Mika, here. I'm the book writer and co-lyricist of Too Bright to See, Spicer Carr's and my new musical based on the Newbery Award-Winning novel by Kyle Lukoff. Spicer and I recently finished the fourth draft and we're ready for the next steps, which includes demo recordings, and planning for a premiere concert and our official industry reading. We urgently need your help in bringing this show to life.

I don't have to tell you that the trans community is under blatant targeted attack. Representatives from our government including the President of the United States have called for my community to be institutionalized, or eradicated. They have normalized the demonization of our community that we rarely see support from our cis counterparts.

Trans kids have been killed. There's data limitations on fatal violence against trans kids because police and media often deadname and misgender victims, and some deaths go unreported entirely. The Trevor Project did a study in 2024 that showed states that passed anti-transgender laws aimed at minors saw suicide attempts by transgender and gender nonconforming teenagers increase by as much as 72%. Trans kids deserve to live, and thrive.

This show is dedicated to Nex Benedict, Pauly Likens, River Nevaeh Goddard, Tayy “Dior” Thomas, Jazlynn Johnson, Morgan Moore, Brianna Ghey, Tasiyah “Siyah” Woodland, Ariyanna Mitchell, Kathryn “Katie” Newhouse, Oliver “Ollie” Taylor, Jeffrey “JJ” Bright, Brayla Stone, Nikki Kuhnhausen, all trans youths who didn't deserve to die, and to trans kids everywhere who deserve to live, and thrive.

About Too Bright To See

Bug is no stranger to haunted things. After all, the occasional cold spot or mysteriously slamming door is to be expected when your house is almost as old as the dirt it sits on. But when a new presence makes itself known the summer before Bug starts middle school, it’s clear that this spirit is intent on communicating something directly to Bug — but what? And why? As Bug begins to untangle the mystery of this new ghost, an altogether different truth tugs free. It’s the answer to a question of identity, one Bug never thought to ask.

Based on the award-winning novel by Kyle Lukoff, Too Bright to See is a warm coming-of-age musical that grapples with grief, friendship and identity.

Why We Need Your Support

How You Can Help

By supporting us, you’re not only helping to create meaningful and impactful theater, but you’re also ensuring that trans and queer voices are heard, celebrated, and supported in a time that we need it most.

Thank you for believing in this project, thank you for supporting trans youths and our community, and thank you for helping us bring Too Bright to See to life.