opportunities to get involved in the future.
** “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” runs until March 26, 2017 at The Elektra Theatre. Bring a scarf when you see the show! Support up-and-coming talent while ensuring no one at the Ali Forney Center is cold. If you cannot bring scarves on the day of the show but wish to make a donation to the Ali Forney Center, you can purchase an item from their Amazon Smile Wish List at: PuffsThePlay.com/scarf. **