Merrill Means Well goes to Edinburgh Fringe Fest
Donation protected
Hello! I'm Merrill Davis and I'm bringing my one-woman show, Merrill Means Well, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland in August.
A little description about the show:
Merrill Means Well is a solo show by comedian Merrill Davis. From being called "the slow one" as a child to being fired from most jobs she's ever had, Merrill tries to make sense of her daily life and chaotic past after being diagnosed with ADHD. Merrill effortlessly weaves her stories and knowledge of her disability creating a unique comedic performance that is both funny and poignant.
Merrill's Short Bio:
Merrill has been listed as a Comic to Watch in Time Out LA and has been a featured stand up comedian on Hulu's Coming to the Stage. She has performed at the Sketchfest Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Festival and the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland. Current work includes the short film, Gay Haircut, which premiered at this year's SXSW Festival.
As it turns out, this is an expensive endeavor and I know that there are many more urgent fundraisers right now, but I feel since my show is about mental health, this is important to do because it impacts so many people.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with ADHD, mood disorder, anxiety, and depression. I also have PTSD from my childhood. It's always good to have a variety. I displayed many of the symptoms of these mental disorders early on in life, but I didn't know why I felt the way I did until
I was much older. Every aspect of my life has been affected: school, relationships, friendships and daily function. I've been fired from like ten jobs. Kind of amazing when you think about it!
I know I'm not alone. I want to share my story to help others who are struggling and help break the stigma of mental illness and medication. With the support of therapy, a proper diagnosis, and medication, I’m able to write and perform this show. And I’m able to ask for help. So here I am, asking for help to bring my show to the largest arts festival in the world.
So where will your money go you ask? Merrill Means Well will be performing at the Triplex Studio, a 65 seat theatre, at theSpaceUK in Surgeon's Hall from August 5th-28th. The total cost for the theatre, promotional materials, publicity, accommodation, plane ticket and other expenses is over $10,000. The cost of the theater is $4500. Because I'm competing with so many shows, I'll need to hire a publicist to help with promotion- I have to fill 65 seats everyday! (If you know any, I'm still searching for one!) Accommodation is $7000, travel is $1000 and promotion and materials is roughly $4000 ($2000 if I don't procure a publicist- which is looking bleak this late in the game.)
Thanks to the generous donations so far, I've been able to purchase my plane ticket. And most of the theater rent has been paid so far.
I just made a second payment for the theater and I'll hopefully be able to cover the publicity and advertisements as well as the rest of the theater rent soon.
Merrill Means Well was first performed to a sold out zoom in April 2021. It received amazing reviews. This past March, the show premiered live at The Lyric Hyperion to a sold out crowd, directed by the brilliant Kevin Camia (Late Night with Colbert, Dress Up Gang on HULU, boyfriend) and produced by the amazing Kim Williams (V.P. of Casting, Disney, close friend). And once again to rave reviews and the encouragement of peers to bring it to the Edinburgh Fringe.
We will continue workshopping it before embarking on the Edinburgh stage. The next show is July 29th at 8pm at The Yard Theater
4319 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
If you aren't familiar with this amazing festival, it has launched the careers of many notable comedians and actors. Phoebe Waller-Bridge infamously performed her solo show, "Fleabag", which became a hit tv series.
Thank you for reading and for your support. It means a lot to me. I am so grateful. I know we are all struggling in one way or another right now. There's so much going on it's overwhelming. I see you and send you love.
Thank you,
Love, Merrill
SHOW [email redacted]: tickets just went live!
MERRILL MEANS WELL in EDINBURGH
PRESS:
Recent: https://www.contemppuppetry.eu/information/merrill-means-well/
Merrill in Time Out LA Comics to Watch
MERRILL MEANS WELL IN TIME OUT LA
Merrill in BBC News
REVIEWS:
“Merrill is smart, witty, and funny. It’s a treat to dive down the rabbit hole of her story. It made me reflect on my own life and the similarities we all share navigating this fantasy we call life.”
