Short Summary
When Nathanael Lee (producer, director & actor) approached me (Zabet NeuCollins) to help him co-produce The Mystery of Irma Vep - A Penny Dreadful by Charles Ludlam, I was a little hesitant. It wasn't because the play didn't capture my attention -- quite the contrary! Reading the script had me giggling uncontrollably. No, I was more worried that the play would be too much of a production for us to put on. Both Nathanael and I have a very high standard in the work that we create. How could we expect to put on a professional show, up to our own standards, with our limited budget and resources? However, Nathanael was persistent and he soon convinced me that it was worth a shot.
It is without doubt that Nathanael's enthusiasm has got us where we are today. However, to my amazement, local actors and artists stepped out of the woodwork to support us in this venture. Ed Dillon, the set designer, is ingenious! To our first production meeting (literally just a "meet-and-greet"), he brought miniature cardboard cutouts of the set! Thomas VanGorder, the other actor, brings levity to every rehearsal. And there are more: Kate, the stage manager, Stephanie, the costume designer, Chuck the sound designer, Didi on lights, Mark the music-score man and Garrett, the poster designer. What's that saying? "If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together."
We are so excited to be able to produce this show with the help of the Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, Maine. However, we are in need of $1500 to help us cover expenses such as rights, costumes, and stage props. With your help, we'll be able to make this show a top quality production that we all enjoy being a part of.
What We Need
The bulk of the money we fund-raise will go to the custom set Ed Dillon is creating, along with prop-pieces and furniture items we purchase to decorate the stage. The remainder will go towards custom-made costumes. This play has eight characters but only two actors, resulting in many quick costume changes. Simple costumes that at the same time depict characters of different genders and statures are hard to find: that is why all our costumes will be custom made by Stephanie Urquhart.
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if a financial donation is out of the question, we can sure use your help! First and foremost, please spread the word about our project. We would love to see you, your family, your friends, and your acquaintances in the audience!
Second, we are on the look out for stage-hands and any back-stage helpers that can assist us during the actual performance(s) to change the set, help with costume changes, and more. Please contact us if this is something you'd be interested in!
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And that's about it! Thank you for supporting us!