Broadway Flea Market 101 - History
The Broadway Flea Market had an inauspicious start. In 1987, the event debuted as two tables presented by the company of A Chorus Line outside their stage door in Shubert Alley as a part of the first Equity Fights AIDS week, raising what was thought to be an astonishing $7,000. Over the next four years, the Flea Market grew with tables from more shows, theatre-related offices, unions, and guilds – everyone recognizing a good cause and a great chance to clean house.
The Grand Auction had equally humble beginnings. In 1988, an auction of eight lots was created, but with no experienced auctioneer, sputtered to its finish. In 1989, Sotherby's Lorna Kelly came on board as our official auctioneer and with her expertise a truly “grand” auction was born.
Today the Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction brings thousands from the theatre community and audiences to Shubert Alley and along 44th Street. As they say, from little acorns… or more specifically, over 16 years from 1987 to 2005, this event has raised over $6.4 million and Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS is still signing posters, gathering swag, cleaning closets and auctioning off one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences for a good cause.
This year's Flea Market is made possible in part through generous sponsorships from
Continental Airlines, The New York Times, MAC Viva Glam, Junior's Restaurant, WOR Radio and Next Magazine