-Thomas Sullivan (Casting Director, Oscar winning film, Green Book)
“A hilarious, personal and touching journey into living with ADHD told through Merrill’s unique and self-deprecating-yet-self-accepting brand of humor. A genuinely funny but also surprisingly educational show.”
-Vicky Petela (Producer/Filmmaker, Trees of Peace, just released on Netflix)
"Incredible, wonderful, hilarious, vulnerable work, Merrill!!!" -Shana Gagnon (Director, Filmmaker)
“Merrill Means Well is one of the most authentic shows I’ve seen. Merrill is the perfect combination of hilarious and vulnerable. I was laughing and crying the whole time. She is brilliant.” -Jordan Birkland (Actor, "American Auto", NBC)
“Merrill is ONE of a kind, don’t miss this truly funny and heart warming show.” -Dave Cerwonka (Comedian, Producer, Fellow Fringe performer)
"Merrill’s humorous and poignant story is an important one for all of us to hear. Her clever wit makes this challenging and misunderstood subject visible, relatable and understood." -Caroline Liem (Casting Director, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!")
"Merrill Means Well is a fantastic voyage of ADHD, childhood trauma, and her very own gang of prescription drug puppet friends that will leave you breathless from laughter, and in tears at the pure absurdity of it all. It will touch your heart." -Debra Belale (Comedian, Producer)
"Merrill Means Well is such a moving piece of art. Not just because of how painfully funny and honest Merrill's storytelling is but also because of the creative nature of the format of the show. Merrill cleverly weaves her vulnerable childhood stories of growing up un-diagnosed with entertaining vignettes about ADHD that educates the audience in the most captivating way. Her deadpan storytelling combined with her life-changing diagnosis of ADHD really creates an engaging dialogue about the relief that comes from finally understanding why we are the way we are. It moved me to tears and left me feeling grateful that art like this exists so we can all be a little more empathetic towards our own personal shortcomings. It was hilarious and if you have a chance to see this show, I wouldn't sleep on it!" -Stevie Wain (Actor, Writer, Filmmaker)
INCREDIBLE POSTERS BY BRIE SPIEL:
PHOTOS from The Lyric Hyperion Show:
PHOTOS/REVIEWS from first the zoom show:
A little description about the show:
Merrill Means Well is a solo show by comedian Merrill Davis. From being called "the slow one" as a child to being fired from most jobs she's ever had, Merrill tries to make sense of her daily life and chaotic past after being diagnosed with ADHD. Merrill effortlessly weaves her stories and knowledge of her disability creating a unique comedic performance that is both funny and poignant.
Merrill's Short Bio:
Merrill has been listed as a Comic to Watch in Time Out LA and has been a featured stand up comedian on Hulu's Coming to the Stage. She has performed at the Sketchfest Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Festival and the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland. Current work includes the short film, Gay Haircut, which premiered at this year's SXSW Festival.
As it turns out, this is an expensive endeavor and I know that there are many more urgent fundraisers right now, but I feel since my show is about mental health, this is important to do because it impacts so many people.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with ADHD, mood disorder, anxiety, and depression. I also have PTSD from my childhood. It's always good to have a variety. I displayed many of the symptoms of these mental disorders early on in life, but I didn't know why I felt the way I did until
I was much older. Every aspect of my life has been affected: school, relationships, friendships and daily function. I've been fired from like ten jobs. Kind of amazing when you think about it!
I know I'm not alone. I want to share my story to help others who are struggling and help break the stigma of mental illness and medication. With the support of therapy, a proper diagnosis, and medication, I’m able to write and perform this show. And I’m able to ask for help. So here I am, asking for help to bring my show to the largest arts festival in the world.
So where will your money go you ask? Merrill Means Well will be performing at the Triplex Studio, a 65 seat theatre, at theSpaceUK in Surgeon's Hall from August 5th-28th. The total cost for the theatre, promotional materials, publicity, accommodation, plane ticket and other expenses is over $10,000. The cost of the theater is $4500. Because I'm competing with so many shows, I'll need to hire a publicist to help with promotion- I have to fill 65 seats everyday! (If you know any, I'm still searching for one!) Accommodation is $7000, travel is $1000 and promotion and materials is roughly $4000 ($2000 if I don't procure a publicist- which is looking bleak this late in the game.)
