Conspire Theatre in Maximum Security -- Indiegogo

UPDATE 8/25/11: Thanks to your generosity and support, we have surpassed our goal! SooNEW GOAL! Weve had 65 extraordinary superstars donate; lets make it 75 before September 1st. Any extra money we raise goes to creating infrastructure to help make Conspire a sustainable organization. Thank you!!

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Conspire Theatre seeks to raise $3,000 by September 1st to enable us to expand our long-running program for incarcerated women into Maximum Security at the Travis County Jail. You can help us by making a gift today!

Our Story

In June of 2009, Katherine Craft started a theatre workshop for incarcerated women at the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle, Texas. To her surprise and delight, they loved it and for the next two years Katherine and the women, with the help of several other Austin artists, reflected on their lives, challenges, hopes, dreams and disappointments through the mediums of theatre and creative writing.

Michelle Dahlenburg came on board as a co-facilitator and program developer in July of 2011, and with their powers combined, Katherine and Michelle have a plan to grow the organization, expand programming and eventually offer services to women in the free world as well in multiple jails and prisons in central Texas.

The Impact

Quoted from a letter of support by the Social Services Program Coordinator at the Travis County Correctional Complex:

Gender specific programs for incarcerated women are important because there is a growing recognition that women typically enter the system from different pathways than men...they come into the program trying to figure out how to end a substance dependence that has kept them in jail and away from their children.

The therapy addressing this substance abuse and post-traumatic stress is very difficult for them. To give the women a way to express themselves in healthier and more positives ways, Conspire Theatre began their first group here in June of 2009. Conspire Theatre staff facilitates through a relaxed team building style that encourages self-discovery, creativity, and teamwork.

Perhaps most important, is the fact that the women are exposed to a bigger world of literature, theatre and music that they have never had the opportunity to experience. No matter what their education level, the women are inspired to learn.

Quotes from the women in our class:

This is a wonderful class it makes us forget that we are in stripes. We actually feel free again.
Thank you I will never forget you guys.
I believe this class has been a wonderful exercise and stress reliever.
You all were a blessing to me despite of me being in jail.

What We Need & What You Get

Our needs are simple: facilitators, class supplies and gas. The amount we're raising is just the beginning - but it will help us get started.

We need great facilitators who know how to blend theatre and social work, and how to operate successfully in a stressful jail environment. Supplies aren't much but they are important - colorful folders, pencils, markers, paper, flip charts and printing costs for our next chap book of women's writings. The price of gas keeps going up and in central Texas, the jails and prisons are a good drive away from Austin. WE do carpool but the cars can't run on love alone.

How we'll spend your money:

75% on facilitators' stipend through December
10% on program supplies, which includes another chapbook self-published by the end of 2011
10% for our sponsoring organization, which supports us in a number of ways and makes your contribution tax-deductible.
5% on gas

We have a whole smorgasbord of incentives over to the right, and you also get the knowledge that you are supporting come cutting edge programming that can help redefine our criminal justice system. (Plus it's tax-deductible - have I mentioned that yet?)

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the word! Start a conspiracy! So much of what we do is hidden, it can be hard to get people to understand the whys and hows. Send this campaign to your friends and their friends, and to everyone else you know. Share it on Facebook. Post it on Twitter. Take it over to the cool kids at Google +, y'all. Get out your internet bullhorn and make it known!

Conspire Theatre is a sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance, a 501(c)3 organization, which makes your donations tax-deductible. We may contact you for your mailing address to ensure that you receive proper notification of the tax-deductible status of your donation. All incentives will be disbursed AFTER the campaign ends on September 1st. We are currently operating under a grant from the City of Austin Cultural Contracts.

Team on This Campaign:

Conspire Theatre
Organization
Katherine Craft
Executive Director/Workshop Facilitator
Michelle Dahlenburg
Associate Director/Workshop Facilitator
Dan Solomon
PR
Lindsey Horan
Development

1.10667 Complete

$3,320

Raised of $3,000 Goal

0 time left

Flexible Funding campaign

This campaign received all of the funds contributed on Thu Sep 01.

Perks

for your contribution

$10 Conspire Theatre Sticker

Show that you're part of the conspiracy with an awesome Conspire Theatre sticker. These are the first promotional items we've ever created, so you'll be part of an elite avant-garde!
$20 Workout with Erica Nix!

You still get a sticker AND a super special class with Erica Nix. You and a guest will be invited to a private 80�s style aerobics dance class created exclusively for Conspire Theatre. Don't worry - she's got extra leotards and legwarmers if you need 'em. (Austin area only.) http://workoutwithericanix.com/
$30 Become a Co-Conspirator

You get everything above AND we'll put your name and link to your website or business on our Wall of Co-Conspirators at conspiretheatre.org.
$50 Your Name Where??

You get everything above AND we will make a "Thank You" sign with your name on it and take a photo of it in front of the Travis County Correctional Complex. A completely unique image that will be a sure conversation starter!
$100 Personal Poem & Thank You Card

You get everything above, AND Kat and Michelle will write a personalized poem just for YOU and send it to you in a personal thank you card!
$500 Private Conspire Workshop

You get everything above AND the lead facilitators of Conspire Theatre, will lead a 1.5 - 3 hour theatre workshop for you and a group. These workshops can encompass much more than theatrical techniques; they build community and can quickly create a cohesive team. They're perfect for parties, retreats and corporate team building. (Central Texas area only.)
$1,000 Come to a show

You get the sticker, your name on our wall, your personalized poem, AND you and a guest will be invited to see one of Conspire's performances at the Travis County Correctional Complex. This is a rare opportunity to witness firsthand what we do on the inside. (Pending TCCC approval.)