Who am I? And what do I do?

I'm trying to leave the world a better place than I found it, one project at a time.

I am an actor and a teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area, and am wildly happy to be doing what I'm doing.  And I also happen to be pretty fantastic at it.  I was born and raised here in the Bay Area.  I've got a BFA in Theatre and an MFA in Ensembe Based Physical Theatre.  I worked with a street theater and performance art group in Amsterdam, and toured Europe with them.  I've done a rock opera in Santa Fe.  I've toured rural Northern California and Southern Oregon in drag with a huge fake nose.  I've done a lot of crazy, wonderful things, and had a bunch of incredible training.  

My biggest joy in life is to share my training and talent with you all, whether that's on stage in a production, or teaching and directing.  Companies I've performed with include Central Works, TheatreWorks, Magic Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, Shotgun Players, Impact Theatre, CenterREP, Crowded Fire, Berkeley Playhouse,Livermore Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Town Hall Theater, The Dell'Arte Company, and Warner & Consorten (Amsterdam).  Places I've teach/have taught at include Tamalpais High School (where I direct and teach movement and physical theatre year round as a guest artist), Redwood High School, San Rafael High School, Mill Valley Middle School, Bentley High School, Cal Shakes, Berkeley Playhouse, Berkwood Hedge Elementary, The Flying Actor Studio, StarStruck, Little Opera, Marin Youth Performers, Steve and Kate's Camp, and a middle school in Holland.

My schedule is nuts and my calendar often looks like a game of Tetris.  I've worked other jobs that made more money and required less hours, but ultimately didn't feel like I was making any positive impact on people's lives or fulfilling my potential.  I truly love what I do and find deep meaning and purpose as an artist and arts educator.  And I think that this is what I was put here to do.  

So what's this all about, how much does it cost, and how can you help?

UPDATE:  It is unclear which loan is going to come through, but nevertheless I am paying a deposit in a couple days, and will be moving into the unit next month.  I'll pay rent until the purchase all gets sorted out.  It's like they say, you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find.....

(back to the regulrarly scheduled campaign)

I have been selected to join an artists' co-op, and purchase a Live/Work studio in Emeryville, CA.  The purchase price is $40,438.  Yes, you read that correctly.  That is the purchase price, not the down payment.  Long story short, there was supposed to be a sweet loan associated with this studio, which is why I submitted my application in the first place.  But now that I've been selected, it is unclear if this loan will be available.  But this opportunity is SO INCREDIBLY AMAZING, that I have to try to make it work.  I have been advised to "beg, borrow, or steal" to make this happen.  In that scenario, this would be the beg part.  (And just in case you're wondering, I'm planning to leave out the "steal") I set a modest goal of raising $2,500 becasue I want you, my supporters, to know that every little bit counts.  But the ultimate goal is $40,438.  If I raise more than $40,438 (dream big, right?) I will make some improvements on the space, including installing a stair unit to the loft (instead of the ladder that is there now), upgrading kitchen appliances, and increasing storage space.  

Purchasing this studio would mean that I would be able to continue performing and teaching here in the Bay Area, for now and for always.  It would also give me a space to rehearse, to host new play readings and workshops, and to teach private lessons.  It would also mean that I would have a couch for fellow artists, friends, and travelers to crash on, if ever you are in need. 

This is one of a few options for funding that I am pursuing.  Perhaps I'll raise $1000, perhaps 1 million.  Any amount, no matter how small, makes a huge impact.  

Even if someone came along and bought this studio outright for me (which, holy moly, would be amazing), it doesn't mean I would kick my feet up and stop working like crazy.  I've still got bills to pay.  Car insurance, student loans, and all the other stuff that we all work to pay.  But it would eliminate one huge bill, and allow me to work like crazy doing what I love in order to entertain you and teach and mentor your kids.  Or your neighbor's kids.  Or someone you know's kids.  You know what I mean.

So what do you get out of it?

Beyond supporting the arts and supporting a local artist and educator, there are a bunch of options I am offering to my contributors.  I've suggested a number of perks at different price points, but I am very flexible.  We will find a perk that you are happy with, at whatever price point you are comfortable with.  What do I have to offer?

-My time

I would love to volunteer my time to a charity of your choice in exchange for your contribution

-My teaching

Know someone in need of tutoring?  Would you like to provide a group of kids with a free workshop in theater?  Audition coaching for college, shows, or programs?  Know a young person who needs a mentor?  Know anyone who needs voice lessons?  Or voice therapy sessions?  Always wanted to learn how to knit? Or start a reading group for your kid?  Or a book club for you and your friends?  Need an amazing babysitter? Or the most epic birthday party your kid will EVER have?  We'll find a fair trade for any amount you contribute.

-My pipes

I began singing long before I started acting.  I sang at my first wedding when I was 17.  I will sing at your private event, party, or dinner for two.  I have a huge repertoire, and I'm also a fast learner, so whatever you want, we can make it happen.

-My cooking

I'm a whiz in the kitchen.  I'm incredibly passionate about food and food preparation, and there's no dietary restriction I can't tackle with glee.  I've catered events before, and have seriously considered starting my own catering company or opening a cafe.  But ultimately decided that it's not my highest calling.  However, I would love to feed you and your loved ones in exchange for your contribution.  I am also a fabulous party and event planner.

-My craftiness

Want something one of a kind and made especially for you?  I can knit, crochet, sew, make jewelry, up-cycle and any number of crafty things.  If you dig DIY swag, I will rock your face off with something awesome.

-My space

Want to put together a reading of your new play?  Or host a meeting?  Need a place to crash for a weekend?  

Remind me again, why should I contribute?

Give because you believe that the arts and education are vital to a thriving community.

Give because I work my tail off to be a better teacher, artist, and community member, and I do it with joy.  And I will continue to do so, whether I get this studio or not.

Give because I chose to give back.  In the last few years I've made the decision to scale back my expenses so that I can survive on a more modest income.  I've made this choice because I believe that I best serve others by doing what I am truly best at, rather than just something that makes more money.  I believe that I am more valuable to society as a teacher of the arts and a performer than anything else.  And I am willing to make less money for something that I truly excell at, becasue I believe that a life led in pursuit of an ideal is just as valid as one led in pursuit of money.  This opportunity was something I never, ever expected to come my way, and thus wasn't preparing for.  It may not work out.  And that's okay.  But perhaps it will.  And that would be wonderful beyond my wildest imaginings.  I don't think I'm entitiled to your contribution.  I want to work for it, and to show you how hard I work to contribute on a daily basis with the work that I do.

Give because patronage and financial sponsorship have a long and distinguished history in the arts and sciences.  Without full patronage we would have no Shakespeare.  No Leonardo Da Vinci.  No Ben Johnson or Michelangelo. Or Beethoven.  There would be no need for museums because all that fabulous art that you go visit would not have been made. Just imagine all the artists out there who would be great, if only someone would support them.  I'm not asking anyone to support me fully.  I'm just asking for a little help.  Everyone needs a little help at some point.

Have you ever wanted to work with me?  Give to help keep me here forever.

Interested, but want to know more?  Message or email me, and I'll gladly answer any questions.  kathrynzdan@gmail.com

How else can you help?

If you don't have money to give, you can help spread the word.  Thank you for your time and energy!  Every little bit helps.  And I look forward to supporting you in your own time of need.