Asha Self

Official proposal for programming

Executive Summary:

This proposal seeks to outline how the implementation of this style of show can:

• Increase opportunities for students and encourage their individual development throughout the entire academic year
• Encourage cross-study collaboration (artists, singers, and actors will be recruited to participate)
• Increase positive publicity for your School/University

And all for little to no cost to your institution!

Statement of Need:

I come from New Jersey; a small state just a two hour drive from New York and fifteen minutes outside of Philadelphia. As I’m sure you’re aware, there is a plethora of opportunity in New York and Philadelphia for budding artists to work on their craft.

Moving to Porto was definitely a shock for me in terms of gaining my footing as a performing artist. Gone was my Backstage Magazine, a publication devoted to listing auditions, classes and information for performers. Gone was the certainty that I knew how to find resources available to me to take the reins of my own career.

As I segued from artist to teacher I also came to realize the novelty within performing arts schools of teachers working together toward the success of a show. Proposals to coordinate students were often met with all of the reasons why it would not work despite minimal time contribution outside of normal class time.

In class, with no determined school show to work toward and no auditions to direct students to; I found myself often suggesting that students committed to developing themselves as artist go to the UK, the US or even France for more opportunities. This past year has really driven home several needs for performing arts students and budding professionals.

There is a great need for:

• Opportunities for students to show what they can do and challenge themselves to grow
• A source for artists and producers to connect
• A platform for arts schools to tout the unique, résumé building, extracurricular activities available to students
• A way to showcase students and help bridge the gap from student to professional
• A means for students to get used to the inevitable process of collaboration

Project Description:

I am proposing the implementation of a bi-lingual (English/Portuguese) bi-monthly show, two to four hours long that is a combination of talk, music and games called: Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One.

I will take on the responsibility of procuring talent, supervising rehearsals, previewing all content and promoting talent to ensure that it is up to broadcast (and my own) standards. I have dedicated a facebook page in order to promote the show and intend to create a website if participation grows. Please see details of content in the example schedule below.

Budget Analysis:

I do not anticipate your institution incurring any cost concerning the implementation of this program. I would request space to run rehearsals but, I believe the positive response to this endeavors would supersede the cost of allowing us to use the space. Also, if I could be permitted to make very few copies occasionally in the interest of generating promotional materials it would be greatly appreciated but not mandatory.

Organization Details:

Because the show could not proceed without your kind participation, obviously partners would have priority as far as student participation, promotion of respective services and activities.

However, I would reserve the right to recruit talent in the greater Porto area. The inclusion of local talent only serves to further the positive image of participating schools and greatly increase the audience drawn to the program and the students' work.

Conclusion:

The show Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One will be dedicated to the cultivation, promotion and collaboration of student and local talent. The bi-lingual format appeals to a greater audience and, at a cost of only rehearsal space your institution could stand to greatly enhance its image in Porto and possibly the world.