Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

The Lost Years of Shakespeare

A young woman discovers a secret passageway, drawing her into the hunt for a lost treasure.

You may also be interested in

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

The Lost Years of Shakespeare

The Lost Years of Shakespeare

The Lost Years of Shakespeare

The Lost Years of Shakespeare

The Lost Years of Shakespeare

A young woman discovers a secret passageway, drawing her into the hunt for a lost treasure.

A young woman discovers a secret passageway, drawing her into the hunt for a lost treasure.

A young woman discovers a secret passageway, drawing her into the hunt for a lost treasure.

A young woman discovers a secret passageway, drawing her into the hunt for a lost treasure.

Tabitha Wheeler
Tabitha Wheeler
Tabitha Wheeler
Tabitha Wheeler
1 Campaign |
Ashland, United States
$6,373 USD by 68 backers
$5,806 USD by 64 backers on Apr 15, 2022

The Lost Years of Shakespeare

As the applause from the garden fades in the distance, Tisa methodically checks each ticket, making sure every coat is in its rightful place. It is the evening of the 80th anniversary of the Shakespeare festival, and soon, the affluent guests of the evening will be returning to the coat check after their champagne and elated conversation. 

 

*Thud

 

What was that? Tisa turns away from the counter to the coat rack at the back of the room. Slowly, listening carefully, she parts the coats to reveal a peculiar piece of peeling wallpaper. 

 

*Thud

 

There is it again, only this time, it is clear that the mysterious thud is coming from behind the wall. Overcome with curiosity, she runs her fingers along the wallpaper, separating it from the barrier. 

There it is. A square panel; lined on one side by a pair of hinges. She pushes.

Peering into the dark passageway, a shimmer on the once-hidden spiral staircase in front of her discloses the presence of a striking Shakespearean Dagger. 

The elegant weapon lays heavy in her hands, but the truth beyond the blade remains beyond her grasp. 

We Need Your Help

We are asking for $6,000 to support our film.

The Ashland Springs Hotel and English Garden, Allen Elizabethan Theater, Oregon coast, Rocky Butte National Monument, and the construction of our secret passageway, are all among the beautiful locations we have planned for our film. This requires funds for travel, shooting permits, and food to cover 12 shoot days. We are also using period costumes for a portion of the film, emulating the 1600s, which, though an integral part of our narrative, gets pretty expensive. With your help, the culmination of these items will bring our story to life!

Break Down:

  • Location Permits/Travel                                                                             $2,950
  • Set Dressing                                                                                                   $500
  • Props                                                                                                                 $550
  • Costumes                                                                                                        $900
  • Special Effects Makeup                                                                              $100
  • Food                                                                                                                  $1,000

Production Crew

Creator: Tabitha Wheeler

I have been dreaming of becoming a director ever since I was a little girl. It all started when I was 4 or 5 years old putting on living room plays with my little sister and a few kids in the neighborhood. The living room era included a lineup of The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and "Snowbiz." When I was 11, I created my first movie, titled "Bewitched" in honor of my name sake, with a camcorder and the initial rendition of iMovie. A year later, I wrote and directed my first 45 minute mystery play, cast with 5 elementary school friends, and somehow convinced my parents to help me take it from my garage to the stage at our local library. Since these projects, my passion for directing has only grown. I couldn't be more excited to see my vision for The Lost Years of Shakespeare come to life with the help of such a talented cast and crew. 

Director of Photography: Caleb Hefner

Hello! My name is Caleb Hefner and I’m a graduating senior with a degree in Digital Cinema. I’ve been following this project and script since the beginning and the wonderful story that Tabitha has created has inspired me more than any production I’ve been a part of. The film we’re going to create is going to be more breathtaking than anything any of us have worked on yet. I’ve been inspired by visuals in movies for as long as I can remember, I can’t wait to create them for the rest of my life.

