The entire arts industry is taking center stage for a new campaigned called "Be an #ArtsHero."

The initiative is pushing the Senate to pass $4 billion in emergency relief for the arts industry by Aug. 1. It is also asking for an extension of federal unemployment compensation until all arts institutions can safely reopen and artists' healthcare benefits to be subsidized.

Pleasantville resident turned Broadway actress Ali Ewoldt says the pandemic has already cost her tens of thousands of dollars in cancelled performances and she has no way to know when she can return to work.

"In out industry we are often auditioning for things and don't often know what's coming down the pipes," Ewoldt says. "So not only do the jobs I know got canceled but the ability to audition for any other jobs have also disappeared, so the sense of uncertainty is very strong right now."

The closure comes after Broadway recorded their highest grossing season ever with more than $1.8 billion.

The National Endowment for the Arts says that for every dollar invested in the arts, there is a nine dollar return to the local economy.