Help Marina Reach her Grad School Dreams!

My name is Marina, and I never expected that learning to be a clown would teach me how to be human. Eight years ago, a clown workshop in France showed me what it means to let myself be seen without any filters or masks—to let life touch me so deeply that something real rises to the surface for everyone to see and to experience the world as if I had never seen it before. Now I've been accepted to graduate school to share this life-changing work with the world, but I can't afford to go without your help.

THE PATH THAT LED ME HERE

My first childhood memories are of myself standing on a chair, singing or reciting poems. However, the reality of the post-Soviet environment where I grew up was such that I was drawn to abandon my artistic pursuits for more practical vocations. I counted myself as one who had missed "the artist's train"—that being a performer was for those other lucky people, not me.

Until 10 years ago, after a burnout, I abandoned my life and career in the big city and set off on a journey to find more sustainable ways of being with myself and in community. That search led me to study clown in France, then in 2022 to Celebration Barn in South Paris, Maine, where I discovered what happens when the fierce vulnerability and subversive nature of the clown meet the physical eloquence and world-building potential of the mime.

Since then, I have had the privilege to meet and learn from incredible artists who create magic on stage, and I have come to believe that I, too, can live a life of art—sharing what is most alive in me. Now, as a performer and facilitator, I invite others into surprising worlds where 'failure' becomes an art form, where persistence in the face of ridiculous odds reveals unexpected beauty, and where simple problems find extraordinary solutions.

THE DREAM OPPORTUNITY

This September, I have the dream opportunity to start a graduate course in Devised Performance at Pig Iron School and Rowan University in Philadelphia. Pig Iron creates the kind of transformative physical theatre I've been searching for my whole life—work that pushes boundaries exactly the way I want to push mine. The program provides world-class training, an incredible artistic community, and even includes a whole semester focused on teaching devised performance, giving graduates the practical tools to build a sustainable career in the craft.

WHAT I NEED: $29,700 FOR MY FIRST YEAR

This program starts September 2nd, and I need to raise $29,700 to cover my first year. I'm working with the school on payment plans and timing, but the bottom line is clear: without this support, I can't attend.

Here's exactly where your support goes:

First year tuition: $22,000 ($11,000 per semester)

Rent in Philadelphia: $6,000 ($500 per month)

University-Required Health Insurance: $3000

A refurbished smartphone with high-quality camera (for performance documentation and portfolio building): $700

I am committed to making this work—anticipating scholarships will reduce future costs, and I'll be working throughout the program. But right now, I need your help to get through that crucial first year.

WHY THIS CAN'T WAIT

Time is running short. This program starts September 2nd, and I need your support to make it happen.

In recent months, I've felt an urgency I can't ignore. In these strange times, the work of creating genuine connection, stepping outside societal norms, being seen without filters—feels more vital than ever.

For centuries, ritual clowns have served as healers, court jesters have spoken uncomfortable truths to power, and tricksters have opened doorways between the sacred and profane. My clown training opened the door to this larger world of embodied truth-telling.

This past year, I've learned to excavate the depths of my being and be truly seen on stage. When I find that raw authenticity, something magical happens—people tell me it touches them, helps them feel more alive.

Having dealt with serious health issues in recent years, my body started healing the moment I fully committed to this path. And all the support I'm receiving from my community reminds me that this work isn't just for me—it's for all of us hoping to create a better world.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT CREATES

When you contribute to my journey, you're not just funding my education—you're investing in a vision where authentic connection and embodied truth-telling reach communities everywhere. You're helping me learn the advanced skills to be part of this movement—to create performances that move audiences, lead workshops that build connection, and contribute to communities searching for authentic experience. At the heart of this work is a simple truth: the greatest healing power is being witnessed and accepted for who we truly are. Only from this place of radical authenticity can we find true community and peace together.

JOIN ME ON THIS JOURNEY

If you're reading this, you're already part of my story. Your time, your attention, your willingness to witness my dream—that alone means everything to me.

Whether you contribute $5 or $1000, you're helping make this dream a reality and investing in the future of transformative performance work.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Every single contribution matters. Every share reaches someone new. Every bit of support brings me closer to stepping fully into this work.

*On July 28th, 2025 GoFundMe suspended my fundraiser because I was offering Perks in exchange for donations. Here is the disclaimer that I was instructed to add: "No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe."

Dear fellow dreamer,

Your support turns my most daring visions into reality and reminds me that the most beautiful things happen when we believe in each other. This is just the beginning of what we can create together.

With infinite gratitude and love.

Marina