Short Summary
Justin M. Schlabach is a theatre director from Spokane, Washington. He is the former Artistic Director of Lilac City Performing Arts, a theatre company committed to producing work about social and personal issues in the Inland Northwest. In New York City, he's directed the staged reading of Once Upon with Writopia Labs and acted the role of Chris Pasco in Ophelia with Gotham Dance Theater. Justin developed a devising method with which he directed Hog Heaven and On the Subway for Old Orchard Theatre. His method begins with actors bringing source material that inspire them regarding the premise. In the case with Solitaire, actors used the premise of depression. The focus was not only the darkness of depression, but also the light; finding the balance. Justin then conducted improvisation exercises to draw out theatrical ways to present the source material around the metaphor of the classic card game Solitaire. He then wrote the script in twenty days based on the material learned by the cast in source material and improvisation. The result is the story told in Solitaire about Jordan and Christy who both live with depression and how it affects their lives as well as those who love them. This play will have its first appearance at Joria Productions in New York City the second weekend of September.
Solitaire is a significant play because it delves into a taboo subject. Depression is a serious condition that not only plagues the world, but also has strong roots in New York City. Moreover, the effects of depression are detrimental to both the individual and those who love them. According the Andrew Solomon, author of the Pulitzer Prize Finalist book Noonday Demon, 15% of individuals who are depressed will attempt suicide. It is the hope of this ensemble to help audience members want to talk about this subject, give hope that one can live a thriving life with depression, and perhaps inspire the 15% that taking one's life does not have to be the answer. Moreover, 20% of ticket sales will be given to The Trevor Project as a donation to help their work in reaching LGBT youth who struggle with depression and considering suicide. (Justin M. Schlabach and Solitaire: An Original Play are not affiliated with The Trevor Project)
This Indiegogo campaign is the means to present this work. With the funds raised we can pay for the performance space, props, costumes, set, and rehearsal space. Your contribution will make this play happen and perhaps have an impact on individuals who live with depression.
What We Need & What You Get
We need to raise at least $3,600 to present Solitaire. Our budget breakdown is as follows:
- $850 for the Performance Space Rental
- $1,500 for Rehearsal Space Rental
- $500 for the Set, Props, and Costumes
- $100 for Printing Flyers and Materials
- $650 for Indiegogo Donor Rewards and Shipping
As a thank you to contributions, we will not only include you in a shout out on our Facebook page and in the program, but also send donor rewards based on contribution amounts which include a Solitaire T-shirt, playing cards featuring the Solitaire image, a signed poster, DVD of the performance, and complimentary tickets to the performance of your choice. Justin M. Schlabach will also be hosting a Producers' Brunch for extraordinary contributions.
The Impact
Solitaire delves into the darkness of depression. According to Andrew Solomon, "About 3 percent of Americans - some 19 million - suffer from chronic depression. More than 2 million of those are children." This subject is one that is rarely talked about and needs to be addressed. In addition, this play also provides suggestion on how to live with depression. Knowing that living a vital life with depression is a personal and subjective path, Solitaire sensitively gives hope while pointing individuals in the direction to the help they themselves need. It is our hope that this play will reach individuals who need to hear about it either because they themselves deal with depression in their everyday life or they know of someone who lives with depression. With the numbers being so high and the risk too great, Depression needs to be discussed and people made aware. Moreover, with the ensemble's desire to donate to The Trevor Project, this production will not only create awareness, but also allocate funds to an organization that helps depressed LGBTQ youth on a daily basis and facilitates suicide prevention.
Justin M. Schlabach has used his devising method to create two previous plays: Hog Heaven and On the Subway. Hog Heaven emphasized the importance of family and On the Subway explored the nature of friendship. Both productions moved audience members to the point where they remembered the stories and their messages years later. Justin's goal is to do the same with Solitaire. This play can have a positive influence on the city of New York and to the extended geography that audience members will take it.
Risks & Challenges
The biggest risk with Solitaire is having people hear about the production. New York City has so many plays with companies that have bigger budgets to market their shows. Moreover, while Solitaire will be performing in Hell's Kitchen, it is also near all the well-known Broadway houses which can distract audience member from seeing this play. However, we will use the resources we have to let as many people know about Solitaire as possible. A press release has been sent to many publications including The New York Times, PlayBill, New York Magazine, New York Post, Time Out, Village Voice, among others. Flyers will be printed for use to spread to people the ensemble meets in our interactions to let them know about the play. We will also be using word-of-mouth, Facebook, and Instagram to spread the word. Our success will be dependent on people like you to take the time to share this play in your personal interactions and on your social media. If we can raise more than our $3,600 goal, we can use the funds for marketing materials to broaden the circumference of awareness. Between our efforts and your assistance in creating awareness, we can let as many people know about this play as possible even without a large marketing budget.
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you cannot financially contribute to our Indiegogo campaign, you can still spread the word. Share this campaign on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. The more people know about it, the better our chance to not only reach our goal, but possibly surpass it. If we surpass our $3,600 goal, we can use the funds for marketing and reach even more individuals to see this show. Therefore, whether or not you are able to contribute, please share!