Perchance to Dream
After two highly successful projects in the past 18 months, The (Beat) Theatre Collective is back at it again and it's time to blow the dust off of a world-renowned Shakespearean classic. As part of the internationally attended ArtPrize 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, The (Beat) is producing an immersive, queer, gender-bent re-telling of the classic tragedy of Hamlet, entitled "Perchance to Dream".
Giving voice to a primarily female and/or queer cast and crew, audiences will have the chance to follow Shakespeare's doomed characters through multiple rooms and bear witness to their final life review, as memories from their past flash before their eyes in those fleeting, illusory moments between life and death. It was important for us to provide opportunities for female actors to delve deep into roles that most productions of Hamlet define as strictly for men. Beyond just lifting up marginalized voices: Hamlet is one of the most frequently produced plays of all time, and with a little time and attention, one can mine seemingly endless meaning from Hamlet's speeches, and explore a vast plethora of themes. This makes Hamlet one of the most universal characters-- and yet he is nearly always without fail played by a white cis-gender man. We think that view of the script has been thoroughly explored. Empowered by the fact that this project is being helmed by a female creative team-- we're telling the story through OUR lens, for that is where our passion lies.
We are so happy to already have our cast, crew, and venue set in place for this epic production. Because Perchance to Dream will be a part of ArtPrize 2018, all performances are free and open to the public. Therefore, the typical income we would receive from ticket sales will not be applicable and we are in need of some financial support to offset our costs. Additionally, our previous (Beat) productions have been solely based out of Chicago, making our reach in the Grand Rapids area quite limited. We would appreciate any support you are able to give as we embark into producing for the very first time in Michigan! This campaign will help make our dream a reality by providing funds for the following:
1) Technical Elements - with the proper equipment and designers, we will be able to allow our audiences to fully experience what it feels like to have your life flash before your eyes.
2) Artist Stipends - The (Beat) pays every artist they work with as we hold the time and work of our artists to the highest degree and feel strongly all artists should be compensated fairly.
3) Props, Costumes, and Set - What would a production of Hamlet be without sword fights, ghosts, and bloody deaths? Your generosity will help us have weapons and clothes for our actors and the ability to transform our venue into a truly captivating immersive environment for our artists and audiences alike.
As part of our undying gratitude, we are currently offering the following benefits for levels of donation to our project.
Reward Levels:
Pansies ($25)
An honorable mention in our program and our website as a “Sponsor”. Please be sure to provide your name in order to claim your prize.
Rosemary ($50)
An honorable mention in our program and our website as a “Sponsor”, PLUS a signed poster from the Cast and Crew. Please email [email redacted] in order to claim your prize.
Columbines ($100)
An honorable mention in our program and our website as a “ Special Sponsor”, PLUS a signed and framed poster and a video from the Cast and Crew. Please email [email redacted] in order to claim your prize.
Fennel -- Only 4 available! ($150)
For the first 4 Donors of $150 comes your choice of a dozen cookies, scones, or a loaf of bread from The Cheesecake Guy, a local baker who uses the finest all-natural products in everything they bake - delivered right to your home. An honorable mention in our program and our website as a “ Special Sponsor”, PLUS A Signed Poster from the Cast and Crew. Please email [email redacted] in order to claim your prize.
Daisies -- Only 2 available! ($200)
For the first 2 Donors of $200 comes your choice of a complimentary 60 minute massage or hair service (restrictions may apply) by Abundance Salon and Spa Services. An honorable mention in our program and our website as a “Angel Sponsor”, PLUS A Signed Poster from the Cast and Crew. Please email [email redacted] in order to claim your prize.
Rue -- Only 1 Available! ($250)
The first donor of $250 receives a gift card to The Bistro, a New American Restaurant in Williamston, Michigan. An honorable mention in our program and our website as a “Producer”, PLUS a Signed Poster from the Cast and Crew. Please email [email redacted] in order to claim your prize.
Violet -- Only 1 Available! ($1000)
The first donor of 1,000 will receive a 2 night stay at the The Shoreham, a luxury high rise located in the heart of downtown Chicago. This spacious two bedroom, two bath guest suite includes a full size kitchen, washer/dryer, and is located within walking distance of Chicago Classics such as Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, The Chicago River, and Lake Michigan. Dates are based on availability. An honorable mention in our program and our website as a “ Executive Producer”, PLUS a signed and framed poster with a video from the Cast and Crew. Please email [email redacted] in order to claim your prize.
Performances will be presented as a part of ArtPrize 10:
September 22-24, 28-30, and October 4th and 5th, 2018
Sundays @ 2:30pm & 5:00pm
All other performances @ 7:00p
at First United Methodist Church on Fulton Street E.
We thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
With Love and Admiration,
The (Beat) Theatre Collective
www.weare-thebeat.com
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The (Beat) Theatre Collective aims to spark change by creating art that provokes, unites, and enriches our audiences and artists alike. By exploring new works and blowing the dust off of the classics, we promise to remain constantly malleable in the way we produce and vow to always question both ourselves, and our role in the community.