Co-Producer: AJ Carter

Hello! My name is Ayla Carter, you may also know me as AJ. I am in my junior year at SOU pursuing a Digital Cinema degree and an eSport minor and a Documentary Production Certificate.I got into film my junior year of high school - I had a small group of friends who were messing around with filmmaking and I thought to give it a go. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college, and was trying to find that "thing." Thankfully I got into film, and have been creating ever since. Here at SOU I am vice president of the Production Club and am trying to help with any projects I can - while creating and making my own shorts. I love producing, sewing, world/character building, and any random creative skills I can get my hand on.

1st AD: Aidan Hunt

My name is Aidan Hunt and I have wanted to be a filmmaker since I was a young child. I'm working as an AD on this project, which is something I want to do professionally. Like so many I hope to one day direct my own projects, but I am excited to get this one off the ground. 

Production Design: Alex Onkka

My name is Alex, I have a passion for production design and the art department! I’m excited to challenge myself on this project, to create this set, and work with the beautiful locations where we get to shoot this film. I’m more than excited to see the final result.

Costume Design: Ciara Cruz

Hi I’m Ciara Cruz and I am the Costume Designer for this production! Along with this position I’m assistant costume designer on another project and I’m working on my last school term for my BFA. I started my path on costume design around 2017 and have been passionate about it ever since. Working on any project my favorite part is always working together with every single person on the production and forming a little family that’s creating something beautiful to share with the world.

Sound Design: Sydnee Kizziar

I have been wanting to be involved in anything sound related since high school! Whether it be recording, editing or licensing sounds, I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue. Our world is filled with sound and it plays such an important role in perception; it has the ability to reach hearts and that’s what I think attracts me to this position. I’m excited to get to work with such a talented group of people as well as the mastermind behind it all…Tabitha! 

Fight Choreographer: Sawyer Jackson

Sawyer Jackson is a fight choreographer from Portland, Oregon who has spent years developing their skills under the likes of Cody Mattern, a member of the United States World Champion fencing team, and U. Jonathan Toppo, the resident fight director for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. They have been wielding a sword as a fencer from the age of six, and fell in love with fight choreography in their sophomore year of high school. After continuing their education and discovering the Society of Creative Anachronism, they have been 'sharpening' their skills over quarantine. This project is a dream come true because of its combination of period costumes, dramatic action scenes, and stunning locations. For a choreographer who hopes to work on many more sword fights in the future, there is no better place to start than here.

Photography: Abigail Coombs

I am Abigail Coombs, and I am the photographer for The Lost Years of Shakespeare. Since high school I have always loved photography and wanted to capture life through my camera lenses. I am very excited to be on this project and cannot wait to document the process.

The Impact

This film is designed to bring Shakespeare to younger audiences, and expand the community of Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Our story takes traditionally feminine characteristics often seen as "weak," such as loyalty, empathy, and kindness, and uses them as heroic tools amidst an action/adventure/mystery storyline.

Thus, between the scavenger hunt and the film in itself, this project is an opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate Shakespeare, and empower female voices in a male-dominated genre.

Challenges

With such an ambitious project come many challenges.

  • There are a LOT of people involved
    • This is necessary for the size of our production, but creates a many scheduling conflicts
  • Many of our locations require permits/contracts and traveling
  • Period Costumes
  • Constructing our Secret Passageway

However, we are well equipped to overcome these challenges.

  • Our crew is dedicated to the success of the project
  • Connections to lawyers through SOU who will help ensure we have the correct permitting for a safe shoot
  • Working with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's costume rentals
  • Craftspersons with over 30 years of construction experience will be aiding in the creation of the Secret Passageway

Treasure Hunts

Not only is this an opportunity to include people in the excitement of The Lost Years of Shakespeare, but it is also a celebration of spring and making connections within our community. It is our hope that this scavenger hunt will be a fun activity for people of all ages to participate in, that will get them outside and interacting with new people, while promoting *local businesses and nonprofits. 

If you would like more information, have any questions, or are interested in helping out with the scavenger hunt events, feel free to email wheelertabitha17@gmail.com with inquiries.

