Who the Hell Do You Think You Are?

Hello friends and lovers.  Thanks for visiting my solo show touring campaign.  If you are here, you most likely know me or my work, but just to catch us all up to speed: 

My name is Desiree Burch.  For the past ten years, I have been a performance artist, educator and vibrant part of the Downtown theater community of New York.  I am a graduate of Yale University, and since 2001, have created personal, funny, compelling and daring work for theaters, comedy clubs, museums, schools and out of doors around NYC, the USA and more recently, the UK. 

Isaac Byrne is my director, collaborator and friend.  He is the former Artistic Director of the NYIT and GLAAD Award-winning theater company, Working Man's Clothes, as well as a teacher of acting technique at the New York Film Academy. We began working together 4 years ago, in the early stages of 52 Man Pickup, helping to transform it from raw and raunchy stories pulled out of a hat into a deeply transformational experience for both artist and audience, with all of its dirty diamonds still gleaming.

52 Man Pickup is a show we have made together.  It is a sex-positive theater and comedy piece that comes from authentic and personal experiences, bridging sexuality, race, identity, religion, feminism

What the Hell Are You Doing?

Since collaborating on theatrical performances at The Tank and Ars Nova, we have played venerable venues like The Ohio Theatre, Joe's Pub and 59E59, and have taken the work to Hollywood, New Orleans, England and Scotland.  We have also created a new work, Tar Baby--the premiere of which many of you witnessed in the soloNOVA Festival this May. 

This August we will be taking the show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the original fringe, and the largest open arts festival in the world.  This will be a return to the Fringe for 52 Man Pickup, having been part of the Free Festival in 2009.  This time around though, we are going not just for the experience, but to take advantage of the opportunities there. 

Like NYC, Edinburgh is an over-saturated market, but also a place where quality work can rise to the top in grand fashion--gaining opportunities for booking and representation.  It's essentially an arts conference, and this year we are going with the Festival's hottest new theatrical hub:  The Hill Street Theatre.  We are also securing PR assistance in fighting the uphill battle of getting behinds in seats, so that the magic can all happen.

We have a tried and tested product, and the presentation and production required to really make the most out if the experience. I wouldn't be going back if I didn't think that it was worth all the money and effort put into it to really be seen. 

Who the Hell Cares?

Well, here's the benefit to me--

This production does have the ability to change my life as a solo performer.  It can set the stage for my work in the international arena, and provide more opportunities for 52 Man Pickup, and Tar Baby, as well as future shows that I create.  It also opens me up to the world of agents and producers for television as well as theater. It assures that my voice gets out there in the way that not only I, but many of you, think it should.

And here's the benefit to everyone else--

The main reason I continue to do this show, after almost 5 years of performing it, is that, each time I do, someone, male or female, comes up to me after the show to tell me their very personal story.  They talk about how this show speaks to their experience, and how they'd felt like the were alone until they heard me tell my story.  I can see how powerful that validation and recognition is to them--it's as important as theirs is to me.  And this is, in fact, what theater is for.  This show has the opportunity to reach people in different corners of the universe, to educate as well as entertain, and to instill a stronger sense of empathy, self confidence and self worth in all who experience it.  I really believe that.  I have seen it happen.  And I really do like to think that people who have experienced this worth with me are better (to themselves and others) for it.

And aside from the personal impact the show may have, it definitely has an impact in making theater more relevant, accessible and important to people than it sometimes feels.  Whether you've seen a lot or a little of it, this show always makes for memorable theater, as it is a memorable experience.

What the Hell Do You Want, and What the Hell Do I Get Out of This?

We are setting our fundraising goals high but attainable.  We are seeking to raise 10,000 by July 22, 2011.

That sounds crazy, you say?  Well, if everyone who in this intimate circle of friends and supporters were to give $10 or $20, we would have more than enough.  I know, crazy right? 

The beautiful thing is that, in the course of the past 10, or really, 14 years that I have lived on the East Coast and been a dedicated performer, I have met thousands of like minded artists, activists, dreamers, thinkers, and moreover, just good people.  Like yourself.  And I know that many of you believe in what I have to say to the world and getting it out there.  All I am asking of you is to put a little bit of money - a cocktail or two's worth of money - where your mouth is.  And some of you can afford to, and would like to do a lot more, and I would love to give you that opportunity ;-)

The majority of the money will go to paying the rent at our theater (about $4200), and securing PR representation for the show (about $3000).  The remainder of that will go towards Marketing (posters, flyers, etc.) a few more production elements of the show (sets & costumes), taxes, fees, etc., and of course, flights and lodging.  

What you can get, are some really great prizes and perks, including: 

• a live performance of the show for your private party or event.
• a host for your next performance, corporate event, etc.
  
• private coaching sessions on writing (creative/speechwriting/academic), solo performance, public speaking, acting by Desiree or Isaac.
  
• a personalized novelty "card" in the deck - where I speak poetically about our fictitious midnight meeting.
• a private dinner or brunch created and hosted by Desiree
• And MORE!!!

How the Hell Can I Help?

Once you have made your donation, or if you cannot, you can share this information with others you think would be interested.  These people include: People who know/love Desiree Burch, people who love solo performance, and the transformative power of theater.