Thanks to the generous donations so far, I've been able to purchase my plane ticket. And most of the theater rent has been paid so far.
I just made a second payment for the theater and I'll hopefully be able to cover the publicity and advertisements as well as the rest of the theater rent soon.
Merrill Means Well was first performed to a sold out zoom in April 2021. It received amazing reviews. This past March, the show premiered live at The Lyric Hyperion to a sold out crowd, directed by the brilliant Kevin Camia (Late Night with Colbert, Dress Up Gang on HULU, boyfriend) and produced by the amazing Kim Williams (V.P. of Casting, Disney, close friend). And once again to rave reviews and the encouragement of peers to bring it to the Edinburgh Fringe.
We will continue workshopping it before embarking on the Edinburgh stage. The next show is July 29th at 8pm at The Yard Theater
4319 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
If you aren't familiar with this amazing festival, it has launched the careers of many notable comedians and actors. Phoebe Waller-Bridge infamously performed her solo show, "Fleabag", which became a hit tv series.
Thank you for reading and for your support. It means a lot to me. I am so grateful. I know we are all struggling in one way or another right now. There's so much going on it's overwhelming. I see you and send you love.
Thank you,
Love, Merrill
SHOW [email redacted]: tickets just went live!
MERRILL MEANS WELL in EDINBURGH
PRESS:
Recent: https://www.contemppuppetry.eu/information/merrill-means-well/
Merrill in Time Out LA Comics to Watch
MERRILL MEANS WELL IN TIME OUT LA
Merrill in BBC News
REVIEWS:
“Merrill is smart, witty, and funny. It’s a treat to dive down the rabbit hole of her story. It made me reflect on my own life and the similarities we all share navigating this fantasy we call life.”
-Thomas Sullivan (Casting Director, Oscar winning film, Green Book)
“A hilarious, personal and touching journey into living with ADHD told through Merrill’s unique and self-deprecating-yet-self-accepting brand of humor. A genuinely funny but also surprisingly educational show.”
-Vicky Petela (Producer/Filmmaker, Trees of Peace, just released on Netflix)
"Incredible, wonderful, hilarious, vulnerable work, Merrill!!!" -Shana Gagnon (Director, Filmmaker)
“Merrill Means Well is one of the most authentic shows I’ve seen. Merrill is the perfect combination of hilarious and vulnerable. I was laughing and crying the whole time. She is brilliant.” -Jordan Birkland (Actor, "American Auto", NBC)
“Merrill is ONE of a kind, don’t miss this truly funny and heart warming show.” -Dave Cerwonka (Comedian, Producer, Fellow Fringe performer)
"Merrill’s humorous and poignant story is an important one for all of us to hear. Her clever wit makes this challenging and misunderstood subject visible, relatable and understood." -Caroline Liem (Casting Director, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!")
"Merrill Means Well is a fantastic voyage of ADHD, childhood trauma, and her very own gang of prescription drug puppet friends that will leave you breathless from laughter, and in tears at the pure absurdity of it all. It will touch your heart." -Debra Belale (Comedian, Producer)
"Merrill Means Well is such a moving piece of art. Not just because of how painfully funny and honest Merrill's storytelling is but also because of the creative nature of the format of the show. Merrill cleverly weaves her vulnerable childhood stories of growing up un-diagnosed with entertaining vignettes about ADHD that educates the audience in the most captivating way. Her deadpan storytelling combined with her life-changing diagnosis of ADHD really creates an engaging dialogue about the relief that comes from finally understanding why we are the way we are. It moved me to tears and left me feeling grateful that art like this exists so we can all be a little more empathetic towards our own personal shortcomings. It was hilarious and if you have a chance to see this show, I wouldn't sleep on it!" -Stevie Wain (Actor, Writer, Filmmaker)
INCREDIBLE POSTERS BY BRIE SPIEL:
PHOTOS from The Lyric Hyperion Show:
PHOTOS/REVIEWS from first the zoom show:
Organizer
Merrill Davis
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA