Hi, I'm Scarlett LaFlamme. I'm a longtime burlesque performer and producer in Toronto, best known for long-running series like Bad Girls of History and Game of Thrones Burlesque, as well as burlesque segments for ROM FNL/ROM After Dark. I'm also a writer, cat mom, new podcaster (Bad Girls of History, subscribing to that helps me out too), and sometime day-job-haver. I struggle with imposter syndrome like everyone else, but I think I've contributed quite a bit to this city's arts scene over the past 15 years.

You may notice that this is my second personal fundraiser this year. This has been the hardest, scariest financial year of my life. My EI ran out this May after I was laid off last year, and live entertainment took a hard hit in Toronto, so that I didn't make a profit off either of my big productions this year. The day job market is also the worst it has been in years, as many can attest to, and I've struggled to find one. On top of that, my senior cat is having health issues and needs twice-daily medication. To put it bluntly, this year has really knocked me on my @ss. I also battle anxiety and C-PTSD, with which the last few years have not helped.

I'm fighting hard to get back on my feet: steadily applying to day jobs, developing new creative projects outside of nightlife, and working whatever odd jobs/gigs that I can. But part of fighting means asking for and accepting help sometimes, no matter how much shame I feel over the whole thing (thanks internalized capitalism).

The one expense I have no hope of covering this month is the rent on my apartment of 11 years. The rent is $1640, and I'm asking for $1700 to cover what Go Fund Me takes in fees. Any little bit helps; this is a reasonable rental company and if I give them a little less than required to show them that I'm trying to pay the rent, that helps stave off an eviction notice.

I know times are tough for a LOT of people. I also realize it's the holiday season and most of people's extra money goes to presents for their loved ones. But if you can throw me even $5, or share this so it reaches people outside the theatre community, it would be helpful and so appreciated. Thanks for reading.❤️