We’re raising £1600 to take Sound Cistem, an exuberant dance show about the cisgender gaze on the trans body, to Edinburgh Fringe 2019 to ask cisgender people to understand that their gaze really means.

WHO ARE WE?

We are Plaster Cast Theatre, a collective made up of University of Manchester students; passionate, young creatives dedicated to making politically-engaged theatre. Our mission is to challenge issues that are heavily misrepresented by the media, through raw and provocative forms of physical theatre. As a young company we are finding our footing in the industry- but we refuse to play it safe. We hit the Fringe last year with our show Action Man about a homeless veteran with PTSD (The Scotsman ****, The List ****, Edinburgh 49 ****). This year we're committed to continuing our mission of humanising marginalised communities by sharing the trans experiences of Lizzie and Ayden in a radical format.

OUR STORY

Under disco lights- over pulsing music- a celebration- a riot, a queer manifesto takes place. Set in nightclubs, dance show Sound Cistem rejects the media’s current “transgender debate”. Trans duo, Ayden and Lizzie, dance out their declaration against conformity and shame.  

In practical terms, Plaster Cast are using audio material from interviews with trans/non-binary individuals, as well as words from the performers themselves, discussing real experiences of existing in trans/nb bodies in the world. Accompanied by powerful and energetic movement sequences from Ayden and Lizzie, the resonance of these experiences is brought to light. 

This show is deeply rooted in our personal experiences, and the message is one of inclusive solidarity; something we see as absolutely vital today, particularly in issues of trans representation. Sound Cistem works to destroy the myth trans people have long been forced to believe: that your body is wrong and needs to be changed. It asks you to see the beauty in these bodies, and your own too.  

By donating to this project, you will be helping to amplify trans voices and promote positivity towards bodies and experiences of all kinds. Supporting Sound Cistem’s message of acceptance and solidarity will allow our authentic experiences to be heard. 

WHAT DO WE NEED FUNDING FOR?  

There are many costs involved in a multiple-night run in Edinburgh. Based on our ticket sales for last year's Action Man, and taking into account our prominent venue and increased media visibility, we estimate that we will earn back a minimum of £1670 from ticket sales. If we hit our minimum needed target of £1,000 we’ll spend the funds from crowdfunding and from our ticket sales on: 

• Upfront payment to our ZOO venues for our performances £2000 
• Registration fee £295
• Flyers/publicity £125
• Insurance £100
• Transport to Edinburgh £150

If we hit our full target of £1600 the additional funds would cover:  

• Living costs £370 
• Badges £50
• Additional costs (transporting props etc., transport in Edinburgh) £180

If things really take off and we raise more than our full target then we will use the extra funds to reimburse our brilliant interviewees! 

We will provide bi-weekly updates on our crowdfunding campaign on our social media, and during the Fringe we will comment on our progress daily! 

REWARDS

Hey, we have some fab rewards to thank everyone who donates, whatever the amount you might give. Check them out.

FOLLOW US

We will be regularly updating on our social media! Follow us to find out how we're doing:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlasterCastTheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlasterCastThtr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plastercasttheatre/

WAYS TO HELP!

You don't need to give money to help us succeed! Please share Sound Cistem with anyone you think would support us – on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, by email, telephone, in a chat over the fence or on your blog. In fact, share it with everyone you know as we think it's a great idea, and the more people who know about it, the more likely we are to make this work out brilliantly.

And we know we said you don't need to give money to help us, but we'd love it if you did! Please sponsor us and help make this happen. Any contribution at all will make a huge difference!

We’re also hosting an LGBT+ focused nightclub event on May 6th to raise money.

Thanks so much for your help - let's make this happen!