*stayed tuned for a list of sponsors

Other Ways You Can Help

We're so glad you are here. Even if you aren't ready to make a monetary contribution, there are other way you can help!

  • Share this page with family and friends
  • Volunteer at our Scavenger Hunt (email wheelertabitha17@gmail.com)
  • Be on the lookout for The Lost Years of Shakespeare!
Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

Special Thanks

Special Thanks

$5 USD
Welcome to the team! Backers who donate a minimum of $5 dollars will receive a special thank you in our credits.
Included Items
  • Special Thanks Credit
Estimated Shipping
November 2022
11 claimed
Handwritten Thank You Letter

Handwritten Thank You Letter

$10 USD
In addition to a special thank you the credits, backers who choose this perk will receive hand-written thank you letter in the mail. The letter will be delivered in an envelope sealed with wax in true Shakespearean fashion.
Included Items
  • Special Thanks Credit
  • Handwritten Thank You Letter
Estimated Shipping
November 2022
6 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Shakespeare's Treasure Hunt

Shakespeare's Treasure Hunt

$15 USD
Ashland: April 22 5:30pm Using a combination of 15 unique riddles, ciphers, maps, and other clues, participants of this treasure hunt will race to the finish line in hopes of finding the treasure from Shakespeare's lost years... and our grand prize: a collection of gift cards and certificates sponsored by local businesses in Ashland and Medford.
Included Items
  • Event Details
  • Digital Event Voucher
Estimated Shipping
April 2022
7 claimed
Digital Download

Digital Download

$30 USD
With this perk, backers receive a digital download of The Lost Years of Shakespeare after its release date in November of 2022. Backers will also receive a special thank you in the credits, in addition to a personalized, hand-written thank you letter.
Included Items
  • Special Thanks Credit
  • Digital Download
  • Handwritten Thank You Letter
Estimated Shipping
November 2022
7 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Signed Script

Signed Script

$50 USD
Backers will receive a hardcopy of the script, signed by cast and crew, in addition to a digital download of The Lost years of Shakespeare, a personalized, handwritten thank you letter, and a special thanks in the credits of our film.
Included Items
  • Special Thanks Credit
  • Digital Download
  • Signed Script
  • Handwritten Thank You Letter
Estimated Shipping
November 2022
9 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Behind the Scenes Bundle

Behind the Scenes Bundle

$100 USD
This perk gives you exclusive access to behind the scenes content collected from the beginning of production, all the way until the film's premiere. Backers will see behind the scenes photos, videos, special and visual effects, as well as the challenges and triumphs met and overcome by our cast and crew.
Included Items
  • Special Thanks Credit
  • Digital Download
  • Signed Script
  • Handwritten Thank You Letter
  • Behind the Scenes Access
Estimated Shipping
November 2022
6 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Associate Producer

Associate Producer

$500 USD
Backers will receive an associate producer credit, a film poster (signed or unsigned), an invitation to visit the set during production, and an invitation to a question and answer panel about the production after wrap. Associate producers will also receive all other perks offered in previous packages!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Signed Script
  • Handwritten Thank You Letter
  • Behind the Scenes Access
  • Associate Producer Credit
  • Film Poster
  • Set Visit
  • Crew Q and A Panel
Estimated Shipping
November 2022
3 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Executive Producer

Executive Producer

$1,000 USD
Backers will receive an executive producer credit, a VIP invitation to the film's premiere, a personalized thank you video from the creator, an invitation to a question and answer panel after wrap and visit to set during production, as well as all other previously offered perks!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Signed Script
  • Handwritten Thank You Letter
  • Behind the Scenes Access
  • Film Poster
  • Set Visit
  • Crew Q and A Panel
  • Executive Producer Credit
  • Thank You Video from Creator
  • Invitation to Premiere
Estimated Shipping
November 2022
1 claimed
Ships to United States of America

You may also be interested in

Up Caret