Our Spirit
While our songs cover a range of traditions, Broadway Carolers is full of Christmas Spirit, that warm light bringing kindness and love. That spirit helps us to reach out and connect people across differences through merry singing—the actual meaning of caroling!
It’s our deep understanding of caroling as a practice that makes us an established presence in the Christmas experience of New York City. We take pride in the diversity of our carolers and music because it helps audiences feel seen and included in the positive spirit of the event.
Being uplifting and knowledgeable is what we mean when we say “bright in song.” It’s our spirit. It’s who we are. It’s what we want to share with the world, and it’s why we offer vocal groups and music to bring good cheer in any season.
Our Director
Renae Baker is the founder and director of Broadway Carolers. Sometimes referred to as Mrs. Christmas or the Carol Boss, she is an expert on the subject and history of Christmas carols, and her book, Defeating Scrooge has been recommended by Jack Canfield, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Baker believes in bringing people together through song, and that carols, can transcend religious boundaries. Baker runs workshops on the power of caroling and has delivered a TEDx talk titled Can Caroling Lead to World Peace? and an Unforgettable Speaker Series True Christmas Spirit. As a professional actor with decades of experience, Baker is an acting and directing coach, a singer, a voice-over artist, and she has coached countless actors for auditions that landed them roles in Broadway, film, and television productions.
Our Musical Director
Since 2015, we have been most fortunate to have Roosevelt André Credit as our Musical Director. To date, he has had an extraordinary career as a professional actor, bass-baritone vocalist, recording artist, conductor, composer, and published Music Arranger.
As a vocalist, Roosevelt performs throughout the United States and abroad. He has been a cast member of two Tony Award-winning original Broadway shows and is a member of the Oscar Award-winning movie 12 Years A Slave. In the 2021-2022 season, Credit makes his Metropolitan Opera debut in the cast of Porgy and Bess. Credit holds master's degrees in Conducting and Vocal Performance and has conducted choirs around the world. A graduate of Oregon State University, Credit was the recipient of the Most Distinguished Alumni Award. Being a decorated Eagle Scout of America has helped Roosevelt become a better leader and teacher in the public and private school sectors nationwide. The Broadway Show League awarded Roosevelt the Theron Montgomery Award for being an “All-around good guy.” The Broadway Carolers can attest to that!
Affectionately known as "Roo," he is also a shining example of what it means to have the heart of a caroler, and he delights our audiences with his robust inspiritment as he beckons them to join us in song.
Our History
In 2021 we marked the 25th anniversary of our business. What began as a dream to use caroling to be a positive force for good in the city, took shape while New York was enduring an epic blizzard. A year later we had a single quartet of carolers and a mission under the umbrella of I S.M.I.L.E. in New York Productions.
Now, as Broadway Carolers, we have a group of over 25 performers, and years of experience performing across the region. Our name may have changed, but we are more committed to bringing light into people’s lives than ever before.
We have performed at houses and apartments, parks and country clubs, and NYC landmarks like Tavern on the Green, Blue Bird London and the Lamb’s Club. Annually, you can find us at The Miracle on Madison Avenue, the 34th Street Partnership at Herald Square, New York Botanical Garden, and the Carol Skate at Bryant Park.
Under the leadership of founder and director Renae Baker, the group has grown consistently for over two decades, strengthening established relationships and forming new ones. And our history is still being written every year, by the people we meet, the people who brighten our lives and smile along with us.
Our Broadway Carolers
