About Me
I am freelance theater director and producer in Louisville, KY with an interest in producing new plays that center women. I am particularly interested in stories about motherhood, pregnancy, abortion, body image, and mental health. I read The Baby Maker six months ago and immediately wanted to produce and direct it. I can't wait to share this play with audiences!
Performance Dates
March 18-20 and 25-27 at The Bard's Town in Louisville, KY
Synopsis
Molly is pregnant and her boyfriend, Andrew, is overjoyed. But when Molly is diagnosed with hyperemesis (severe morning sickness) it becomes clear that Andrew and his parents are more concerned about the baby’s health than her own. And when Andrew starts planning a future for them that is very different from what she had in mind, she worries she is losing her agency as a person and being seen only as a mom.
Why do this show now?
The Baby Maker is a commentary on modern relationships, and the impulse to define women by the people they create, instead of the people that they are. We continue to see reproductive rights stripped away state by state. Decisions that should be made between a doctor and patient are debated by politicians.
That is the most harmful way in which we take away a pregnant person’s agency, but there are more subtle ways as well. A stranger touching a pregnant belly without permission. Family members giving unwanted advice on a pregnant person’s birthing plan. A friend asking “should you really be eating that while pregnant” instead of trusting their friend to know what is best.
These are all examples of intrusions of privacy that seem acceptable simply because the person is pregnant. But these can be harmful. The Baby Maker explores those subtle ways that we harm pregnant people and encourages the audience to think about their own actions.
Where does my money go?
Theater is expensive and tickets only cover part of the cost. Between the venue, rehearsal space, rights to the script, costumes, props, and set pieces, there tends to be very little money left to pay everyone who worked on the show. That is where you come in. By donating you will be helping cover the costs to put on the show and guarantee a stipend for:
- 5 actors
- 1 stage manager
- 1 light designer
- 1 props/costume designer
What is the breakdown?
- 1 $10 donation = 1 script
- 1 $25 donation = 1 can of paint
- 5 $50 donations = rehearsal space
- 2 $100 donations = 1 actor stipend
But this is community theater, why do the actors need to be paid?
Acting is hard work and actors deserve to be compensated for it!
For this show, the actors will be in rehearsal for around 75 hours, not including the time they will spend memorizing their lines, doing character analysis, and driving to and from rehearsal. All on top of a full-time job.
During the pandemic, it became clear how vital art is to our wellbeing. Watching TV and movies, reading books, seeing recordings of plays, and walking virtually through art exhibits lifted our spirits during a difficult time. For all of these reasons and more, I am determined to pay the actors and designers working on this show. And I need your help to do that.
Can’t afford to donate? Here are other ways you can help
- Spread the word! Share this campaign on social media and tell your friends!
- Volunteer to help! Take tickets at the door or help paint the set. Anything is greatly appreciated. Contact me at emilygrimany@gmail.com.
- Come see the show! Sign up for my newsletter at emilygrimany.com/newsletter so you can buy tickets as soon as they go on sale and stay up to date on future shows.
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