Short Summary
**UPDATE**
We have reached our goal, but can still use additional support. About 10% of the show budget remains uncovered by our anticipated funding, so anything above and beyond our original $2500 goal will be put to good use!
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The Yellow Wallpaper is a classic American short story
written in 1892. Semi-autobiographical,
it describes the experience of a woman living in confinement as a cure for what
we now know of as postpartum depression.
Overwhelmed with loneliness and boredom, she becomes obsessed with the
wallpaper in the room and gradually loses touch with reality. It sheds light on issues that still have
relevance today and is filled with beautiful images and language. The stage piece will be movement based and
experimental in style allowing for a heightened theatrical expressiveness that
hooks into the heart of the story.
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Performances will begin
August 24 and run through September 14 at Chicago’s Chopin Theatre. Visit The Mill Theatre website for more details, or Brown Paper Tickets to purchase tickets to the show.
What We Need & What You Get
The biggest expense of producing a show like this is the
venue. Even small theatre spaces in
Chicago cost around $1000 per week. Other expenses include scenic elements,
props, and costumes. I feel
strongly about paying my personnel, which includes two additional actors, scenic
designer, lighting designer, sound designer, stage manager, and a director who
will be travelling from New York to direct the show. The overall budget comes in at around
$10,000.
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I know, $10,000 sounds like a LOT of money, but comparatively speaking:
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Can you even see the little sliver of yellow representing our budget?
Needless to say, it's doable! And here's the good news:
Every dollar you pledge through Indiegogo, up to the first $1500 of the funding goal, will be matched by an outside grant made possible by the generosity of Joe Lehman IV, Thomas and Adrienne Sturm, Joyce Saxon, and Joe and Jane Lehman.
Also, Yellow Wallpaper has been accepted into residency at the University of Chicago, where we will be able to rehearse and use their technical facilities as we continue to develop the show this summer!
The Impact
Every dollar helps!
I know people always say that, and of course, it'd be amazing if everyone could just give $1000, but here's the reality:
Our $10,000 budget is made up of a list of small expenses, just as our funding will be made up of a list of small donations.
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Sure, if you can contribute $400, you can pay for an actor. If you can give $250, you can cover one night of performance in the venue. But if you can pledge $50, you can pay for a costume! If you can only afford $5, there will be a box of cereal on stage every night because of your contribution. And if you only give $1, know that when an apple, or banana gets eaten on stage, you helped to make that possible!
So think about what you can give. $5? What's $5 really...
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Other Ways You Can Help
Hey, if you really want to help, but just don't have the funds, I get it! You've read this far, thank you so much for your interest!
Here's what you can do:
Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. It's a free gesture, but we will take it!
LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN.
Contributions to this project are tax deductible because of The Mill Theatre's 501C3 Status. If you know anyone who likes supporting the arts, or who needs another charitable deduction for their tax return, send them our way!
We want people to come and see this show, so if you can talk up The Yellow Wallpaper, or create buzz by mentioning us on Facebook or Twitter, wow, that would be awesome!
Finally, we may need volunteers for things like running the box office on a show night. If you have more time than money and would like to offer a gift of your time, let us know and we'll see where we can work you in.
