About this project
"A visually stunning work of science inspired art and performance!"
In these times of seemingly endless virtual and digital experience, it is crucial for people to have real life encounters with the scientific principles that govern our world...
- we bring applied physics, kinetic energy, and simple mechanics to life with a mix of live music, performance, and fun!
The Life Size Mousetrap is seeking seed money to construct what I call a "triangle of sustainability".
With your help we can focus KICKSTARTER energy into three performance based plans that will effectively grow the Mousetrap's production into a fun, educational, and sustainable touring package.
Year after year I answer requests to set up my unique contraption at science, and education centers music and art festivals all over the United states. The Mousetrap's 2011 tour is booked again with the MAKER FAIRE'S in the San Francisco, the Henry Ford museum in Detroit, New York Hall of Science in Queens, and NW Michigan state's Electric Forest and shows in the works at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center, and in Florida. Clearly there is a desire for what the Mousetrap can bring to a community. But sadly 9 times out of 10 the connection never comes to fruition for lack of production funding.
Most organizations can offer about half of what is necessary for a successful production. That means crew is never fully compensated for the endless hard work the Mousetrap requires, or we simply can't accept the gig.
THE GOAL is to build a sustainable tour package that enables us to bridge the gap in funding and reach out to the cash strapped cultural and educational events that we all enjoy.
The solution: I believe that on line artist's resources such as KICKSTARTER and FRACTURED ATLAS can bring power and a sense of place to the Many individual $25 dollar sponsorships that are the life blood of projects like the Mousetrap.
I have 15 years of experience producing and self funding Mousetrap events. My model for growth is tested and ready for implement. Every Kickstarter dollar sent to the Mousetrap's endeavor will support all 3 of the following components:
- Creating Fiscal sustainability: Invest in the practical mechanics of building "a grant writing and fund raising machine" for the Life size Mousetrap to continue as the worlds only traveling 25 ton Rube Goldberg machine in existence.
- Extend the Mousetrap's reach by Greening the project: By using ECO-friendly touring equipment, specifically the practical application of a waist veggie oil fueled MCI 9 crew bus. On the wish list, a "green running" semi - truck!
- Build a long lasting infrastructure that allows the Mousetrap to be self sustaining: Gain the tools necessary for bringing the Mousetrap promotions, management and booking up to the next level. Explore ways to obtain businesses sponsorships and material donations for Mousetrap touring needs.
FAQ
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About $3.00 a mile for an expected 8000 miles =$24,000!
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about $1.00 a mile for straight diesel fuel for an expected 8000 mile journey, or almost free with waste vegetable oil!!
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About 50% of cost is covered by the venue, the rest is self funded!
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4 day set up and a 1 day breakdown with a 10 person crew.
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2 tons!
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
229
Backers
$20,530
pledged of $20,000 goal
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on June 20, 2011.
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Basic contributor level: Every little bit helps us to cover the $3.50 a mile it costs to move the Mousetrap down the road, you get our heart felt thanks!
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One musical download of THE Lifesize Mousetrap theme song from Esmerelda Strange's unreleased new MOUSETRAP CD! "How to defy gravity with six simple machines"
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Music download - Esmerelda Strange's new MOUSETRAP CD, How to defy gravity with six simple machines, in full
Pledge $35 or more Pledge $35 or more
This is the RE-Do it Yourself package. One re-purposed rusty BOTTLE CAP PIN from Foolproof www.foolproofstudio.com by Lee Kobus and one MOUSETRAP PATCH for you to sew on to anything you like! BOTTLE CAP PIN PIC HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229516937074623&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater along with the full album download of How to Defy Gravity!
Pledge $45 or more Pledge $45 or more
HAND MADE BINDI donated by Sandi's Ocean, the brand that encompasses all that is made by the lovely Sandi Ball. Your reward is a wonderful HiBeam bindi Sandi made special, just for us! The center piece is a victorian cut steel button with crystal embelishments. PIC HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229520703740913&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater From HiBeam Bindis to Life Necklaces to whatever comes to mind. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandis-Ocean/139970637169 and the Album download of How to Defy Gravity...
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
An 8.5 x11autographed picture of the Life Size Mousetrap Crew and Mousetrap stickers, along with the full album download of How to Defy Gravity With Six Simple Machines.
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One CUSTOM designed multi-layer Rosehips Skirt from Rosehips designs - Rose will work with you to create a special, one-of-a-kind Rosehips, just for you! You get to pick color, texture, sparkle, etc... there's only 2 of these available. Along with the full album download of How to Defy Gravity with Six Simple Machines
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Knoxville residents - Jaia McClure is offering a personalized private Yoga or Belly dance session. If you pledge $75, choose this option and you'll get 2 sessions, $100 gets you 3 sessions. AND the full album download of How the Defy Gravity.
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HAND MADE BINDI donated by Sandi's Ocean, the brand that encompasses all that is made by the lovely Sandi Ball. Your reward is a wonderful HiBeam bindi Sandi made special, just for us! It is a LARGE turquoise, red, and gold(mousetrap colors) statement piece. If you know Sandi's bindis, you know how fabulous this one is! PIC HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229520513740932&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater From HiBeam Bindis to Life Necklaces to whatever comes to mind. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandis-Ocean/139970637169 and the Album download of How to Defy Gravity...
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Hand made "Garrison" style hat by Medina Maitreya. These darling caps are reminiscent of 1940's military caps but with a unique touch. The ever talented Medina has hand embellished each one, we'll pick out a good one for you! pic here http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=79274147364&set=a.79269567364.77848.784292364&type=1&theater you can find other stuff by this lovely lady here http://www.medinamaitreya.blogspot.com http://www.medinamaitreya.etsy.com
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something to crow about!!! this reward package is all about the fellas... you'll get a Rooster pin, hand made by Miss Jessie Brown and a tin of Mr. Mustards Magnificent Magical Mustache Manicuring Miracle Wax and of course the full album download of Defying Gravity...
