Keep Seoyoung’s Artistic Journey Alive in Chicago Theater
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"Support an Emerging Chicago Artist/Actor: Help Seoyoung Park Fund Her O-1 Visa for Continued Work in the U.S." (Gift-Based)
Description:
Dear friends, family, and supporters,
I am reaching out to you at a pivotal moment in my career. As an actor and artist from Korea in the U.S., I am in the process of applying for my O-1B Work Visa, which is essential for me to stay in the U.S. beyond June 2025 and continue working in the arts. Without this visa, I will be required to leave the country by June 2025. This visa represents not just a piece of paperwork, but the key to continuing my artistic career and contributing to the vibrant U.S. theater and film industries.
Why I Need Your Help?:
The O-1B visa allows talented individuals like myself to stay and work in the U.S. for an extended period. It is a three-year visa, running from June 2025 to June 2028, and provides the opportunity to continue pursuing my career without interruption. If I do not secure this visa, I will be unable to stay in the U.S. and continue my work—this would be a heartbreaking setback for my career and the contributions I am making to the arts.
The process for obtaining this visa involves substantial costs, including legal fees, union consultation letters, and other application fees. Below is the breakdown of the expenses that I need to cover in order to make this dream a reality:
Visa Application Costs:
Now, we all know all actors hate talking about money, but it is really the most important part of this.
Work Visa Application Preparation: $1,800 (Base fee) + $250 (Supplemental fee)
O-1B Union Consultation Letter Fee (American Guild of Musical Artists): $350
O-1B Union Consultation Letter Fee (Screen Actors Guild): $250
O-1B Union Consultation Letter Fee (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers): $250
O-1B Work Visa Application Fee (Department of Homeland Security): $830
O-1B Work Visa Application Premium Processing Fee (Department of Homeland Security): $2,805
Total Visa Costs: $6,785
Without your support, I wouldn't be able to continue my artistic journey. So please, if you're able, consider contributing—every donation, no matter the size, is incredibly meaningful.
How You Can Help!?:
Every little bit adds up, and your generous support will help me cover these necessary fees. No matter how much your donation is, I would be truly, deeply appreciative. Here are a few fun suggestions for how you can contribute:
$5: Please donate $5—maybe it’s for the cup of coffee you enjoy every morning ☕
$15: Please donate $15—maybe it’s the cocktail you’ll have next time you’re out with friends
$25: Please donate $25—maybe it's the price of a great theater show. I’ll gladly accept your donation as my ticket to success
$40: Please donate $40—you could get a cute skirt with this! I’ll gratefully receive your love for me over your passion for fashion
$60: Please donate $60—maybe it’s what you’d spend on a night out for dinner, but instead, it’s a gift that helps me continue pursuing my artistic journey
$100: Please donate $100—maybe you’d spend this on an awesome experience. Well, your experience is helping me achieve a huge career milestone!
$300: Please donate $300—this could be an unforgettable trip or special gift. Your donation will help me fulfill my dream of continuing to create art here in the U.S.
Alternative Ways to Contribute?:
If you prefer to send your donation through Zelle or PayPal, feel free to contact me directly, and I’ll be happy to provide the necessary details. Your support means the world to me, and I truly appreciate every contribution!
About Me:
My name is Seoyoung Park (she/her), and I am a Korean actor who considers Chicago my second home. Born and raised in Seoul, I moved to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in Acting at DePaul University, where I proudly graduated. I also hold a B.A. and M.A. in Acting from Chung-Ang University in Seoul.
I made my Chicago theatre debut in TUTA Theatre’s Attempts on Her Life (Ensemble) and am honored to be an associate member of TUTA. I just finished my second show with TUTA, The Long Chirstmas Dinenr at Bramble Arts Loft. I am set to appear in upcoming productions The Heart Sellers (Jane) at Northlight Theatre.
Before relocating to Chicago, I built a diverse career in the Korean entertainment industry, featuring in various TV shows and films, including Criminal Minds and Don’t Dare to Dream. My theater credits also include the devised play Linmiathes (Hypsipyle) at Hydra Theatre in Greece and Indecent (Halina) at Daehakro Arts Theatre in Seoul.
I’m proud to be a part of the vibrant Chicago theater community, where I’ve been given the opportunity to grow as an emerging artist. From my debut in TUTA Theatre’s Attempts on Her Life to my upcoming roles at Northlight Theatre, I’m dedicated to bringing meaningful, diverse stories to life on stage. Chicago has embraced me as I pursue my career, and with your support, I can continue contributing to this incredible community and making art that resonates with others.
Please take a moment to visit my website(www.seoyoungpark.com) or my instagram(https://www.instagram.com/psych0_0p/) to learn more about my work and performances! You can also check out some of the reviews and video links about my past performances:
Review 1: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/18/review-attempts-on-her-life-is-a-confounding-non-play-with-candy-welcome-back-tuta/
Video 1: https://vimeo.com/960508847
Review 2: https://thirdcoastreview.com/2024/12/04/stages-review-tuta-theatre-the-long-christmas-dinner
This visa is essential for me to remain in the U.S. and continue my work for the next three years. Your support, no matter the amount, will make an enormous difference in helping me achieve this milestone and stay here to pursue my career. Thank you for being part of this journey with me and for helping me stay in this country to continue doing what I love!
With heartfelt thanks,
Seoyoung Park
Organizer
Seoyoung Park
Organizer
Chicago, IL