Who We Are
Our mission and structure
We are committed to researching, examining, and embodying the political and economic history of the United States in the last 100 years. We take continual inspiration from Marguerite Young's life work Harp Song for a Radical, dedicated to early 20th century labor activist Eugene Debs. We know that to know history is already to embody it. We rehearse and work rigorously in our struggle to understand more. We want to provide an understanding of our history by way of performance that is empowering, that is entertaining, that is precise, and that is living. We will create original work with original voices in a diverse, multi-generational community.
Our history
Harp Song for a Radical was originally conceived as an academic project completed by participants in the University of Washington's B.A. and MFA programs in Drama Performance, Production, and Design, with assistance from the History department. After a 6-month workshop period, the Harp Song ensemble presented this first version at the Meany Studio Theater in October 2011. Small segments were later performed at the Seattle Labor Temple Association and the Voices of Occupy stage at the Folklife Festival in 2012.
Harp Song reorganized itself following the Folklife festival with a new concept and time period. It was performed as a twelve-minute vignette in March 2013 as part of the regular Twelve Minutes Max festival organized by On the Boards in preparation for its later expansion at the upcoming Northwest New Works festival in June 2013.
What We Are Asking For
We are asking for $5,500 from whoever can contribute even one.
We are raising this money to fund our Northwest New Works production. We have pared down all our costs to the bare minimum, and receive some in-kind support from the University of Washington school of Drama. However, we want to also provide the professional artists involved with a stipend to compensate them for their time; each of the ensemble has made very real fiscal sacrifices by taking time off work or from other projects. Additionally, we would like to provide each of the designers with a modest budget so that they have as many options as possible for attaining their vision. If we are unable to achieve our goal in fundraising, we pledge modify our project to the resources we have received from you.
Our Goal
Collaboration, Education, Opportunity
Harp Song for a Radical has always been a collaborative project. In the first iteration teachers worked closely with their students to discover and refine techniques of devising historically based theater. Now, the ensemble has expanded into an even split between students, recent graduates, and professionals. It is our goal to remain a project based company following this next production and to continuously provide the opportunity for young artists to work with established artists towards the greater goal of refining strategies to create new and exciting work.
How You Can Help
Monetary Donations
Contributions can be made directly through this campaign: every little bit helps us achieve our mission.
If you would like to receive a tax-deduction for your donation, please visit Jeffrey Frace's sponsored artist profile and made a donation through The Field, a 501(c)3 organization serving the performing arts community.
To make a tax-deductable donation, please click here.
Jeffrey Fracé is a Sponsored Artist of The Field, a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization serving the New York City performing arts community. Contributions made to The Field and earmarked for Jeffrey Fracé are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about The Field contact: The Field, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 906; New York NY 10038, 212-691-6969, fax: 212-255-2053, www.thefield.org. A copy of The Field's latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, from The Field or from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
For more information or if you have any questions, please email dylan@harpsongforaradical.com with the subject line "Harp Song Donation." Please allow up to 2 business days for a reply.
In-Kind Donations
If you would like to offer a service or item that will assist in our production, we can also offer tax-deductions for their value through The Field. Please speak up! You and we may be surprised by how we can incorporate your assistance.
For more information, please email dylan@harpsongforaradical.com with the subject line "Harp Song In-Kind Donation." Please allow up to 2 business days for a reply.
Social Support
If you are unable to make a donation but can talk to those who may, please spread the word to them via mouth, Facebook, email, twitter, blog, carrier pigeon, or what have you. We appreciate you and your support immensely. It is the very reason we are here.
Special thanks to Tim Summers for the above photos.