Help Launch a Heartfelt Musical in Chicago

Years in the making, I have written a song cycle musical, and it is one of the first big projects I am getting off the ground, but I need your help! I need help raising funds to pay for the musicians, performers, venue, and promotional materials (*break down of costs below). I am doing this on my own, so every little bit helps!

As a writer/composer, this work has been my most ambitious to date. I've reached into my vulnerability to create something with heart, emotion, and hope. My days working in the Chicago theater community has allowed me to work with some insanely talented and creative people. This work will showcase their incredible musicianship and storytelling.

I am ready to take the leap and I hope that you will take it with me! You can help by donating anything or by simply spreading the word far and wide. Anything extra that is raised above what I am asking will be split amongst the musicians/performers because artists deserve to be paid well! Read that again!!

As soon as enough funds are raised, I plan on putting this up in 2025. This will be a very limited run!! I will update everyone frequently about show date(s) and time(s).

What is a song cycle? Song cycle musicals can be numbers written by the same composer that vaguely weave together a theme. Sometimes there is no theme at all, just a series of songs, and this work is a series of songs I've been working on for the past 4-5 years.

SYNOPSIS: In the form of vignettes, COMMON ROMANCE tells vulnerable stories of past relationships. It is endings and beginnings and summer flings. It is a journey of self-discovery: asking questions, second-guessing, moving forward, and hoping: hoping that every relationship we go through isn’t all for nothing.

[14 songs ~ 1hr]

NEEDS/COST BREAKDOWN:

Musicians = $100-150/per rehearsal & performance(s):

Keyboards/Piano (me - no cost)

Electric/Acoustic Guitar

Upright/Electric Bass

Drums/Percussion

Strings: Violin I/II, Viola, Cello

Woodwind(s)

Performers: $100-150/per rehearsal & performance(s):

~5 vocalists/performers

Venue:

Will be searching/asking around for the best spot! Can be:

Free - portion of ticket sales taken

Or a deposit will be needed ($cost depends$)

Other/extra costs:

Marketing:

Social media marketing - $0-50 depending on shares or paid promotions

Printed posters/other physical media (flyers, postcards, etc.) - $50-100

Live recording of show(s): I'd love to have an engineer on hand for a live recording of the performance(s) which can range to a couple hundred or more