Help Fund The Q'astle!

Hi friends. I’m Rivkah French, a Houston-based queer contemporary dance choreographer, teacher, community builder, and all around agitator. 

PAST: I co-founded Freneticore Dance with Robert Thoth. We built Frenetic Theater back in 2006 and started the Houston Fringe Festival in 2008.  

 

PRESENT: Since leaving FrenetiCore and Frenetic Theater in 2016, I’ve been actively performing, creating new work, teaching and empowering the LGBTQ+ Community through public events.

At the start of the pandemic I taught online movement classes and choreo breakdowns from my home, then in the fall of 2020 I opened Capron Studio and started hosting small in-person classes and events. The space is quite limited by size constraints, and it’s time to expand.

 

FUTURE: I have a small plot of land in the 5th Ward that is suitable for building a studio and performance venue. I’m working with an architect to design and build a modern structure with an emphasis on open space and light. There’s a ravine with a view of freshwater--that has never flooded--and ample space here to build a beautiful studio and theater. 

Which brings us to the reason for this fundraiser: building the future Q’astle Theater. I’m asking for your help with this undertaking because I want to be able to provide the Houston arts community with a breathtaking, welcoming, sustainably-built performance space in the 5th ward. 

 

We’re breaking the project up into 3 phases:

Phase 1: Concrete laid 

Phase 2: Bones of the theater built with a partial roof 

Phase 3: Build out the remaining structure and open to the public.

There will be events happening onsite during each phase of construction, including a soft opening before the official grand opening. 

 

When you donate to this GoFundme campaign you’ll be helping with every step of the process, from the permitting and the foundation pour all the way to hanging stage lights and paying talented local artists to perform here.

 

Thank you for considering donating to this project--and for being an important contributing member of Houston's vibrant art community. I believe 2022 is the perfect year to create and fulfill on our shared values and biggest dreams.

 

With excitement and gratitude,

Rivkah French