About this project
A TRUE STORY about the power of theatre.
Bill Toscano walked off the Governor Thomas Johnson High School stage, for the last time, to legions of roses, embraces from countless students and a roaring, standing ovation. It was a historic moment many will never forget.
Bill entered a public high school and changed its theatre department forever. From TV stars to opera luminaries, and beyond, most of the students Bill directed and mentored remain in the arts or closely associated with the arts -- all around the world -- to this day.
This cinematic documentary is an inspiring story about never giving up; daring to dream; believing in yourself and your talent; believing in young people; and that the arts are a cornerstone to education.
Based on a true story, "After School Drama", uses Bill's story as the centerpiece for a feature length film that examines larger cultural issues -- making the case for keeping the arts in the lives of all students.
The film will take viewers on Bill's journey (and the journey of his students), how the Governor Thomas Johnson High School stage operates today and the state of the arts in schools throughout the United States.
"After School Drama" is currently in development, bringing together production and artistic resources, to certify the project is created with top calibre talent and receives wide distribution -- on DVD, in classrooms and in theatres. Every penny you give will help ensure the film's ultimate success!
What is the money for?
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTION!
Funding for this project will go towards all filming and licensing needs of the project. Making the movie amazing will help ensure it reaches a wide, potentially international, audience. Specific expenses will include:
*Hiring key crew members
*Film and tech support (sound, lights, production equipment)
*Transporting filmmakers across the US to conduct on-camera interviews with former students and cultural, education and arts experts
*Securing rights for use of any necessary photos, footage and music
How you can help
Back the project! Now! Check out our great gifts! Most importantly, support this project because you believe in the power of teachers, students and dreamers!
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Tell people about this project! Now! Call or text your family and friends. Share this link on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. Spread the word however you can!
THANK YOU!!!
Official website and additional information to come!
Kickstarter video filmed and edited by: Dillon Baird
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
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Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on March 3.
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An invitation to the film's premiere screening and a HUGE, out-loud "THANK YOU!"
Pledge $26 or more Pledge $26 or more
Previous award and... A pre-release, autographed copy of the DVD.
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Previous awards and... A second copy of the DVD and an autographed poster.
Pledge $101 or more Pledge $101 or more
Previous awards and... Two VIP tickets to the film's premiere screening and two VIP tickets to the pre-screening gala.
Pledge $251 or more Pledge $251 or more
Previous awards and... Four total DVD copies, four total VIP tickets to the film's premiere screening, four total VIP tickets to the pre-screening gala and an invitation to a private, pre-screening Q&A session with cast and filmmakers.
Pledge $501 or more Pledge $501 or more
Previous awards and... Your name in the official movie credits as an "Associate Financier", a VIP invitation to the post-screening after party, and an autographed film kit, including: script notes, media memorabilia, an additional features DVD and more.
Project By
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Jeff Keilholtz is a professional actor, writer and teacher, based out of New York City. Jeff was one of Bill's students and remains a close friend today.
He has worked on HBO and with Off-Broadway theatre companies, including LAByrinth Theatre Company and Barefoot Theatre Company.
"After School Drama" was inspired by an impromptu Facebook conversation with many friends and former students of Bill. The conversation reminisced about Bill and his impact on their lives. Many of those involved in the conversation -- all of them former students -- were artists, living and working throughout the country. Bill's story is an inspiration to anyone who has a dream, cares about students and desires to create more sensitive human beings, living in a better world.
