Hello, I’m Sturgis Warner, writer and performer of "Fishing for Alaska", a play scheduled for performances in New York City this October.

When I was in my forties, I directed a play about two brothers who ran away from suburbia to start all over again in the wilds of Alaska. I was so taken with the story and the descriptions of Alaskan waters, wilderness, and the fishing communities that I was compelled to find a summer job there and REALLY experience Alaska for myself. Also, I knew time was running out. I wasn’t going to attempt this in my fifties.

"Fishing for Alaska" follows my entry into the thick of Alaska's commercial fishing world. Over two summers, three years apart, I worked as a deckhand on fishing boats with unforgettable characters, heart-stopping dangers and a closeup view of the power of Alaska herself. It's an epic tale of a New York City theater guy, who is taken in and accepted by a very different community, a bridge too rarely found in the cultural wars and political polarization of today. I was surprised at the strength of brotherhood among fishermen. I formed tight bonds with all my mates. Ensemble is everything on a fishing boat. As it is in theater. As it should be in this country. We believe this story needs to be told NOW, and hope that you can lend us your support to make this production happen.

"Fishing for Alaska" is a co-production between Fishing for Alaska Productions and Twilight Theatre Company. Director Michael John Garcés has directed many productions all around the country and is the current President of SDC, the stage directors and choreographers’ union. Erica Chamblee Garcés, an actor / dancer / director / choreographer, is flying in from Los Angeles to be our associate director. Meghan Healey, the Chair of the Department of Drama, Theater, and Dance at Queens College is designing the production, and Lou Moreno and Margarett Perry, both long-time artistic directors, are producing partners.

With your support, "Fishing for Alaska" will be performed October 9-25, 2026 at Paradise Factory, 64 East 4th Street in New York City.

You can find full information on the Team and the production on our website.

Producing a play in New York is very expensive - even an intimate, simple-but-elegant, production like ours. Here are some of the major expenses ahead of us:

· Theater rental

· Rehearsal space rental

· Artist fees

· Designer fees

· Stage management fees

· Board operator and backstage crews

· Front of house crew

· Load in and strike crews

· Costumes, scenery, props

· Publicity

· Two insurance policies, both required

Our bottom-line budget is $40,000. It will probably be more. At this time, we are asking YOU, our GoFundMe supporters, for a total of $25,000. Every donation will be cherished! No donation is too small!

We believe in affordable theater for all. While the basic ticket for Fishing for Alaska will be $25, we will also have a $10 budget ticket, available to anyone who needs it.

In 2026, this country needs to find new ways to come together again, to better understand our diverse circumstances and worlds. We think that "Fishing for Alaska" is a small step in that direction. The Team and I would be grateful if through your generosity you would take that step with us.

Thank you!

Sturgis and The Fishing for Alaska Team

website - Fishing for Alaska Productions