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The Alchemist

The Perfect Comedy for an Economic Tragedy. Laugh off the Recession on the Streets of New York!

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The Alchemist

The Alchemist

The Alchemist

The Alchemist

The Alchemist

The Perfect Comedy for an Economic Tragedy. Laugh off the Recession on the Streets of New York!

The Perfect Comedy for an Economic Tragedy. Laugh off the Recession on the Streets of New York!

The Perfect Comedy for an Economic Tragedy. Laugh off the Recession on the Streets of New York!

The Perfect Comedy for an Economic Tragedy. Laugh off the Recession on the Streets of New York!

Ben Prusiner
Ben Prusiner
Ben Prusiner
Ben Prusiner
3 Campaigns |
New York, United States
$3,630 USD 48 backers
72% of $5,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Highlights
Mountain Filled 3 Projects Mountain Filled 3 Projects

Our Story

We are a group of passionate young New York artists with a tongue-in-cheek political viewpoint of the world.  For info about each of us, click our photos at the bottom of the page.  We're trying to build something by and for the little people, who don't have a lot of money but have a lot of heart.

"The Alchemist" is a play by Ben Jonson, a man who went drinking with Shakespeare.  The play is still hilarious, and the satire still relevant, because greed doesn't change.  Nobody is scapegoated in the story; everyone is human and culpable, and you can't help loving them for it.  So here's our vision:

A full production of the play in Central Park and Battery Park (the financial district) in New York City.  Think buffoon, think clown, think street peddlers and magic.  The play is for the rich, the poor, the tourists, the locals - everyone and anyone who happens to pass by.  Inventive, accessible classical theater for all!

The Impact

Besides hearing and seeing one of the most hysterical and poetically perfect plays ever (top that, Shakespeare!), we're drawing a line between 400 year-old London and last year's Wall Street.  Jonson himself wrote that, "this pen did never aim to grieve, but better men."  We want to give everyone a hilarious, fun afternoon in the park.  We also want to make them think - to see the cycle that greed creates.  And to wonder if they've ever thought they could get something for nothing.


Unfortunately, "Nothing will come of nothing" as Ben Jonson's friend used to say (perhaps while debating the bar tab).  Which is where you come in. Contributing to The Alchemist is a way for you to vote for the kind of art you want to see produced.  Most productions rely upon big organizations, corporate sponsors or government aid.  We're trying to build from the ground up - make something for you, supported by you.  We're already working hard, but we need your help.

What We Need & What You Get

We've slashed costs across the board - all we're looking for is to put clothes on characters' backs, pay for insurance to protect performers, give the artists subway money so that they don't lose money by donating their time.  Last and not least, we need to spread the word so an audience will come and make the show worthwhile!

$10 Pays for two actors to ride the subway to and from rehearsal

$25 Covers the printing cost of scripts

$120 Takes care of marketing - fliers, ads, etc

$250 Pays for accident insurance to protect the artists and volunteer producers

$500 Sponsors travel costs for half the cast

$1000 Lets us build the wonderful props and costumes for the show (we've cut everything else - no set, no lights) - think buffoon bellies, stilts, clown shoes and tops hats!  It's what will make this show spring to life.
Other Ways You Can Help

Here's what we REALLY need you to do: 

1. Donate - whatever you can, no amount is too large (or too small!).  All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas, a not-for-profit organization that is fiscally sponsoring us.

2. Get 5 friends to match your donation.  That's how we're really going to make this a community supported piece.  Help us break out of the circle of people we know personally and make this a show made by everyone!

3. Spread the word about the performances!  The most important piece is having an audience, and you can spread the word - tell your friends, post on your facebook, blog, and twitter accounts.

4. Come see us play!  We can't make theater without you!

Thank you thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Please support us in making innovative, engaging, socially aware art.

Visit our website and facebook page, and come see us play in September - our chief goal is to see you there, laughing away...
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Choose your Perk

Charmer

$10 USD
Special thanks on our blog! Plus a free ticket to our free outdoor show!
5 claimed

Conjurer

$25 USD
Special thanks on blog and our postcard-program! A form of philanthropic immortality. AND, become a guest blogger - give your ideas on the project, digitally interact with the creative team!
16 claimed

Diviner

$50 USD
ALL of the above and recieve exclusive script updates! Give your feedback on the script as it develops - become part of the process. PLUS, a show postcard signed by the director and cast!
12 out of 15 of claimed

Soothsayer

$80 USD
ALL of the above, PLUS get a FREE ticket to our benefit party! Dance the night away at a "stock market carnival." AND, recieve a poster signed by the entire cast!
5 out of 10 of claimed

Oracle

$120 USD
ALL of the above PLUS have your name integrated into the intermission skit, performed by our cast! Become "well-versed" in the art of giving!
6 out of 8 of claimed

Augurer

$250 USD
ALL of the above, PLUS a handwritten personal sonnet praising your... whatever you want. Ben Jonson would have been proud. AND come watch a rehearsal as an exclusive guest! Get a sneak peek of the process and help us shape the final product.
1 out of 7 of claimed

Necromancer

$500 USD
ALL of the above, PLUS appear onstage alongside our actors during the intermission skit. Finally make it to (off-off) Broadway! Aaaaaannnndd, dinner with the director and select cast members! Chat it up - you're our guest!
0 out of 5 of claimed

Alchemist

$1,000 USD
ALL (yes, ALL) of the above, PLUS an original costume item from the show, signed by the cast member who wore it, plus the director and designer. Imagine a 4-foot top hat in your living room - say no more! Own a piece of theater history!
0 out of 3 of claimed

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