Get Hope to CAATA!

Hi! My name is Hope. I am an actor, singer, restaurant host, nanny, MC, odd-jobber from Minneapolis. Two years ago, I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists. It is a national conference celebrating Asian American theater makers and this year it is being hosted in Chicago. When I went two years ago, I was there as part of a production through Theater Mu. My conference package, travel, and lodging were all paid for by the company. This year, I am hoping to go on my own.

The conference is six days long, and during that time there are panels about diversity, navigating the very white world of theater as an Asian American artist, problematic representation and how to talk about it, and making theater in Tr*mp's America. There are fully produced shows from companies all over the United States, there are readings by Asian American playwrights. And there are events for all of us to meet, share our experiences, make friends.

While I was at CAATA, I met so many artists who shared experiences with me. Things that I hadn't ever been able to talk about with a lot of my colleagues outside of Mu. I felt like I got to celebrate a part of myself I don't get to be often. And I met a lot of really incredible people that I am still very honored to call my friends. I got to see art that reflected my experiences and told my story. Another thing I don't get to see often. I felt fired up about making art, about making change with my art. And most of all, I felt seen.

This year, the conference will be August 13-18. My birthday is September 2. I am asking that in lieu of gifts or dinner or drinks, you help me get to Chicago for CAATA. This year, I am asking for you to help me be in community and to help me further my artistic endeavors. This money will be used to pay for my travel and conference package. And I would be so grateful for anything you have to offer!