One Musical. One Mutt. One Big Mission.

Help Us Bring MUTT – A New Musical Comedy to Life at the Hollywood Fringe Festival!

What if a musical could save dogs? We believe it can—and MUTT is proof.

MUTT – A New Musical Comedy is a bold, funny, and heartfelt new show that follows a three-legged shelter dog and his loyal chew toy on a journey through the streets (and screens) of Hollywood in search of fame, fortune, and a forever home. It's a love letter to underdogs everywhere—and it's ready for a bigger stage.

After a sold-out workshop run at Thymele Arts in Los Angeles, we’re now heading to the prestigious Hollywood Fringe Festival, where MUTT will play a fully staged production with costumes, lights, and sets June 9–24 at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. But we need your help to get there.

Check out some more fun clips here! www.TheMuttMusical.com

This Is More Than a Musical

LA's First Musical Pet Adoption -- The Mutt Cast with Trusted House Sitters

At its heart, MUTT is a rescue mission. We’re partnering with local animal welfare organizations to host LA’s Second Musical Pet Adoption, a large-scale event that will take place during the Fringe run. Imagine this: You arrive at the theater, meet adoptable dogs, and end the night watching a hilarious and moving musical about second chances—both on stage and in real life!

Our biggest little fan, Sesame.

LA's First Musical Pet Adoption

LA's First Musical Pet Adoption was held at the Montálban Theatre in Hollywood in September 2022. We worked with three local rescues to adopt, entertain, and heal through doggy soundbaths and doggy reiki. It was a blast!

Invited Industry Dress Rehearsal for The Mutt Workshop

Our incredible cast singing, "My Friend Is There."

At the Barnsdall Gallery Theater

Every night will also feature a themed celebration, including:

Where You Come In

The students at Arizona State University performing, "Don't Run From Love."

Theater is expensive—but rescue theater is something special.

We’re raising $65,000 to cover:

Your support doesn’t just fund a show—it amplifies a cause. MUTT is a powerful, joyful way to bring attention to the thousands of dogs waiting for homes across the country. By donating, you're helping us use the magic of storytelling to spark action, build community, and inspire hope.

The Journey So Far

MUTT began as a passion project from creator Marcus Terrell Smith—writer, director, and proud dog uncle—and Robin Schäfer—incredible musician and composer. After premiering a concert reading at the National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival (where it was selected from over 450 submissions), the show has gone on to be licensed at Arizona State University, build partnerships with shelters across Los Angeles, and develop a loyal following of theater lovers and animal advocates alike.

Creative Bios

Marcus Terrell Smith

Marcus Terrell Smith (Producer, Book/Lyrics) graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in Linguistics. The following year he was accepted into the Actors Studio Drama School (ASDS) at Pace University in New York City, receiving an MFA in Acting. After graduating, he joined the national tour of Broadway’s Book of Mormon. Smith then moved to Los Angeles, where he diversified his talents as an actor on TV/Film and continued his work in theater. He is also a prolific storyteller, currently writing narrative lore for League of Legends (Riot Games) and Magic: The Gathering.

Robin Schäfer

Robin Schäfer (Composer) is a songwriter, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who resides in Cologne, Germany. Since 2002 Schäfer has played and composed music in several original bands of various genres. In 2018 he walked away from his career in business administration to become a full-time musician. Currently, he has been focused on his own singer/songwriter project, ROBIN SHEPHERD, and the instrumental Soul-Funk band, MALAKO ZOO. He also works as a session musician and music teacher.

Linda Joe

Linda Joe (Producer) is a Los Angeles native and a graduate of the University of Southern California, Linda Joe is a production executive and a powerhouse producer with an impressive track record across film, television, live events, theater, sports, and gaming. She’s collaborated with industry giants like Paramount Pictures, NBC Entertainment, and more, bringing high-impact events and productions to life around the globe. With a dynamic, versatile background and a passion for storytelling, Linda thrives on creating unforgettable experiences, and she’s always ready to take on her next big producing adventure.

Check out our performance of "No One Really Needs To Belong" from Mutt - A New Musical Comedy at Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdlands in New York City.

And now, it’s your turn to be part of the pack.

Donate & Be Part of the Movement

Whether you can give $20 or $2,000, every gift helps bring MUTT to life—and helps us rescue more dogs through the power of live theater. We’ve got exciting rewards lined up for backers, including signed posters, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, meet-and-greets, and more.

Together, we can show the world that even the scrappiest mutt deserves their moment in the spotlight.

️Donate today. Share the story. Wag with us at the Barnsdall.

Because sometimes… the underdog steals the show.

Mutt - A New Musical Comedy