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AWESOME HAIRCUT by MEDINA! this super talented lady will style you out!!! (and yes she is a certified esthetitian) AND the full album download
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HAND MADE NECKLACE by Lisa Manchester "Lucky Charms". It has a random mix of old coins, found objects, the Lucky #7, Swarovski crystal accents and bead and a Milago set of eyes for watching out for evil curses (haha). All on a sterling silver chain, SS findings and a brass bell accent. SEE PHOTO HERE https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150216714029334&set=a.10150208458019334.330065.535144333&type=1&ref=nf#!/photo.php?fbid=2056147054237&set=a.1221352784902.33340.1561425153&type=1&theater And the full album download
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This reward is a darling shirt from local designer Rachel Thomas's clothing line Minerva's Antennae www.minervasantennae.com We have one "Scrunchy" top in size Medium. this is a super versatile shirt that's perfect for layering over a dress or tank top, or all by it's self on a hot day(not that we get those here in SF). This one is a rich brown with cream polka dots, we love it! PIC HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229518117074505&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater AND HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229518537074463&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater and you get the full album download of How to Defy Gravity!
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Hand made "wrench n' key" necklace/lariat donated by Sandi's Ocean, the brand that encompasses all that is made by the lovely Sandi Ball. Photo here http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=228611013831882&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater From HiBeam Bindis to Life Necklaces to whatever comes to mind. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandis-Ocean/139970637169 and the Album download of How to Defy Gravity...
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Download of the entire Mousetrap CD, and a Mousetrap T-shirt. A mention on the Mousetrap web site "people who make the mousetrap go!" 8.5x11 autographed picture of the Life size Mousetrap crew and Mousetrap stickers.
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LIFESIZE HONEY TRAP- a beautiful glass honey holder inspired by the geometry of a honey comb. Lovely addition to your kitchen donated by Biodidactic Designs SEE IT HERE http://biodidactic.bigcartel.com/category/kitchen AND the full download of How to Defy Gravity...
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Original art by our very own Jesse Roadkill - this unique piece is just as special as the woman herself. Valued at $250, hand painted on wood, make this little guy yours today! AND you get the album download... SEE THE PAINTING HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229517433741240&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater
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A limited edition art quality print Lifesize Mousetrap poster signed by artists Cory & Catska Ench www.enchgallery.com
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For Bay Area residents only- A ONE MONTH MEMBERSHIP to BIKRAM YOGA IN THE MISSION - this is a $140 value. Juicy & Steve23 have created a wonderful studio dedicated to the practice of Bikram Yoga in the heart of SF's Mission district. Practice unlimited yoga for one whole month(a great way to get in shape for the summer!).This must be redeemed within one year. check out the studio here www.bikramyogainthemission.com AND you get the full album download of How to Defy Gravity too!
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Vintage Inspired headband style HEADDRESS made special by Dusty Paik at Snake Church! this is sure to be lovely, will probably have yummy vintage bits n bobs. AND the full album download
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HANDMADE Sandi Lee Capri Pants from Katherine Summer Designs. Katherine Summer will custom make you a fully finished pair of pants. SEE THEM HERE http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150277949923784.373352.258601528783 These are super booty flattering with all kinds of great details, buffalo nickle buttons, cool seams, great stripes, pockets... "the works"! AND the full album download of How to Defy Gravity...
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one CUSTOM MADE FELT HAT made by the talented Kalico Delafay. www.Dollymopdesigns.com art for your head- this is a $350 value - don't miss this one!
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Autographed copy of the CD, Mousetrap T- shirt, signed Mousetrap poster and autographed full color crew picture! A mention on the Mousetrap web site "people who make the mousetrap go!"
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
11x17 color poster of the new Mousetrap picture as seen on our KICKSTARTER page. Mousetrap T-shirt, and autographed copy of the Mousetrap CD, Mousetrap stickers. A mention on Mousetrap web site! "people who make things go!" Crew picture!
Pledge $600 or more Pledge $600 or more
For your $600 donation you can own a piece of Mousetrap(and American) history... This amazing VINTAGE WEST POINT CADET JACKET (circa 1922)was worn by Mark in early Mousetrap shows. . "This baby was found at the Alemany flea market. The owner of the jacket removed it from its time capsule garment bag and sold it to me because he believed in the Mousetrap". The tag on the inside reads: Cadet Store west point. size:191/2, 41, 17, 17 DATE: 1922 NAME: Vallentiny Jacket is in great condition , no stains, no moth damage, but missing 7 buttons, it is a real vintage garment after all... Real gold bullion braiding and hand sewn cording make this a stand out piece! PIC HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229519813741002&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229519813741002&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater AND HERE http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229519573741026&set=a.161486193877698.41139.100000489541196&type=1&theater
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Autographed copy of the CD, Mousetrap T- shirt. A Mousetrap poster and autographed full color crew picture! A mention on the Mousetrap web site "people who make the mousetrap go!" A PERSONALIZED musical video made from the Esmerelda Strange and the Mousetrap crew from the road on the topic of your choosing (PG rated)!
Project By
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The Life Size Mousetrap is the classic board game miniature turned into a life-size spectacle!
"A colorful assemblage of kinetic sculptures fantastically handcrafted into a giant 25 TON Rube-Gold-berg machine!" This classic contraption's chain reaction applies Newtonian physics, luck, and bowling balls to drop a 2 TON bank safe on a car! As an antidote for an increasingly digital world, the Mousetrap can offer a real time engagement with simple physics, spectacle, and fun, rolled into the worlds only traveling production of its kind.
