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Hello, my name is Sam and I produce comedy shows under the name Naked Comedy Productions:
I am also a disability & diversity advocate. In the 16 years that I have produced comedy events, podcasts, livestreams, etc, I have worked to increase visibility of LGBTQ+, women & non binary and ethnically diverse performers.
Working mainly in Los Angeles & New York as well as festivals and venues throughout the USA, I focus on uplifting young comedians. I make low budget productions feel exceptional, and unfortunately credit cards have played a big part in supporting these endeavors.
Outside of being a one woman production company, I am also a disabled & chronically ill adult. I have been dealing with a spinal cord injury since 2007/8 which causes constant nerve pain as well as muscular issues. I've also suffered from moderate to severe depression, anxiety and other mental health issues since childhood.
I have been balancing my pain issues and work in the comedy world as best I could, but my disabilities have become temporarily overwhelming. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, CPTSD and being on the ASD spectrum, which has lead to a regression of some my work skills. In addition, I have recently been dealing with new physical disability issues from the spinal cord injury, which made finding employment even more difficult that is already is in this economy. It also doesn't help that my industry, entertainment, has been one of the hardest hit economically in recent years. From the start of the COVID pandemic to the current dearth of TV/streaming/representation jobs, the entertainment industry is facing especially high unemployment rates. And on top of all of that, with interest rates rising and balance transfers/loans less available, my credit card minimum payments are poised to drain all of my money.
I have set up this GoFundMe because I am up against the wall to cover my bills. I would love to continue producing comedy shows, which this GoFundMe would help me do, but even if I am able to find a job with all my specific physical and mental limitations, I am still in need of some immediate monetary support.
If you are a fan of the shows I've produced over the years, or if you are someone who has the means to help a disabled adult maintain their financial autonomy, I would appreciate any sized donation.
GOALS:
$2000 - Cover bills through the end of 2024 so I can hunt for a stable job - ACHIEVED!!!
STRECH GOAL:
$5000 - Cover bills through FEB 2025 so I can have time to recover mentally & physically from current nerve/muscle injuries before/while hunting for a stable job
If somehow I hit this stretch goal I can stretch all the way to $70k which would release me from the hold of credit cards and allow me a true fresh start. Debt free, I would actually be able to focus soley on my show producing as my career and continue helping marginalized performers find their audience.
If you donate and would like to leave a comment about some comedy memories we shared I would love to see em so I can be reminded of the career I'm fighting to hold on to. Thank you for reading this all, I did not use the GoFundMe AI to enhance this description!