Melbourne International Comedy Festival has launched a program where performers in need at this year's event can receive access to Uber journeys home at night at no cost.
The Light The Way Home initiative has been "designed to provide female, trans or non-binary, and vulnerable performers with a safe way home from comedy venues in or around the Melbourne CBD".
Light The Way Home will be funded by donations, collected through the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Public Fund, with the festival matching the first $10,000 donated. The future of the program will reportedly be subject to the success of the fundraising drive, with the aim of supporting Melbourne’s comedy community throughout the year on a permanent basis.
Festival Director Susan Provan said, “Starting out as a performer often means working late at night and not earning any money. It’s not fair that artists have to compromise their personal safety in order to build a career.
“Thanks to enthusiasm and action within our community we are very pleased to be able to roll out Light The Way Home in time for the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. We want to make all performers’ working lives safer so they can develop their work and all Victorians can enjoy it!”
Performers can follow the link here for more information on how to register.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is set to take place from 27 March to 21 April. Follow the link here for more details.
