The theme for this year's 50k in 50 days fundraiser is No Shame - so let me just say that on the birthday cakes I had from 2017 - 2024, I blew out the candles silently wishing to become a Neo-Futurist. This year, after I got the call and joined this theater, I spent the following day worrying that the building was going to burn down, or get broken in to, or the lease wouldn't be renewed.

But that's simply not embarrassing, I'll say to you to in order to say to myself. I care about this place so much. This theater means the world to me - and I feel so lucky to be part of the artists and art and friends and family and community that gather here every week- a space where we commit to bits, each other, and our ideals.

I'm going to say it and I'm not going to feel any shame- I really want you to help me keep this theater going another 37 years. Forever. We need your help keeping the show pay-what-you-can, offering scholarships to artists of color, providing healthcare for the ensemble, and putting on benefit shows for local mutual aid and collective action groups.

And of course there is no shame in believing an organization will benefit from a small contribution - I can personally tell you- and it's not embarrassing to believe me.

There is no shame in earnestly trying to do something you think is worth it. And asking others for help doing it. There is no shame in abandoning the grand scheme of things- where we worry about what actually makes a difference or what actually will definitely solve a crisis.

The everyday joys of connection, laughter, amazement, inspiration, and camaraderie are worth protecting- and I hope you'll help me do so.