A SMALL group of local performers have crowd-funded to put on a Broadway show in Bendigo.
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Title of Show is a musical that follows to aspiring performers trying to write a show about two aspiring performers trying to write a show.
Title of Show features Joel McDonald, Jason McMurray, Alicia Barker, Melissa Harrington and Cheryl Long.
“We all met through Bendigo Theatre Company and Joel had wanted to do the show for quite a while,” production manager Abe Watson said.
“He sent off a rights inquiry two years ago and had the cast in his head but never had resources or platform or drive or people to do it.
“When he brought it to me, there was real truth and honesty that he wanted to make it happen. Joel’s passion was the tipping point, he really wanted to do it.”
To raise money for the play rights as well as marketing, advertising and the other expenses that come with putting on a show, the Title of Show members crowdfunded a budget.
“I’ve never crowdfunded before, we started after we did sponsorships and got businesses on board,” Watson said.
“The thing about crowdfunding is that it’s so personal. It relies on your friends, family and the connections we have.
‘”We all have such amazing support that has enabled it to happen. If it wasn’t for our friends, families and the people shared it (it wouldn’t be happening. They’ve done that work for us.”
Watson said the cast and crew has been overwhelmed by support.
“What’s been amazing is the people donated but are still happy to buy tickets. We have a lot of people to thank.”
The cast and crew have also had a number of new experiences in putting on a performance independently without the moral support of a theatre company.
Watson said a everyone involved with the production has taken on multiple roles outside of the roles on stage.
“I’ve production managed stuff with BTC before but this is a different process,” he said.
“There’s always someone else if things get too much. This has been a good experience for all of us in a lot of different ways.”
“Everyone (involved) has been fantastic in doing a dual role. Alicia has been on stage and heading up marketing, Jason has teamed with Cheryl as a vocal and music supervisor.
“That was Joel’s point, he wanted it to be a really collaborative process.”
The cast has been rehearsing multiple times a week for months and with only a few weeks until opening night, is feeling excited.
”The key to having successful show is having great team and we have a great team,” Watson said.
Title of Show is rated M and is on at the BTC Arts Shed at 15-17 Allingham Stret, Golden Square from November 26 to 29.
For more information head to the show’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/titleofshowbendigo
For tickets log on to www.trybooking.com/156054