This summer, I am directing and producing a professional in-person staged reading of my play, CORONATION, as part of the Spotlight New Works Fest—a festival dedicated to showcasing new works for young adult audiences and college-aged actors. While the story is set in a high school, it was written specifically for college-aged performers, giving them a unique opportunity to bring these characters to life. CORONATION is a story of power, privilege, and visibility, all cleverly disguised as a teen comedy. In many ways, this project is my chance to create something in the spirit of MEAN GIRLS, but with a deeper exploration of how arbitrary and damaging systems of power can be. I want to shine a light on how these systems marginalize those who don’t fit certain criteria, and how the stories we tell ourselves about others can limit our ability to see them as full, complex human beings. This play is deeply personal to me, and I believe it has the potential to spark important conversations among both performers and audiences. Bringing this staged reading to life requires the support of a dedicated team. The funds raised will go directly toward providing stipends for the talented actors and stage manager who are giving so much of themselves to this project. I also want to ensure the company is well cared for by providing food during rehearsals and performances. Additionally, there are administrative costs—such as printing, advertising, and casting expenses—that are essential to making this event a success. Supporting independent artists matters now more than arguably it ever has. And I’m not just talking about supporting me—I’m talking about every single member of my team. I want to be able to offer a token of thanks to the actors and stage manager who are giving so much more of themselves than the small stipend I can provide. While I am prepared to cover these costs out of pocket if necessary, any amount you can contribute to help offset my expenses will be forever appreciated. Thank you for your consideration and for supporting new voices in the arts.