Hello there!

My name is Todd McHenry! And I love theatre!

A group of passionate theatre-makers (including myself) are planting the seeds for a new Sydney-based production house.

'THE LOWER GARDEN PROJECT! (yipee! fireworks! yay!)

The Lower Garden Project aims to provide a platform for emerging theatre artists in Australia to nurture, build upon and present their amazing skillsets. Australian artists deserve as many opportunities to thrive as possible, and the rich soils of The LGP hope to spring new, exciting, and daring theatrical projects! Whether it be new works, old works, or quality Australian productions that need more rays of sunshine!

Find us on Facebook! - https://www.facebook.com/lowergardenproject/

We are just getting started!

We need your help to support our first EVER production: 'Who the F?ck is Erica Price', written by Australian playwright Sarah Brill, to be performed for TWO NIGHTS ONLY at the King Street Theatre in Newtown!

Find out more details at kingstreettheatre.com.au/tickets

Starting a production company from the ground up with only a few sets of hands can be exhausting (in the wallet department - am I right?) and so we need some much needed fertilisers (MONEY) and some tender love and care (PLEASE) to help water our artists, and sow the creative seeds. Will you help us watch our potential grow, and set us up for success?

ABOUT OUR TEAM

TODD MCHENRY

Todd McHenry is a recent graduate of Macquarie University. While studying, Todd would regularly throw himself into theatre projects, acting and working with teams from Macquarie Musical Society (MACMS) and Macquarie's Dramatic Arts Society (DRAMAC). He has performed in productions of 'Spring Awakening' (2013) in the role of Moritz, and 'Our Town' (2014) in the role of George Gibbs. Todd has also co-directed and choreographed a production of 'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson' (2014) and directed an original short play by comedy writer Chris Heaslip, 'Little Person' (2016). Todd has also performed with Rockdale Musical Society in their award-winning revival production of 'Into the Woods' (2015).
Todd is producing his first independant Australian play with the company, 'Who the F?ck is Erica Price?', written by Sarah Brill.

HANNI TREWIN

Hanni Trewin is a recent graduate of Macquarie University. Opportunities to perform and to be part of creative teams presented themselves at DRAMAC. Hanni has had the opportunity to undertake a range of challenging roles, such as Sylvie in 'Ruby Moon' (2012), Karen in 'Fool to Yourself (2013) and the Stage Manager in 'Our Town' (2014). She has also directed and produced originals works by Australian playwright N. Gregory Finger - 'Wilde Fragmentations' (2014) and 'Grave Concerns' (2015), which has been an extremely rewarding experience.

Hanni is currently performing as Erica Price in The Lower Garden Theatre Project's first production.

JAKE SEVERINO

Jake Severino has just completed a BA-Media at Macquarie University majoring in spending more time at rehearsals than at lectures. He owes a lot to the Macquarie Musical Society (MacMS) for such opportunities as producing a student written show 'Jukebox - the Musical!' (2017), and performing such dream roles as Peter in 'Bare: A Pop Opera' (2017), Jamie in 'The Last Five Years' (2017), Aldolpho in 'The Drowsy Chaperone' (2016), Hunter in '[title of show]' (2014) and Melchior in 'Spring Awakening' (2013). 

Jake is extremely excited and honoured to be a part of The Lower Garden Theatre Project's first production 'Who the F?ck is Erica Price'.

WHERE WILL YOUR MONEY GO?

After our initial start up costs, we predict to reach some kind of profit - but only if we can SELL OUT!

This is why we need your support, and hopefully your never ending commitment and fandom, to make this happen!

Ideally, after the lights go down on our first production, we will be able to start producing independant theatre on a rolling profit basis. This enables our production house to generate better production after better production, with larger budgets, the ability to pay our actors and creative teams, and the opportunity to give back to our community.

For this particular venture, this is the breakdown of our 'budget':

70% of our funds will be generated from this crowdfunding:

This includes production rights, set and props, and venue hire

- Venue hire being the most expensive aspect of the budget, then production rights, then a tiny bit left over for production costs.

The nature of the play calls for a minimalist set in this instance, and so our budget is at the very minimum costs of starting a production company. This has proven to be the most feasible solution!

30% will be coming from ourselves

This includes deposit for theatre venue, lighting, sound, as well as publicity and gas money!

Reminder: after our initial start up costs, we predict to reach some kind of profit - but only if we can SELL OUT!

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

It's ambitious to start a production company (we know) and there are always challenges when it comes to producing creative pieces - BUT we have a bunch of ideas that could save our sprouting ideas and aspirations.

What if the target isn't met?

Regardless of meeting targets - the show will go on! We have been able to use this crowdfunding initiative to generate interest about the show and hopefully start a conversation or two about the state of independant theatre in Sydney.

What if the production house loses money and never comes to fruition?

Our initial start up production will still see an Australian playwright's work produced on stage (as well as recieving production rights money to fund future projects), a Sydney venue used to produce another quality piece of theatre, and a team of creatives have been presented the opportunity to exercise their passions, skills and hopefully learn from any mistakes that were made.

What if we do not SELL OUT?

If we are able to sell enough tickets to make our money back and break even - this show will have been a success.

If we are able to put on a quality production and generate a conversation about it's themes, as well as independant theatre in Sydney - this show will have been a success.

If we are able to bring people into a theatre and generate enough interest for future donation based productions - then this will have been a job well done.

In 2018, we hope you will come along to one of our shows and know that because you reached out a much needed hand, Australian artists and their projects were able to thrive! See you then!