Last week, Show-Score blogged about the crowdfunding campaign launched by Deaf West's revival of 'Spring Awakening'. The campaign aims to raise the $200,000 needed for the production (which is no longer running on Broadway) to perform at the Tony Awards this Sunday.
Since our last post, we've received a number of passionate and articulate responses from Show-Score members about the campaign, so we decided to write this quick update.
First, some context. This particular production was an important piece of theater due in part to its prominent collaboration between Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing performers, and its powerful message of theater for all. Its fan base is still highly active, five months after the final performance. They are the reason that the production has been able to raise over 75% of its ambitious goal, with only four days left until the campaign closes.
While our members all but unanimously agree that it would be amazing to have this cast perform at the Tony Awards, not everyone agrees that the responsibility for the associated expenses should be underwritten by the fans.
- Several Show-Score members reached out to us via social media, the blog comments section, and direct email to voice their questions and concerns:
- Show-Score member "Austin 6123" started the discussion by calling the Kickstarter campaign "disingenuous at best," questioning the validity of an all-or-nothing fundraiser that ends the day before the Tonys, presumably when the schedule is already locked.
- Show-Score member "J 6" raised similar concerns, asking whether the Tony performance was incumbent on meeting the Kickstarter goal, or whether the money raised would reimburse the commercial producers who had already footed the bill. He recommended that fans directly donate to Deaf West Theatre, a certified nonprofit, if they would like to support the production without getting involved in the Kickstarter campaign.
- Other fans on Twitter, like @candrus68 and @logainne, wondered too about the logistics of a "performance already in motion" that does not already have the funds to back it up.
- "Emily 59" and "TheatreRat", on the other hand, are both proud backers. They are diligently watching the campaign in the hopes that "Spring" makes its goal. They eagerly await the performance at the Tonys and hope that it comes with many Tony awards for their favorite show!
As an audience-centric online community, we're delighted to be the place where all audience opinions can be heard, and debated. This is similar to how we all think about reviews of the shows themselves — we welcome everyone's opinions, knowing full well that not everyone will agree.
What do YOU think about the debate swirling around the "Spring Awakening" Kickstarter campaign?