Help an independent student artist!

Hi, my name is Hannah Weisz! I am an independent student artist. Over the summer, I wrote a play and got to see some fantastic fellow student actors perform it at Schapiro Theater for our class. After that, I hadn't planned to put it up anywhere else, although the project was the most fulfilling artistic pursuit of my life so far.

My play is called You are Cordially Invited to Elika Strauss' Birthday Celebration. It is a ~25-minute one-act horror-comedy. A pair of creepy twins sing the same birthday song to their sister, Elika, every year, despite her resistance; but as we pass through each year, we realize Elika may not be such a reliable narrator. The audience is addressed throughout the show, including in Elika's final tirade. I spoke with audience members of the class showcase, and every single person felt a strong visceral reaction toward the piece. They questioned their role in theater as audience members, which is precisely my goal. This play, with enough of your support, could be so impactful.

A few months after my class, I went to the Brick Theater. The show was completely different from my play, but I was immediately inspired. Every collaborator and audience member was so intelligent, kind, and radical! I knew that I needed to try to put the show back on its feet in a new space.

After months of hard work and collaboration, we are now proud to announce that on August 4, 5, and 6, we will be performing at Brick Aux! However, we still need your help so our production can pass the support forward.

Every cent in this fundraiser, independent artist grants, and bake sales, will be poured into the play and payment for my cast and crew. Any extra money will go into the A.I.R. Gallery and Artist Program for women and nonbinary independent artists.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to my GoFundMe.

In a system where artists are treated as nonessential, I need communal support to continue creating. Please give what you can; every little bit counts. Thank you!