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With the help of generous contributers like you, "Coming Out Kinky" had our World Premiere in Los Angeles to sold out audiences and fantastic reviews! Building on that momentum, we're now taking the show on the road (Chicago! Denver! Portland!) to theaters and universities. Want to see kinky in your town? Contact Jean@JeanFranzblau.com and let's get the conversation started. And here's the kinky blog and Facebook page to stay in touch.
What’s the show about?
When
Jean was a little girl, she believed that sex must be bad and made the impossible
commitment to never be sexual. The show tracks her story where Jean untangles
the truth – that sex is a natural and wonderful part of the human experience.
She allows herself to walk an unusual path of exploration and comes to accept herself
along with her quirky, unfolding sexuality.
What does the show’s title mean?
The title of the show was
inspired by a coming out conversation Jean had with her mom.
Talking to your Mom about sex can be dicey.
How was the preview performance?
We tested out the show
with two performances at the Santa Monica Playhouse earlier this year. Here’s what the audience
said:
“I can’t stop thinking
about it. It’s profound.”
“What a story – amazing!”
“I was blown away.”
"I can't get my
thoughts together - it stunned me."
“The show was funny, sad,
honest and riveting.”
"The show was smart,
interesting, rich and deep.”
“The story, staging, body
movement and facial expressions were priceless.”
Postcard for the preview performance.
Can I donate anonymously?
Yes! When you click your favorite
tier, you'll be taken to a page that asks for your name and email address. No
one other than Jean can see your email address, and you can use a pseudonym in
that section. You only need to use your real name in the payment section (which
is not posted).
What will the money be used for?
Your support will fund
fifteen or more performances of Coming
Out Kinky in Los Angeles, California. Not only would you be helping the
show reach over 1,000 people, we’d be able to get valuable press that would
allow the show to gain momentum. Most of your contribution will pay for theater
rental, rehearsal space, directing, lighting
design, box office services, publicity, advertising, program printing and insurance.The
rest will pay for fees and rewards.
Shopping for just right theater space...
What happens if you raise more money than your goal?
What
an exciting prospect! Here are small and audacious stretch goals.
If
the campaign reaches $26,000, we’ll be able to rent a larger, more fancy
theater.
If
it reaches $27,000, we can design and print fun t-shirts.
If
the support is so big that it reaches $43,000, we’ll be able to produce a
polished video of the show that could be streamed and downloaded via Amazon,
Netflix, Hulu or YouTube. You’ll be sharing kinky with the world!
(If
the campaign brings in less than our goal, we’ll put on fewer performances.)
Your Donation is a Double Good Deed
A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to the new non-profit organization, Sex-Positive World. Sex-Positive World supports the philosophy that sexuality is a natural, healthy and essential part of life. SPW also advocates that pleasure is good and all sexual orientations and relationship styles are accepted and supported.
Sex-positive is a philosophy of sexuality that emphasizes safety, mutual respect, communication and consent. It also acknowledges and celebrates sexual diversity – the idea that there are many, many ways to express sexuality.
Tell me more about the creative process
It
takes a combination of skills and talents to create a solid, entertaining and
worthwhile solo show - which is why Jean brought Karen Aschenbach on board.
Karen is a director and solo show development coach with an eagle eye for story
structure.
For
you English majors, you can count on a three-part structure, dramatic tension,
character development and a solid resolution. For those who don’t care to look
under the literary hood, you’ll just know it’s a hell of a good, fast paced
story that’s engaging and emotionally satisfying.
Here's Karen, Jean and the rehearsal process.
About the team
Jean and Karen have
collaborated over eighteen months and successfully presented the show’s preview
performance to a sold out audience. Here are more details about their
backgrounds so you feel confident that your contributions are in good hands.
Jean Franzblau (Writer/Performer/Producer)
Over thirteen years ago, Jean debuted her YouTube film, Internet Dating as a writer/producer and lead actress. With film festival screenings and pitch meetings under her belt, Jean has produced thirty-three more videos along with the preview theatrical production of Coming Out Kinky. As an actress she started off as a kid performer in Hollywood, Florida. After UCLA and a summer of study at the Neighborhood Playhouse, Jean was cast as Libby in Neil Simon's I Ought To Be in Pictures at the Long Beach Playhouse. She also won the part of Darcy in the NBC telefilm, Her Last Chance, with Jenna Elfman and Kelly Martin. Jean is a blogger and corporate professional – she knows how to get stuff done.
Jean's first film as a writer/producer and performer.
Karen Aschenbach (Director, Development Coach)
Karen has worked across multiple
disciplines as a writer, director, actor and producer. She has produced and
directed short films and independent features and her corporate production
company created promotional media and educational products for Fortune 500 companies.
Karen’s work has been seen around the globe on television and in festivals from
U.S. to Japan to Croatia. Of her many Los Angeles productions, a couple of her
favorites are the solo show Ripe, which was enthusiastically
mentioned by the LA Times last year and Mrs. Cage, an LA Times
Critics Choice. Karen works with performing artists one-on-one and in
her Crafting Your Craft™ Seminars. Her
methods help artists discover meaning and focus so they can get their work
done.
