Thanksgiving is a day for giving, the expression of gratitude. I know everyday it seems someone is asking for something, be it the person on the train who is going through a rough patch in life, your dog who looks at you with those adorable eyes waiting to go on their morning walk, or your friend (or friend of a friend) who has a crowd funding campaign for a hot new project.  It's never ending -- and it shouldn't be.  If we stop creating or stop helping others we lose some of our humanity.  Maybe this year you can help out by donating from the comfort of your home while gobbling leftovers this Thanksgiving.

I want to share five different companies with IndieGoGo campaigns that could use your support. Even by sharing on social media or giving some feedback to one or all of these companies, you'll doing your part to make the world a better place.  Read their personal statements and click on an icon below to travel to the individual campaigns.

Underling Productions presents Hamlet

Underling Productions LLC is a premiere non-equity Shakespeare company co-founded by Meghan Blakeman (Artistic Director) and Allyson Capetta (Executive Director).  Their mission is to build and produce Shakespeare and other classical works in an accessible fashion. With an ensemble approach and a strong dedication to text, the Underlings bring these works alive within contemporary contexts, while maintaining the integrity of the writer's original intentions. The company also strongly supports and encourages Shakespeare and Literature-based Education through Residency, Performance, and Interactive Programming with youth.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5HlmIQJwSw[/youtube]

The HIVE Theatre's Spring 2014 Season

The HIVE Theatre is back in action, bigger and better than ever!  Under the Artistic Direction of Alan Winner they've secured the rights to produce two amazing plays, as well as our annual Exposed Series. The HIVE's Mission: DEVISE through collaboration with an emphasis on experimentation.EXPOSE what must be said, for those who won’t say it, and for those who refuse to hear it. ILLUMINATE our fears, because the truth is what scares us the most.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oRTNBE-Tdc#t=95[/youtube]

Blue Wizard / Black Wizard

Ancient ideals and modern musings rub up against each other in Black Wizard / Blue Wizard, a philosophical musical fantasia. Two referees adjudicate the proceedings as the Black and Blue Wizards battle to save themselves and humanity from the Great Mediocrity. Warping the conventions of musical theater and classical art song to intersect with the sensibilities of electronic music, Blue Wizard / Black Wizard is a pop culture smashup of fantasy language and contemporary parlance. What unfolds is a ritualistic sporting event, the likes of which audiences have never seen.   You can help make Black Wizard / Blue Wizard by buying at-cost tickets in advance through their campaign.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/77368557[/vimeo]

Rajiv Joseph's Gruesome Playground Injuries 

Sasha Lazare and her co-producers are a group of young artists who are passionate about creating art not only that they care about, but also what's relatable to all.  They chose Rajiv Joseph's "Gruesome Playground Injuries" because it tells the story of growing up and getting hurt-- something that we are all familiar with at some point.  "This piece of art is real, tender, and moving- and we want to share it with you! But without your help, we can't. It's a story that we think everyone needs to hear- and we ask that you help us on our journey to doing so." 

 39 Defaults to LaMama

39 DEFAULTS is a site and moment specific play that is permanently evolving. It was born as a series of workshops that performed for a limited audience in a secret (the location was announced only to ticketholders) apartment in Brooklyn. Last year, the producer of Teatro Stage Fest invited Fifth Wall to highlight the renowned Latin festival and they performed on the second floor of the venue 'Casa Mezcal' in the Lower East Side. There planned performances during the festival were sold out so they added more performances to the run and those became sold out too! After each performance, they collected audience feedback and engaged them in a conversation about the socio-political themes that the show explores.  Now they've been invited to La Mama Experimental Theatre Club, where they can reach a bigger audience!

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSZLEw4yurQ[/youtube]