Today was the one-time and SOLD-OUT performance of the Fringe Development piece, “Webcam,” written by . . . me! I’m very proud of this show and the presentation of it. Director Lauren Carr is brilliant in her staging and in her work with the actors to truly bring out the themes in the play in a way that made it clear what I was trying to say while still being entertaining and theatrical.
Owen Clark, a gifted actor, played “Cory,” who decides taking his clothes off online for money is a great way to pay for school. He took the character from naive and nervous to a professional and confident camboy. Hannah Levin (“Gina”) embodied the character that I most identify with - a person who loves with their whole self and gets hurt in the process. And R. Deandré Smith played “Bill,” a customer with whom Cory builds an online friendship. It’s his sage wisdom that helps Cory become a better model - and maybe a better friend. Or not? You’d need to see it to decide for yourself.
I must tell you how remarkable our stage manager, Allie Huston, was in calling the cues. Because this show was tech-heavy, there were 149 different times that she needed to push a button to advance the show—between projections and sounds. She didn’t miss a single one. Someone who would know told me, “Your stage manager called a hell of a show.” I’m also exceptionally grateful for E. Carr, who served as our intimacy coordinator and made sure the actors felt comfortable with the material and what we were asking them to do. Her contributions are immeasurable.
There was a talkback afterward, and people were very kind. They asked good questions and provided interesting—and helpful—feedback. Several folks were kind enough to donate to the show so that I can eventually pay the actors as much as possible. While I will never be able to give them what they deserve for the amount of work they put into the rehearsal and development process, I do want to give them something. (Donations are still being accepted at the show’s website if you’re interested.)
I only regret that none of the Fringe artists could see the show because we were completely sold out! It’s a great problem to have - but hopefully, now that it’s been through this development process, it can have legs elsewhere. Stay tuned to kirksheppard.com to see where else this show might pop up!
Thanks to all who came, all who donated to the cause, and all who provided such kind and helpful feedback. It was a night I’ll never forget!
Remember to check out trueFRINGE on Thursday at 8:30 PM(can I be part of two sell-outs this festival?), where I’ll tell a story about my days in professional wrestling. I’ll see you there!
The Cincinnati Fringe Festival runs through Saturday, June 15th. More information is available CincyFringe.com.