Audience members from the preview performance have said, “I want my daughter to see this.” Coming Out Kinky has female empowering, sex-positive messages including learning to make good choices and trusting the wisdom of one’s own body. Young women will recognize themselves as Jean finds solid footing across the uneven terrain of sexual experimentation and expression. The show is certainly Rated R – which is why we call it “a grown up story.”
How Else Can I Help?
Here’s
how to get more involved.
• Write something supportive in the "Comment" section above - it's so nice and it helps our search rankings
• Make small donations often - it's so encouraging and also helps our search rankings
Many thanks to David Zimelis for use of the song, Parole. Written by Todd Rundgren; Published by Earmark/Screen Gems/Columbia Music; BMI. Performed and arranged by David Zimelis. Also, a big thank you to Erin Stegeman and Tamara Miles for appearing in the video. A final shout out to Sandy Schwartz for his beautiful photography.
More Questions?
If you have questions
about how Indiegogo works, they have a great FAQ page. If you have questions
about Coming Out Kinky, email Jean at
Jean@JeanFranzblau.com.
Looking for more information?Check the project
FAQ
We'll thank you on our Facebook page. We can use your real name or if you’re feeling private, we can refer to you as “Anonymous, Awesome Person”
10 claimed
Flirtatious
$10 USD
A special thank you in the show's program. Be a part of the show’s history!
4 claimed
Flirtatious +
$10 USD
A special thank you in the show's program. Be a part of the show’s history! Plus a thank you on our Facebook page.
6 claimed
Open MInded +
$20 USD
1 ticket to the show’s preview performance. Plus a special thank you in the show's program and on our Facebook page.
16 out of 30 of claimed
Yummy
$150 USD
Lunch! Join Jean for a delicious lunch in Hollywood with an exclusive group of fellow supporters. Plus 1 ticket to the show. (Out of town guests will need to provide their own transportation to Los Angeles and lodging.)
2 out of 5 of claimed
Yummy +
$150 USD
Lunch! Join Jean for a delicious lunch in Hollywood with an exclusive group of fellow supporters. Plus 1 ticket to the show. Plus a special thank you in the show's program and on our Facebook page. (Out of town guests will need to provide their own transportation to Los Angeles and lodging.)
1 out of 5 of claimed
Smoldering
$300 USD
Jean will send you a signed script plus access to the rarely seen preview performance video; plus 2 tickets to the show.
1 claimed
Smoldering +
$300 USD
Jean will send you a signed script plus access to the rarely seen preview performance video; plus 2 tickets to the show and a special thank you in the show's program and on our Facebook page.
2 claimed
Delicious
$500 USD
Night on the Town; Join Jean and a small group of amazing supporters for dinner and a play in Hollywood, California; plus 2 tickets to see Coming Out Kinky. (Out of town guests will need to provide their own transportation to Los Angeles and lodging.) Jean will also send you a signed script plus access to the rarely seen preview performance video; You'll also get a special thank you in the show's program and on our Facebook page.
0 out of 8 of claimed
Spanklicious
$600 USD
Experience the excitement of being there. A link to a video recording of the glamorous World Premiere of Coming Out Kinky; Plus 4 tickets to see the show, a signed script and access to the rarely seen preview performance video; You'll also get a special thank you in the show's program and on our Facebook page.
0 claimed
Kinklicious
$700 USD
Night on the Town for Two; Bring a friend along! Join Jean and a small group of stellar supporters for dinner and a play; plus two tickets to see Coming Out Kinky. (Out of town guests will need to provide their own transportation to Los Angeles and lodging.) Jean will also send you a a link to the video recording of the glamorous World Premiere, a signed script and access to the rarely seen preview performance video; You'll also get a special thank you in the show's program and on Facebook.
0 out of 4 of claimed
Ecstatic
$1,000 USD
Let’s Play Hookie: Join Jean and a group of fantastic supporters for a unique and whimsical day-tour of Los Angeles. Sit back, relax and let Jean do the planning.
(Out of town guests will need to provide their own transportation to Los Angeles and lodging.) Jean will also send you a link to the video recording of the glamorous World Premiere, a signed script and access to the rarely seen preview performance video; You'll also get a special thank you in the show's program and on Facebook.
1 out of 4 of claimed
Thankyougasm
$1,500 USD
Tour of a Los Angeles Dungeon and After-Party. This exclusive event will give a safe and fascinating peak into the world of S and M. Meet experienced players, ask questions and if you’re feeling bold, try out a few techniques. Your boundaries will always be respected and Jean will be there every step of the way; plus 4 tickets to see the show.
1 out of 3 of claimed
Thankyougasm +
$1,500 USD
Tour of a Los Angeles Dungeon and After-Party. This exclusive event will give a safe and fascinating peak into the world of S&M. Meet experienced players, ask questions and if you’re feeling bold, try out a few techniques. Your boundaries will always be respected; plus 4 tickets to see the show, a link to the video recording of the glamorous World Premiere, a signed script and link to the preview performance video; You'll also get a special thank you in the show's program and on Facebook.