The executive director, Jessica Bakeman, was inspired to create “Fight With Love” in January 2007 when she attended a New York State Theatre Education Association conference. She took a workshop called, “How Theatre Can Effect Social Change,” and met its instructor, Joe Norton, who works with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. After discussing how to use theatre as a social catalyst, she was determined to bring together the talent of Rochester in a way to make a difference. “Fight With Love” was born.

In its first year, 17 cast members and 5 student technicians came together and put on “Fight With Love” in the Iacovangelo Auditorium at the Aquinas Institute of Rochester (www.aquinasinstitute.com). As it was Jessica's alma mater, administrators at Aquinas were quick to help and offer the space for rehearsals and the production. On July 21, 2007, 110 people came to Aquinas and saw the show. Through admission, the sale of raffle tickets for donated prizes, and the sale of donated refreshments and desserts, the group raised $1,300 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. What was only intended to be a one-time endeavor had inspired many and it seemed obvious — Rochester Theatre Students would not stop there.

In summer 2008, the group wanted to grow the production. Because the show had impressed many professional theatre personnel in the Rochester area, the group was given the opportunity to perform in two upscale and professional theatre spaces, the Nextstage at Geva Theatre Center (www.gevatheatre.org) and at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester (www.jccrochester.org). With 15 cast members, some new but many returning, the cast put together an even better show than the year before, and performed on July 11, 2008, at Geva and July 20, 2008, at the JCC. The production raised $2,700, more than doubling its revenue from the first year for the charity. However, Starbucks got involved, and through a grant called “Make Your Mark,” which allows Starbucks employees to work in a community service capacity and raise funds for charity. Starbucks donated more than $1,400 to the charity in the name of “Fight With Love.” Therefore, in the second year the cast raised more than $4,000 for the charity, more than tripling the first year's donation!

This year, Geva and the JCC have signed on again, and Time Warner Cable has joined the effort as a corporate sponsor. There will be four chances to see “Fight With Love” in summer 2009, and the show will be even better than ever.