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The Beginning!
So, it's officially begun! A few months ago, I had an absurd idea to raise money for the current new production my theatre ensemble, Funkopolis, is creating. The show is entitled PRESSING THE FLESH, and will make its World Premiere at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival beginning September 16, 2004, and running through September 18th, for six shows. For more info. on the show, please visit the Funkopolis website at http://www.funkopolis.org
As we approach what many consider to be one of the most important elections in recent history, PRESSING THE FLESH roots itself in the world of escalating apathy and cynicism and asks why an increasing number of American citizens simply choose not to participate in the Democracy that we all celebrate as Americans.
In the spirit of Anna Deveare-Smith and Tectonic Theatre Project, Funkopolis aims its unique style of physical theatre at ALL in the political arena, and no one is safe! PRESSING THE FLESH pursues exploration from all sides of the issue in a uniquely entertaining and provocative performance.
So, like I was saying... I was thinking about the "run" of the show. Political candidates "running" for office. And it struck me!
I've been bitten as of late by the running bug, and have been running for a little over a year now, having completed two half-marathons thus far, and scheduled to run my first full Marathon in January, 2005. I decided to run in support of PRESSING THE FLESH.
Funkopolis is currently situated in Allentown, PA - and as such, I began scratching my head as to where I would run - how far, how long, and to what goal?
The idea struck before I had time to really even contemplate the reality of it - over the course of two weeks, I would run "virtually". That is to say, I would run every day and log my mileage. That mileage would add up toward the total mileage it would take me to actually get someplace.
Being that PRESSING THE FLESH is centered on the world of politics, and seeing as how Washington, DC might be a bit overambitious, I decided to "run" to Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Independence Hall is, by every estimate, thebirthplace of the United States. It was within its walls that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was here that the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed.
And it's exactly 59.7 miles from my doorstep to the steps of Independence Hall. A distance longer than I've run thus far (I usually average about 20 miles a week unless in training for a longer race), but definitely manageable in the two weeks I'd allowed for this event to take place.
And with that, the idea was formed.
And now it's too late to back out. :)
But you can help motivate me to complete this task that I've set up for myself. By making a pledge to support my efforts, you'll help move me a step closer every day to reaching the goal of hitting the steps of Independence Hall by August 14th, 2004.
Thanks to the good people at Fractured Atlas, making a pledge is even easier than you might think - you can pledge right here online. Funkopolis is sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions to Fractured Atlas may be earmarked for support of Funkopolis and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
This partnership allows us to provide our generous supporters with an easy way to make a contribution for Funkopolis in any amount, in just a matter of minutes! It’s fast, easy, secure, and you’ll be helping Funkopolis continue our commitment to original, ensemble based performance. Any amount you can donate is incredibly appreciated, and what is most important to us is not the size of the donation, but the fact that you support us!
You can make a donation right now by using this convenient link:
https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/contribute/donate/291
This will take you directly to the Fractured Atlas website, and you can type in the amount of your pledge, make sure that under the heading EARMARK that Funkopolis is listed (the link should take care of this for you, but just in case.... ), type in your personal information, and you're all set! Contributions can be made online by any credit card, or even by electronic check.
Every day between now and August 14th, check back here, and I'll be updating you on my progress - letting you know how many miles I've logged, showing you my odometer so you know I'm not cheating, putting maps up to show you how far I've gone (and how far I've yet to go), and throwing up any other useful information I can come up with between now and then.
In terms of the size of your pledge, it's really up to you. Funkopolis has always maintained that, rather than receiving a single check for $5,000 - we'd would ALWAYS rather receive 5,000 checks in the amount of one dollar. Now, don't let that stop you if you had your heart set on donating $5,000 - just know that it's the people supporting us that's the important part.
Pledge a set amount if you choose - $1, $10, $100 - we will be SO grateful for anything you are able to contribute. Or if you prefer, pledge by the mile. For example, you could pledge a dime per mile, and your total pledge would be $5.90. Here are a few other pledge per mile amounts, and what the total would be:
.25/mile = $14.75
.50/mile = $29.50
One dollar/mile = $59.00
Five dollars/mile = $295.00
Or if you prefer, create your own pledge per mile - something that's significant for you.
So, if you haven't made your pledge yet, please make one now and help motivate me to complete this absurd goal I've set for myself!
If you have already made your pledge, sit back and watch the fun! I'll be checking in every day to let you know my progress!
Either way, THANK YOU for visiting! PLEASE e-mail me and let your voice be heard. Go ahead and tell me I'm silly for doing this. Shout your best "virtual cheer" from the side of the "cyber highway" as I make my way. In other words, let me know you're out there!
The journey begins tomorrow... until then....
Tim Brown, Artistic Director, FUNKOPOLIS
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