A Little Kindness Can Change the World
CITY OF STRANGERS is 501 (c)(3) registered nonprofit that encourages artists, supporters, and leaders to build community through acts of kindness by making tickets to performances accessible to all theater-lovers regardless of ability to pay.
We work directly with the supporters and community members to remove financial barriers for theater-lovers by providing tickets to individuals and community organizations who may not otherwise be able afford them.
HOW IT WORKS
DONATE
We raise funds from supporters to underwrite tickets and enrichment programming for theater lovers who would otherwise not be able to afford them.
PARTNER
We collaborate with non-profit organizations, educators, and our community to expand access.
SHOWTIME
We collaborate with non-profit organizations, educators, and our community to expand access.
POST-SHOW
We arrange special events after performances, like talkbacks, backstage tours and surprise meet & greets to provide memorable experiences.
PAYING IT FORWARD
ONE TKT AT A TIME.
“It’s been tough finding work since I moved to the city after graduating. I have spent all my time and money to pursue theatre, but this gave me the opportunity to see it. “
- Ticket Recipient
It was one of the greatest pleasures of my life to be gifted this opportunity. I aim to give someone an act of incredible kindness in the future in honor of the one bestowed to me!”
- Ticket Recipient
EVERY TICKET HAS A STORY
The mission to “pay-it-forward” was inspired by a random act of kindness—the life-changing gift of a ticket to a Broadway show for City of Strangers co-founder, Broadway’s Claybourne Elder. That moment of unexpected connection instilled the belief that acts of kindness can have lasting effects.
2008
While starring in COMPANY on Broadway in 2022, Elder posted a photo he had taken with the stranger and offered to give away two tickets to someone who could not afford to come. Donations poured in to buy more tickets and City of Strangers began. Soon after, someone recognized the man from the photo and reconnected the two.
2022
That story, which inspired his lifelong commitment to paying it forward, was featured on This American Life, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and CBS This Morning and laid the foundation for City of Strangers.
IN THE NEWS
CBS MORNINGS
Claybourne Elder, one of the stars in Broadway's hit musical "Company,” recently sat down with Vladimir Duthiers to discuss his mission to give out free tickets to his show as a pay-it-forward after a stranger did the same for him 15 years ago. He reunites with that stranger almost two decades later…
THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
Fifteen years ago, then-aspiring actor Claybourne Elder was visiting New York City when a complete stranger gave him $200 to see a Broadway show. Now, he's paying that stranger's kindness forward by giving away thousands of Broadway tickets…
THIS AMERICAN LIFE
Fifteen years ago, then-aspiring actor Claybourne Elder was visiting New York City when a complete stranger gave him $200 to see a Broadway show. Now, he's paying that stranger's kindness forward by giving away thousands of Broadway tickets…