Jaycie Cohen’s Musical Theatre Fundraiser

Hi! My name is Jaycie Cohen. I graduated from Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach in May 2016. I am a Theatre Arts Major (with a focus on directing) finishing my junior year at Stetson University in DeLand, FL. I have recently been appointed Artistic Director of the newly formed non-profit Theatre Arts Productions, Inc. I want to do a show this summer and we are trying to raise funds to make that happen.
THEATRE ARTS  PRODUCTIONS 
Let me tell you about Theater Arts Productions. The purposes of this organization are:
​To present live theatre productions for the cultural education, entertainment, and inspiration of the community.
​To foster and develop, through theatrical workshops and other appropriate means, the artistic talents and skills of adults and young people in the community. Especially for those who might not have the funds or opportunity to pursue their interest in the performing arts.​ To take live theatrical productions to locations that lack access to quality live performances.
Theater Arts Productions does not yet have the history to receive grants etc., however if we can successfully fund and produce our first show we can prove to potential funders that we deserve support for our mission! I would be so gratefull to everyone for helping reach our goal to produce our show “The Lion King Jr.!”
WHAT WILL THE FUNDS BE USED FOR?
The cost to produce this show is $36,500
$4,000 for the rights to do the show
$2,000 for rehearsal space
$18,000 theater rental
$12,500 production costs including sets, microphone rental, insurance, costumes, marketing and playbills.
MY BACK STORY
Let me tell you about myself and how I got to this place in my life! When I was an infant I appeared on the soap opera, The Guiding Light. I loved to sing and dance and pretend. Perhaps it was in my genes. My grandmother was a professional dancer who traveled the Vaudeville Circuit and on Broadway. My mother was cast in a Broadway show and did many print ads and films as a child.In the past 9 years I have acted in 17 theater productions. I have also directed  8 shows.
HEALTH CHALLENGES
As an infant I was diagnosed with a bone 
dysplasia (I didn’t have full extension of one of my arms and my legs were growing at different lengths). Later in elementary school  I was diagnosed with with dyslexia and dysgraphia.  I was also sick a lot so my Mom (a retired teacher) began homeschooling me. I was homeschooled on and off through out my entire school career. I was diagnosed with several life threatening illnesses. The first was in 2005 called CVID, a disorder that impairs the immune system and leaves me susceptible to recurrent infections. I would receive an IV infusion of immunoglobulin weekly administered by a nurse. I now administer the infusion myself weekly. I was also diagnosed with Von Williebrand Disease which is a bleeding disorder. In 2010 I had surgery on my leg to slow the growth plates and allow my other leg to catch up.  From 2010-2014 they found that I also had  multiple connective tissue disease which is auto immune disease (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sjogren’s). The medication had serious side effects including weight gain. Most recently I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis. I bring this up because I have succeeded in spite of these illnesses.I also believe that dealing with my illnesses, school and extracurricular activities has been great preparation for a career directing theater. I am totally dedicated to theater. I REFUSE to allow my illnesses to prevent me from achieving my dream of becoming a Broadway Director.It has been said that if you are doing something you love it is not work. When I am involved in a theater production I find a way to push through my illnesses because creating a show is something I love.







I appreciate your support to reach my dream. All of the funds raised will be used to support the funding of the show.