About this project

THICK - A variety show that celebrates the real sized bodies in underground entertainment was created when someone insulted my weight. Although I can fit a dress size 8 (spandex only of course) the person that told me this made me feel awful about the way I looked. I cried the night when this guy told me that the only exercise I get was working my jaws out when I ate. I through out the snacks I had stashed in my room and cried in my pillow. A few moments later I got up, vowing to get my body tight like I’ve always wanted it to be. But food is the other half of me. I stood up and began to squat and lunge and thought, the nerve of him!. Maybe I had a roll or two but that didn’t take away from my beauty. I’ve won awards for my performance skills and men still wanted me. Him included. And then I thought, wWhy not a show that celebrated the other body types on the scene that I was so in love with? And immediately I thought of the word used to describe so many healthy bodied women (especially those of color) THICK.

A show that would run approximately 1 ½- 2 hours in length, it would showcase talents of all genres, particularly burlesque. All performers will be at least a size 10/12 and should have a substantial amount of meat on their bones for this one of a kind showcase. Dedicated to all kinds of entertainers from New York City to Timbuktu, THICK will delight you with singers, feature dancers, poets, comedians and more. The show will have a no host format but will be lead by it’s curator The Incredible, Edible, Akynos. Each performer will recite a 2 minute or less monologue on their story with their “thickness.” From insults they’ve endured (such as myself) to coming to terms with how they see themselves in a world that promotes an unrealistic view of body image.

THICK is looking to run bi-monthly, with 1-2 shows at a time. It will include one headliner per show. Each show will feature 6-8 performers that will run acts no longer than 5 minutes and monologues will be recited in between each act. THICK is dedicated to giving bigger sized performers a regular avenue to showcase their talents and encourage those that may hold back on their aspirations because they feel they don’t fit the mainstream image or have the inspiration to take their lives to the next level despite what they look like. A tentative line-up of performers for the first two showcases are below. It includes burlesquers, singers and a variety of other performers from New York City and beyond. A tentative line up includes THICK performers such as:

-The Incredible, Edible, Akynos
-Broadway Brassy
-Plum Manchengo
-Glenn Marla
-Agent N
-Dizzy Swank
-Honey CoCoa Bordeauxx
-Saretta Wesley
-Scarlett
-Margoh Channing
-Vagina Jenkins
-Darlinda Just Darlinda
-Petula Caesar
-Bambi Galore
-It's a Little Stormy

The show will be promoted by press releases to print and online magazines, television shows and news programs, along with posters and postcards, email blasts and by using social networking sites. The show will seek sponsorship and support from the plus sized community which, if well received should help with audience attendance. All performers interested should submit photos, bio including their height and weight, dress size and measurements, along with video of their work to be considered. Please pass this along to all your other THICK performers friends.

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE SPENT
1. The money will be used to first and foremost pay the performers - It's really important that all the wonderful talent this world has to offer is compensated for their efforts in putting on a show to remember. Of course headliners get paid more than the other performers. But you get what you pay for and THICK wants to be a quality show with quality talent and the absolute most important thing to me is to make sure these performers are compensated.

2. Pay for the space - If we are not fortunate enough to get a space that has no cost we'd like to have a wonderful space to add to the wonderful performances and sometimes they have fees. Some locations have bigger fees than others but we're going to try and find a middle ground.

3. Promotions - although I never rest when it comes to promotions this is special show and it may actually take me bringing someone on in that can make this bigger than what i can imagine it to be. Wouldn't it be wonderful for this show to get attention across the board? Sometimes one person cannot do that alone and someone with a bit more expertise or a bigger contact list comes in.

4. Please our guests - Pleasing the attendees comes with a variety of things like having stage managers to seat them to making the show run smoothly to buying or baking cookies to serve to them on show night. In order for the show to be a success the audience has to have had a good experience. From the time they enter the door to the time they leave it.