We’ve spent this year pinching pennies and using what we have on hand to squeak through the 2023-2024 season. The total cost of producing this play was less than $1,000. Most of the costumes were from the collection we keep on site. Titania is wearing Cindarella’s gown. Oberon, Prospero’s cape. All scenic elements were built from upcycled materials we’ve used before. The paint was mostly donated. The fabric was picked up at Materials for the Arts. B’DAT Parents came in clutch with the perishables and B’DAT kids sold hoodies and snacks to cover everything else.
But despite the herculean success of two shows produced for less than what we’ve paid to produce a single musical previously, we might not make it to the end of the year breaking even. If we do, we won't have a penny to roll into next year for the first time in two decades.
To that end, this is the 40th and possibly the final B’DAT play. I don’t know what the future has in store for us. For me. For the theaters we made on 44th Street.
But I know I’m so incredibly proud of every B’DAT kid that ever trusted me with their theatrical adolescence. I am a better woman, and a better artist for knowing and making art with them.
Shakespeare was onto something with this little scrappy play about lovers and fools. “To say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays.”
Amen, sir.
Happy 20th Birthday B’DAT!
No matter what, you are ALL love.
I could not be more proud of every single one of you!
Big Love,
Jo
