My name is Kelly Bartnik and I’m NY-based choreographer and performer with a recent background in the realm of Immersive Theatre. I am in the midst of developing a new long-term work entitled Here. The premise is that Here will run in an episodic format, similar to a television series but live performance, so that audiences can witness the series unfold over time. Each new episode expands on the previously crafted narrative so there is an ever expanding storyline with new characters and the continuation of existing characters’ trajectories over time. We are currently developing Episode 1, which we’re calling our Pilot episode.
Our narrative, which we are devising from scratch with generous contributions from the performers, introduces our first characters, played by Donna Costello, and Zach Martens . We are devising the Pilot in a space beautifully designed and crafted by Wildrence, LLC called The Mist. I am heading up the Choreography and Directing department, with Art Direction by Tori Sparks.
The purpose of this campaign is to help fund the initial launch of the Pilot Episode. Eventually we hope this series will support itself, but in the meantime we are asking for contributions to help get our first Episode produced. I’ve set an initial funding goal of $10,000. The components of this budget include:
- Performers Rehearsal and Performance Pay
- Space Rental
- Videography and Editing
- Music Rights
- Costumes and Props
- Choreography and Direction
- Website Design and Marketing
Eventually we will add a Dramaturge, Sound Designer, and Costume Designer to our team as well. Should we not reach our full goal of $10,000, any funds raised will be distributed to the performers, cinematographer, and space rental for time and space already put forth and used in the last two months.
The final major element of this project is that we will be highly documenting everything from creation so that when the project is over, we will compile a physical, graphic novel style representation of the story that we’ve created. This element is in collaboration with photographer and cinematographer Tyler Sparks.
If you are unable to donate at this time but would still like to support the project, please share the campaign on social media or forward to your friends and family. Please also sign up on our mailing list at www.hereny.com for future updates on the progress of this creation. Any exposure is greatly appreciated and we hope you can help us make this project a reality.
