PASSION

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Welcome to PASSION: Survival Source Material for the Preservation and Betterment of Our People

THREE STORIES LIVE AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDED JULY 1ST-3RD, 2024 IN LA AT THE LEGENDARY TELEVISION CITY!!

Who are "Our People": Black People, Black Queer and/or TransGNC People, and ultimately Humanity at large. The Cosmic People. All of us liberated, together, finally, as one.

PASSION is a groundbreaking, heart-centered project dedicated to bringing three evocative plays written by Larry Powell to life through live audio recordings in front of a captivated audience. These performances were an immersive experience blending storytelling, music, and community engagement in an innovative format. We believe in the power of these stories to transform lives, and we need your support to make this vision a reality.

The Vision

The recordings of Realness, The Daddy Issue, and The Madame of Leimert took place over a powerful one-week process at the legendary Television City in Los Angeles. This iconic venue provided a magical and inspiring backdrop, contributing to the vibrant energy and historical significance of the project.

Now, we need your support to continue this journey.

Our Goal

We need funding to:

1. Finalize the Production: To ensure the highest quality for the audio and video recordings, including post-production and distribution.

2. Pay Arts Workers: To compensate the talented Black Queer and/or Trans, Gender Non-Conforming artists who made this project possible.

3. Expand the Reach: To produce a podcast featuring thought-leaders and influencers discussing the themes of the plays, and to distribute the recordings across various platforms.

The Stories

REALNESS

• Synopsis: A brilliant acting student at a top conservatory, struggling with homelessness, finds refuge and acceptance in the Ballroom Scene by joining a formidable House.

• Themes: Explores identity, acceptance, and resilience within the Ballroom Scene and The Acting Conservatory Training Program.

• Audience Feedback: "Truly the best reading I've ever seen." "I felt seen and heard, like for real, for the first time."

THE DADDY ISSUE

• Synopsis: A mourning recording artist meets an older man at a bar, leading to an unexpected, transformative night fighting for his life.

• Themes: Delves into grief, connection, and the complexities of relationships within the Black Family Unit.

• Audience Feedback: "I'm not even from this community and I felt like the play spoke directly to me." "This is important work. I need this work to survive. Please keep making it."

THE MADAME OF LEIMERT

• Synopsis: A pioneer of Black Gay Nightlife in Los Angeles faces the challenge of balancing mentorship and personal desires in his sixties.

• Themes: Examines the need for intergenerational mentorship and the conflicts between personal desires and communal responsibilities.

• Audience Feedback: "Truly the best reading I've ever seen." "I felt seen and heard, like for real, for the first time."

The Need for Continued Support

Our live audio recordings were produced in partnership with an award-winning audio house known for its minimalist aesthetic and focus on the raw talent of our actors. These performances were held in a dynamic environment featuring DJs, live music, food, and drink, creating an intimate and impactful experience.

To build on this success, we need your help to:

• Complete Post-Production: Ensuring the highest quality of audio and video for distribution.

• Fairly Compensate Artists: Providing financial stability for our team of professional, predominantly Black, Black Queer, and/or Trans/GNC artists.

• Expand Outreach: Producing a podcast series and engaging more community members.

Donor Tiers and Gifts

1. Supporter Tier: $100 - $499

• Gift: Digital thank-you card and a shout-out on social media.

2. Friend Tier: $500 - $999

• Gift: All gifts from Supporter Tier plus a personalized thank-you video from Larry Powell.

3. Patron Tier: $1,000 - $4,999

• Gift: All gifts from Friend Tier plus a limited edition "PASSION" poster signed by the cast and crew.

4. Advocate Tier: $5,000 - $9,999

• Gift: All gifts from Patron Tier plus a VIP invite to a rehearsal/post session and a special meet-and-greet with Larry Powell.

5. Champion Tier: $10,000 - $24,999

• Gift: All gifts from Advocate Tier plus two complimentary tickets to the premiere screening and a signed script from "PASSION."

6. Producer Tier: $25,000 - $49,999

• Gift: All gifts from Champion Tier plus an invitation to a private dinner with Larry Powell and key members of the production team.

7. Executive Producer Tier: $50,000 - $99,999

• Gift: All gifts from Producer Tier plus a co-producer credit in the play's program and a behind-the-scenes tour of the production.

8. Visionary Tier: $100,000 and above

• Gift: All gifts from Executive Producer Tier plus an executive producer credit in the play's program and an exclusive weekend retreat with the cast and crew.

All donors are recognized on the project’s website and in the production's digital program. Contributions are tax-deductible if applicable.

For donations via ACH Wire/Physical Check: Contact us via powellhousearts.com for info. Paypal: @ThePowellAcademy or Venmo: @freethearts.

The Return on Investment

Investing in PASSION is not just a contribution to the arts; it's an investment in community, innovation, and cultural heritage. The live audio recordings will be available for premium-priced downloads and licensing to larger platforms, ensuring a robust return. The project's success will also pave the way for future productions and expand the impact and reach of these powerful stories.

This project is a multifaceted, multi-media endeavor capturing the essence of our stories in various formats: live recordings, a documentary/docuseries, and a podcast. It represents an investment in cultural heritage and the future of live theatre experiences.

Join us in creating a vibrant cultural landscape. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of artists and the communities they enrich. Thank you for considering this opportunity to support a project that is both innovative and vital.