To get there on time I skipped dinner in London and found myself climbing a dark and dingy staircase up and up and up. The view of the orchestra pit was stunning, and the front of the stage looked fantastic. As for the seated audience, I felt like a soaring eagle surveying my prey in the grass far below.

The non-stop music and action began but it was in German so I couldnt follow along. Four hours later I had picked up which character was unhappy at his factory job and which of his colleagues were having an affair, but the rest of the story didnt make much sense to me. And I missed the last train home. Stephen P Brown

Before clicking on your next task, imagine what it must be like for people today to experience opera for the first time (maybe you have never experienced opera?). We are in an age of instant-ness and an average attention span of three minutes. Weve forgotten how to listen (just look at all the latest management training that recommends listening as the #1 success tool), and weve been tricked into believing that our willingness to be affected in the gut and in the heart is taboo.

We have one month to establish a festival of mini-operas. Please do three things to help:

1. Today, right now, buy a mostly-tax-deductible reward package on this page because every one of them will help us share the joy, stimulation and awesomeness of opera.
2. Tweet and Share this page, and email it to ten or more friends it only takes a second.
3. Send us your own story that is 6 words long (if you wish).

A story in 6 words? Seriously?

Yes. Ernest Hemingway wrote the worlds shortest story: For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn, which has inspired us to challenge a group of renowned composers and performers to create and present a festival of mini-operas, each one containing only 6 words and lasting no longer than 6 minutes, too. Can you write a story in 6 words? After buying a reward package and supporting our festival today well send you a link where you can submit a short story (later, not today. we'd like you to think about it.)

Why opera? Why now? Why $6,000+?

Because if you want long-lasting and effective change, you do it through music, theatre, or both. By exploring and experiencing the combination of live music and live theatre, ones own self-confidence and self-esteem is dramatically boosted, enabling each one of us to inspire ourselves and the world to be better.

Because despite unbelievable accomplishments in society, our attention span has all but evaporated and were on the cusp of losing our abilities to listen, imagine, feel and inspire. As a result, many performing arts organizations are left to change people and the world without sustenance. Before we totally lose the ability to listen, imagine, feel, and inspire, Festival WD6O (WorD 6 Opera) is poised to create and present new operatic soundbites that provide the perfect cross-over between commercial and experimental performance art, with every participant needing a Kleenex to wipe away tears of joy, love, laughter and awe.

And because there is truly no better way to celebrate human potential than through an impactful and great medium that empowers creators and audiences alike to inspire themselves and the world. We have one month to raise at least $6,000 to make this happen. More than $6,000 will enable more performances around the country, more operas to be included in the festival, more effective attributes such as scenery, lighting, and performers, and more likelihood that more individuals will discover a new appreciation and joy for opera.

What you'll get by giving to Festival WD6O

How about them warm, fuzzy feelings? Not enough? We agree. Go for this, instead:

At the end of October every single penny goes to Festival WD6O (with only $0.06 of each dollar allocated to administration costs), giving enough time to determine the logistics and scope of the first festival in May 2012, and more importantly how many people can be exposed to the commissioned mini-operas. With careful planning, no waste and low overhead, the administration of Festival WD6O is under the auspices of 6e Concerts with financial oversight provided by Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization (Contributions for the purposes of Festival WD6O must be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.)

If you like to get things in return for your giving, simply select the most attractive reward package on this page. If youre not bothered about receiving gifts and merchandise, select the $166 option. Or, if you're feeling particularly excited, consider our $6,000 or $36,000 options - only thing is, we can't process these options online. Please visit our website for detailed information (or just to find out exactly what kind of perks you get!).

Here's how you can help

First, give us money. This is no scheme to get rich and there is no ulterior motive we are on a mission to share opera. Oh, alright, there is an ulterior motive

To inspire you.

Stepping up feels right. Allowing yourself to rediscover that which naturally makes you a better person is right. Changing the world through peaceful performing arts is enlightening. And sharing opera with your circle of influence is exciting. We know weve done it.

Equally, or perhaps just as importantly, tell your friends to give us money. Seriously: spread the word! "Like" us via Facebook! Tweet something hilarious or heartfelt (bonus points for doing both in 140 characters). Go to YouTube and "thumbs-up" the video. Leave a nice comment. 

You can share right from the Facebook and Twitter buttons below, but here are some pre-stamped tweets crafted lovingly by Melissa Dunphy @Mormolyke that you can also use:

• Help us share opera in #6words! http://bit.ly/FestWD6O #WD6O Please RT
• Short story opera: make it happen http://bit.ly/FestWD6O #WD6O #6words Please RT
• Make new opera accessible - donate today http://bit.ly/FestWD6O #WD6O #6words Please RT
• I just supported a new opera!http://bit.ly/FestWD6O #WD6O #6words Please RT
• #6words set to great new music http://bit.ly/FestWD6O #WD6O Please RT
• Join me supporting a new opera http://bit.ly/FestWD6O #WD6O #6words Please RT

Or, write yer own! You're creative so do it up, you-style (and maybe even in six words!) But basically, for the month of this campaign, do anything and everything to SPREAD THE WORD. Oh, and were not kidding about the nice comment thing - we really do love a nice comment.

Thank you, and LET'S DO THIS THING.

The Teams

@WD6O and

@6eConcerts

P.S. Doing this kind of thing for the first time (any time, come to think of it) does not happen without LOADS of help! They deserve much lauding of a highly public nature, but for now we would to thank:

• James Young and Warehouse Opera who have tested this original concept a couple of times in London.
• Martin Gaughan who has generously shared his music for the past 20 years.
• Michael Elms, Ken Davidson & Tom Peters: Because everyone should have such wise and honest perspectives to guide them.
• Deanna R. Hoying of Kentucky Opera who is an exemplary enthusiast.
• Everyone who ever volunteered themselves to help in any way with a performing arts event. Dont stop.
• Katya Andresen, Valeria Maltoni, Richard Branson & Seth Godin, whose out-pouring of insider info and exemplarism has led us this far already.
• And of course, spouses, parents, partners and offspring, whose support often borders on tolerance.

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