Help a Visionary Director Thrive in NYC

Jerrica White is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Greetings friends --

For those of you I have not met, I am a Brooklyn-based, Cincinnati-bred, writer, director, and community builder seeking help with my living expenses in New York City.

I moved here 9 years ago, after graduating from Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, with a dream: to build theatrical shows that offer a roadmap to healing, self love, and greater joy.

My journey to creating art full time has been a long, winding road. I've built a career in sales, strategy, marketing, and managing artists in a corporate environment for many years. Over the last year, I've had the opportunity to bring my skill set to the theater as both a playwright and director. As a result, I've received two major opportunities in both paths:

A play I wrote, will there be, going into production in December 2024, at The Brick in Williamsburg.
Directing my first mainstage production, Akeelah and The Bee, at Baltimore Center Stage in March 2025.

An important step to these milestone accomplishments was taking on my first off-Broadway contract working on Whitney White's (Tony nominated for the incredible play, Jaja's African Hair Braiding) directing team on the world premiere of Ife Olujobi's play, JORDANS, at The Public Theater. In order to take on this role, I was fired from my full-time job.

As happy as I am to be giving my artistry the chance it deserves to surface and thrive, I am now under immense financial burden and stress. I have been unemployed since April 2024 and I am now several months behind on my rent. I have until the end of this month to come up with my back payment before my landlord takes further action.

I am so so proud to be working on two plays that center hope. I have a big vision of helping my community work through their trauma and step into self-love and community through the work I'm creating. In order to focus on my theatrical work, which is an extension of my community advocacy, I would love help catching up on my living expenses.

Breakdown of expenses:

$1700 rent x 5 months (April - August): $8,500 // catch up on rent
Remaining funds will go towards platform fees associated with fundraising on Gofundme and coffees and lunches I am having with artists as I build my teams for Akeelah and will there be.

What I've been up to:

Since I've been unemployed, I've been a finalist for the following: Boris Sagal Directing Fellowship at Williamstown Theatre Festival and Roundabout Theatre Directing Fellowship. Additionally, I've made it to the final round for two management level positions in the tech industry. I am still putting my applications out and interviewing in this unstable time!

Here are a few ways you can help:

Hire me for consulting work. I am happy to help build brand decks, sponsorship decks, or build strategy with you. I specialize in B2C and B2B selling, branding, and partnerships.
Recommend me for event production or artist management roles in your network. These are my sweet spots -- my favorite ways to use my time outside of writing/directing. I'd love to take on part time work in these areas.
Purchase cake! I am an excellent baker and have a family recipe apple cake that I'd be happy to make in exchange for a donation.
Give to my Gofundme. If you don't have a need at the moment, I am more than happy to receive the funds. The past few months have brought on a new level of stress. I'd greatly appreciate the gift of security.

Thank you so much for your support!

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