Help Carolyn travel to Japan with OYL Theater

Hi, my name is Carolyn and I'm fundraising to train, rehearse, and perform with One Year Lease Theater (OYL) in Japan, India, and Greece!!!

I am deeply honored to be accepted by OYL and to be the grateful recipient of funding from the The Babis Gousias Memorial Fund in support of this journey.

Can you please help me get the rest of the way there?

If you know me or have known me over the years, you know I have a dedicated, long term commitment to working in the theater and arts. Butoh, in particular, stole my heart, around 2009 and I have continued my study and practice to this day. I have long dreamed of going to JAPAN to embrace and experience cultural exchange there.

As a yoga instructor and performer, being able to visit and train in India and Greece with seasoned professionals and local artists is the opportunity of a lifetime. When I was getting ready to graduate with my BFA in Performance I often heard "It's going to be hard." "It's a hard path" I smiled, determined. I had no idea how hard it would be. Still, I write to you today as someone who is committed to the arts. The arts enrich our lives and communities. I have learned so much and believe I did not come this far to only come this far. Please help me reinvigorate my commitment to my craft and the joy it brings me & others.

The money from this fundraiser will go directly towards my trip, helping to offset travel and training costs.

ANY amount helps! If you are able to give please do!!!

If you are not in a position to give financially please consider sharing with your networks.

More Information about the OYL International Program Below.

The OYL International Program

In India:

Work with special guest artists such as Akhshay Gandhi, Maya Krishna Rao, Kirtana Kumar, Prithvi Nayak, and Konarak Reddy

Attend curated performances of a vast array of Indian performing arts, including Yakshagana, Beesu Kamsala, Carnatic Music, Odissi Dance, and more

Live in residency at Infinite Souls Artists Retreat in the South Indian state of Karnataka

Trek the scenic Savandurga – one of the largest monoliths in Asia

Study the ancient arts forms of Konnakol and Kathakali

Enjoy South Indian cuisine

Experience the beauty of the South Indian monsoon season

Spend two days in New Delhi at Black Box Okhla with Mahindra Excellence in Theater Award-Winning director Nikhil Mehta, training and attending theater

In Japan:

Study with Tokyo-based Noh artist Jinya Imai

Train daily in Suzuki and Viewpoints

Work with contemporary musicians and dancers, including Ren Kosaka

Attend a Kabuki performance in Tokyo

Ascend 3000 feet to the summit of Mt. Kurohime

Live on Lake Nojiri

Participate in the practice of forest bathing

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

Enjoy Japanese cuisine

Experience Japanese village life

In Greece:

Create and perform Oedipus by Ellen McLaughlin in Greek in village squares in the Epirus region and in a theatre in Ioannina

Visit the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and the Theater of Dionysus

Attend a show at the ancient theater of Epidaurus

Live in the Vikos-Aoos National UNESCO geopark

Attend local festivals

Raft on the mythical Voidomatis River, climb to the peak of Astraka, visit the mysterious Dragon Lakes, and traverse the deepest gorge in Europe