The curtain will rise soon on Broadway Bares.

It’s an annual burlesque fundraiser to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Scantily clad performers will take over Hammerstein Ballroom on June 23.

Over more than three decades, the one-night only extravaganza has collected more than $26 million to help people access food pantries, medical treatment, housing assistance and more.  

“I didn’t think that taking my clothes off would do that much good,” Kellen Stancil, a longtime veteran of Broadway Bares, said. “But I swear when I did it, I was like, ‘Yeah. We can keep on doing this.’”

Stancil is this year’s director.

“We do this for a reason and there’s a purpose for it and that is to help others,” he said.

Stancil is a former dance captain and swing for “The Lion King” on Broadway. He got involved with Broadway Bares as a performer in 2011.

“To be able to use my talents and my gifts to help others and to raise money for the charity and do it, feeling good about yourself. I think that, that was really powerful,” he said.

After a stint in Las Vegas, Stancil returned to New York to choreograph the show.

“Back then, I definitely felt like I wasn’t prepared, but I was so willing to take, take the moment to look forward to,” he said.  

Stancil has also helped with other Broadway Cares fundraisers, like the famous “Red Bucket” drive.

This year, Stancil is stepping up even more. He is making his directorial debut. And he is the first person of color to direct the show.

“This is an opportunity that I don’t take lightly,” Stancil said. “And I think that, that’s why I care so much.”

Stancil knows that while the achievement is important, it’s all about helping the people who depend on Broadway Cares.

“One hundred dollars allows them to have home care and $250 actually covers one month of medication,” Stancil said. “So every dollar actually matters.”

For baring with care, Kellen Stancil is our New Yorker of the Week.