Tidwell is Going Off Broadway! We Need Your Help

UPDATES:

Thank you for making this campaign a success! Our goal was met. We raised $2,675.00 ($75 over the set goal). Thank you for supporting my work and the work of my collaborators.

My play is now published and licensed by Samuel French, Inc. I am astonished by the power that this play has and am happy to have the opportunity to share it with the world.

Purchase a copy of 'Tidwell': https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/66802/tidwell-or-the-plantation-play

For more information about the weekend, check out this story on Playbill.com!

http://www.playbill.com/article/samuel-french-announces-44th-annual-off-off-broadway-short-play-festival-winners

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The Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival (OOB) is the nation’s leading short play festival. The Festival has given voice to many emerging directors, performers, and production companies. For over 40 years, hundreds of writers submit their works. Of the hundreds, 30 finalists are invited to New York City to showcase their selections in front of audiences and a panel of judges comprised of acclaimed writers and industry professionals. Of the 30 pieces, 6 are published by Samuel French, Inc., the largest and oldest publisher of plays in the world. More information about the festival can be found here: http://www.oobfestival.com/

This year, from over 900 international submissions, my play, "Tidwell, or the Plantation Play", was selected to join the festival and compete for publication. It is an honor to join this cohort of talented artists.

Synopsis: A storm looms over the Tidwell Plantation just as the slaves of Quarter 5 prepare to clock out. Thinking that the day’s work is complete, they are interrupted by a family seeking shelter and more than just a place to stay dry.

The world premiere of ‘Tidwell’ was produced in January 2019 at the Brown University/ Trinity Rep MFA First Look Festival in Providence, RI.

‘Tidwell’ is set to hit the stage on August 22, 2019 at the Vineyard’s Dimson 15th Street Theatre at 7pm, marking its Off-Broadway premiere!

I look forward to the immense exposure and attention that this will provide my work and the work of my collaborators. However, ‘Tidwell’ cannot hit any New York stages, platforms, soapboxes, or sidewalks without your help. This is an amazing opportunity that I would hate to miss. I have a little over a month to reach my financial goal, but I have faith that the goal will be met. Samuel French, Inc. will provide the performance venue, basic set pieces and lighting, the marketing, and audiences. We must cover all other needs.

The budget for the production is $2,600 and will cover the following:

*Compensation for 5 performers and the director- I am assembling a team of artists from Providence and New York City.

*Transportation and housing for the team coming from Providence- we must reside in the city for the full week of the festival.

*Rental of rehearsal space in the city

*Props and costume pieces that cannot be borrowed or made

Every dollar will help to make this dream a reality. Please join me in realizing this dream. Click here to learn more about the writer and the development of the play: http://www.oobfestival.com/?portfolio_page=tidwell-or-the-plantation-play-by-rodney-witherspoon-ii

If you are interested in giving outside of this website, please contact me directly.

***Artistic Team of Tidwell, or the Plantation Play***

Caitlin Brzezinski- “Tammy” Graduate of The William Esper Studio and Bennington College. Caitlin's show Flying Lessons received support from The Jim Henson Foundation in 2018 and 2019.

Kimille Howard- Director of Tidwell, or the Plantation Play Kimille Howard has directed at EST, NBT, TheatreSquared, Cherry Lane Theatre and more. Assistant Director on Ain’t Too Proud (Broadway). Directing Fellow (MTC), 2050 Directing Fellow (NYTW).

Ben Schager- “Sal” Ben has performed at Barrington, The Flea, 54 Below, and more, working alongside William Finn, Taylor Mac, John Rando, and more.

Jessica Natalie Smith- “Actor 1” Jessica Natalie Smith is a rising second year MFA Acting student at Brown/Trinity Rep. An actress, director and dancer, updates on Jessica’s work can be found at www.jessicanataliesmith.com

Keith Wiess- “Zachary” Keith is currently a Resident Actor of the Flea Theater. He would like to thank Rodney, the cast and Baker Management for their trust in him.

Rodney Witherspoon II- “Actor 2”/ Playwright