Theater is hard, especially at the local, independent, level. We do our best to budget and fund shows to ensure that everyone gets a fair income. But often, artists (especially actors) are asked to forego a reasonable wage because the money just isn't there.

I'm currently directing the US West Coast premiere of The Prince by Abigail Thorn. Here is a very brief description:

"Jen and Sam find themselves stranded in an unfamiliar reality where Shakespeare’s entire literary universe unfolds around them like a strange, interconnected multiverse. But nothing is as simple as it seems as they come to discover there’s far more hiding beneath the surface of the iconic characters treading the boards around them.

​"Blending sharp gender theory with unapologetic queer energy, and pairing it all with sword clashes and iambic pentameter, the play takes a refreshingly irreverent—almost blasphemous—approach to the Bard. Central to the story is the theme of gender identity. The play constantly questions how gender roles function both onstage and in the wider world, delivering a heartfelt and sincere exploration of discovering one’s authentic self. No character embodies this more powerfully than Hotspur, whose personal journey becomes the emotional core of the piece."

The producing company is teeny and, with my help, has managed to secure a couple of small sponsors to boost the 'micro-budget' initially set down for this show. I want to be honest in saying that, per the budget, we are funded. But the budget is very, very, small at under $8k. This is pretty typical for semi-professional theater in our region, but less than half of what I would generally want to be working with, mainly in respect to talent wages.

I, personally, have donated both my director's and designer's fees back to the production to open up funds across all categories, including wages. But, in my opinion, as someone who has worked at the professional, union-backed, level of production in the past, it's still not enough. Our cast of 8 is currently only earning $150 each TOTAL. That is for 9 weeks of rehearsal and 3 weeks of performances!

Our actors, most of whom are trans, genderfluid, queer and BIPOC are INCREDIBLE professionally-trained and highly skilled. They have committed to this show because, like me, they believe in its story, its messaging and its importance to the culture, especially right now.

At the very minimum, I would like to double their total take home pay. Ideally, I would like to triple it. I've set the goal of $3k with this tripling in mind.

I hope you will help me meet this goal and support both this show and these amazing artists.

Please visit Screaming Butterflies Theatre presents The Prince by Abigail Thorn to learn more about each of them.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and support!