- L
- T
things i am totally, completely, and utterly ashamed of.
0% complete
$1,747 raised of $1.7K
32 donations
things i am totally, completely, and utterly ashamed of. premiers at The Circle Festival 2025. Help us make it happen <3
“What is the scariest thing for you to say in this moment? What is locked so deep inside your mind that when you graze its cell your body goes into a panic only recognizable as the end of life itself? I promise if I muster the strength to tell you, I will be renewed. I will be freed. I will be happier. The truth is to tell you is to tell myself. Give me this gift, and then give it to yourself.”
We believe that shame is an opportunity. While human nature is to steer away from negative emotions, we say: let it guide us. Let us hold shame’s hand while it leads us to our deepest, darkest corners - because the only way to create change is from within. We cannot hate ourselves into change - we must accept ourselves as a whole, arms wide open and leap into it, like a child running into its mother’s arms. We must foster shame - or it’ll take the reins.
Our mission: To create an event that inspires all of us to take back the reins of our own lives. To confront the ideas and fears that are ruling our actions and create a tangible opportunity for audiences to begin the work of dismantling limiting beliefs, and embracing our fears as our greatest strengths.
The event is structured as such:
- The Task: A passive monthlong online experience in which our audiences will be let in on the ideas behind our work, and inspired to follow along on their own. The audience will be given chances to participate should they choose, and come into the event with a deeper connection to the experience.
- The Inspiration: A one hour reveal of original work manifesting shame on the day of performance. The event features a variety of artists working in many different forms: “they didn’t know how else to express it, monologues they’ve done in the shower and written in their journals, scenes of conversations they’ve had or never did because it was too hard to stomach.”
- The Opportunity to Act: A unique, solo journey we invite our audiences to attend after the event, in which they can take a tangible step on the journey of unshackling their actions from shame, and living their lives on their own terms.
things i am totally, completely, and utterly ashamed of. will premiere on October 18th at the Off- Broadway AMT theatre as part of the 2025 Circle Festival. Led by Ron Weiss and Shir Ringer, this production is in partnership with RJ theatre and the Actors Launchpad.
We’re creating a space for one night where people can experience their catharsis together. If we're lucky, they will, and if we’re really lucky - it will be only the beginning of their journey.
Where the Money Goes
This budget, in partnership with RJ theatre Company & The Actor Launchpad will cover a week-long rehearsal period and a one time showing on October 18, allowing Shir and Ron to create this event at a high level, and continue to expand on their artistry. These items include:
- Performance Space Rental
- Rehearsal Space Rental
- Marketing & outreach
- Director, cast, and crew stipends
- Video and Photo Documentation
- Essential resources
Total Goal: $3,200
The Team
Shir Ringer is an Israeli NYC based actor, producer, and writer, currently in her second year at the Atlantic Acting School in New York City. This production marks her producing debut. In addition to her work as an actor, Shir writes poetry and pursues every ounce of authenticity she can find, believing it’s the key to living in a world that has more than few of the same narratives — one that embraces many voices, fosters diversity, and reduces judgment. “We all have fire within us - we mustn't be ashamed of its size. Go where the fire is.”
She believes that art, in all its forms — and especially on stage — has a singular power to create intimacy, to strip away barriers, and to connect us in ways no other medium can.
Ron Weiss (they.them) is an international theatre maker, performer, producer, musician, and creative researcher. Their work is not defined by a medium, but rather by an intention to further the thinking of the industry, in terms of process and performance. They are consistently interested in the exploration of new techniques and technologies in this art form, which has led to a deep fascination for immersive work, in and outside the traditional theater building. Their international tethers allow them the opportunity and drive to always “go where the work is warm.”
Find out more on their website (ron-weiss.com)
Select Directing Credits include: Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune (UNCSA), boom (keys to the kingdom), Haunted Schoolhouse 2024 (Hilloween NC) Select Producing Credits: Nine Cavities (David Heiser and Eric Canfield), The Sound of Water (Ed Fringe 25), ES Tech: A Solo Immersive Experience, The Occupation Project: Plays from Ukraine (historic Jaffa Theatre). Ron holds a BFA in directing from UNCSA Drama where they assisted Ashley Robinson, Claire Fort, and Lo Feliciani Ojeda.
Call to Action
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to sharing “things i am totally, completely, and utterly ashamed of.” with a new york audience. If you cannot contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network makes a huge difference.
Thank you for helping us create this opportunity. By supporting each other and work like this, we can all lead freer, more open lives.
Organizer
