Support Conrad Ricamora's Scholarship for Asian Actors

I've been carrying a lot of grief lately. Grief from being told—implicitly and explicitly—that I don't belong. Grief from seeing others like me, Asian American men, pushed to the margins of the stage, or off it entirely. And grief from knowing that these patterns are old. Older than me. Older than this moment.

Progress in our industry can be real and inspiring—but it's often fragile. Even after decades of work and some recent wins, Asian American men still face enormous barriers in the world of acting—especially in roles that are complex, leading, and human. And especially on stage.

So I've decided to channel that grief into something generative. I'm launching a scholarship fund for Asian American male actors pursuing BFA or MFA acting degrees—to help plant seeds of hope for the next generation.

I'm starting the fund with $8,000 (because 8 is a lucky Chinese number) of my own money, and I will match the first $10,000 of donations that come in.

I believe that when you are refused your right to be onstage, the first thing you must do is remember what my favorite British acting teacher, Cicely Berry, once said:

“You must believe that you have a right to be there.”

Let's help future generations believe that.

Let's make sure that the historic recent Tony Award win by Francis Jue isn't followed by another step backward. Let's ensure that progress doesn't get reversed, but extended—amplified.

Let's not wait for gatekeepers to change the rules. Let's change the soil.

I'm calling this fund The Right to Be There—because no young actor should grow up feeling like their presence is conditional. Not in their training, and not on the stage.

With love and hope,

Conrad Ricamora