Support Multiple Fringe Theater and Mixed Media Art Projects
Simone - Farcical Spy Comedy - World Premiere at Hollywood Fringe
60-minute satire on the absurdities of writer's block and spy tropes. It's the zany antics of 'A Fish Called Wanda' mixed with the tall tales of 'Big Fish' with a French Beret thrown on top.
Maya is a humble desk clerk at the legendary spy agency MI-6. Her literary ambitions abandoned, this single mother takes a side gig as a muse for hire to help make ends meet.
Maya’s first assignment is the washed-up novelist Everett Shaw. Having found fleeting fame for writing a scandalous pulp novel during his younger years, Everett struggles to recreate his success. Maya and Everett are initially at each others’ throats before learning to rely on each other. To help Everett regain his creative spark, Maya ends up discovering her own when she starts to tell tall tales otherwise reserved for her young daughter at bedtime.
Thus, the French superspy Simone Le Barre was born. Simone is everything that Maya wants to be — adventurous, tough as nails, and will pull out all the stops to get her way.
Much to Maya’s amused bewilderment, Everett is sold, hook, line, and sinker, on Maya’s secret life as a spy. However, things get tricky when these tall tales turn out to be more than just make-believe.
Content Disclaimer: Please excuse Simone's 'French.' There are a lot of mature, naughty words in this show; lots of spicy language that convey passion, insults, and passionate insults. Viewer discretion is advised.
We need Simone because we need to laugh at pure silliness again. California, America, and the rest of the world are going through a lot right now—to say the least. There are so many shows that are important, that have deep meanings, that aim to change the fabric of society.
This show is… probably not that.
Instead, we’re a fun, farcical play. It’s not really that deep, but that’s kind of the point. Our show is campy, over-the-top, and maybe even a little cringe at times—but it’s all done on purpose, for the sake of comedy.
Yes, we’re living in difficult times, but for about an hour, we hope to provide some much-needed escapism. We invite you to leave your worries at the door and get swept up in the outrageous hijinks of Maya, Everett, and Simone.
Shoutout to HQ: Why Theater (And Why Specifically Fringe Theater)?
In today’s digital world, where so much of life plays out on small screens, experiencing things live feels more essential than ever. Theater offers something no film, TV show, or TikTok ever fully can: it’s alive and unpredictable. It’s a story shared in real time, that unfolds right in front of you, and with no edits or second takes. Theater invites us to see through different perspectives, build community, and feel something together in the moment. Nothing can truly replace that.
We will make our world premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival—an annual, open-access, community-derived event celebrating freedom of expression and collaboration in the performing arts. There is no curating body, anyone with a vision has the opportunity to participate, meaning audiences get to experience some of the most diverse and cutting-edge points of view the world has to offer. Artists (including us) must self-produce their work, which motivates participants to cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurialism in the arts.
This festival makes theater accessible. The average ticket price is about $15, allowing audiences to see quality shows without having to break the bank, (or break into a bank).
We will have 9 performances throughout June at The Actors Company, 916 N.Formosa Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046.
Check our ticket site for specific dates and times: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/12151?tab=tickets Who is Involved?
AFAFO Media is a collaboration of artists who are committed to telling bold new stories in any medium, anywhere, any time. To us, stories are mirrors that reflect new perspectives and challenge everyday preconceptions. We invite you to come along, bringing an open heart and mind, as we bring to life unique stories that resonate with the compassionate curiosity that lies within us all.
Where the Money Goes Actors and Crew: Without our recruits, this production couldn't happen (AI hasn't replaced us yet). As you may know, living in LA is quite expensive. We’re committed to paying our talented operatives fairly for their time, energy, and skill. Note: The actors playing Maya and Everett will assume dual roles as they re- enact the tales of Simone LeBarre
Theater, Tech, Box Office: We’ve secured headquarters at The Actors Company for the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and that comes with some overhead such as festival fees, venue rental, box office staff, and general liability insurance. Plus, we’re planning livestream performances (so our mission reaches global audiences!) which means extra gear and a top-notch tech agent on the case. We want every single viewer—whether in-person or at home—to have an experience that is, how you say, magnifique.
Props, Special Effects, Miscellaneous: We might not have James Bond's billion-dollar high-tech gadgets, but we will have some humble props, projections, and more special effects to guide you along our story.
Marketing: We're plotting world domination... starting with posters, postcards, digital ads, etcetera.
Your Assignment: How Can You Help Us?
We’ve put together some spy-tacular rewards to thank everyone who joins our mission. If we hit our goal of $10,000 we also have a few stretch goals such as a unlocking a secret show out of our vault about a teddy bear that ... oh wait, did we say too much?
On your right you'll see a list of perks you can receive as a huge thanks from us for your donation! Have you ever wanted to have a secret agent deliver cheese right to you? That is possible and more! Also, we're going to be celebrating your contributions along the way during the campaign as we make our way to...
Checkpoints and Stretch Goals
To make our campaign action-packed, we have some silly things in store when we reach certain milestones.
$1,000 - Shaken Not Stirred Oliver makes tea with salt water or take a shot of hot sauce We will be 10% into our campaign!
$5,000 - The Smell of Glory Oliver or Alex will eat EITHER Stinky Cheese A or Stinky Cheese B, we will only know which cheese once we reach this benchmark We will be halfway to reaching our campaign goal!
$10,000 - We Did It, My Dear Watson Oliver cosplays as Sherlock Holmes on Hollywood Walk of Fame and tries to find clues with a magnifying glass
We will have 100% of our campaign funded!
But the fun doesn't stop here!
Our stretch goals will help to fund upcoming AFAFO Media projects
$15,000 - Going Undercover
Alex will shave his beard!!! No one has seen this chin in 20 years!!!
$15,001 - Spoils of War
Alex will mail the beard hair to whoever donates the first dollar after he shaves the beard hair
$20,000 - Plot Twist Secret New Show unlocked!! We will announce our next show immediately!
Follow along for mission reports at @simonetheplay
Even if you are not in a financial position to donate, you can help us build buzz, fill seats, and make sure no comedy-lover misses out on the delightfully over-the-top spy fantasy. Whether you donate, share our page, or tell a friend, you’re now part of Team Simone.
Thank You, Merci, Au Revoir, Bon Appetit
Rewards
Broadcast from HQ
Donate $10.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Social Media Shoutout We tag you in all of our social channels as a permanent reminder of our eternal gratitude
Classified Viewing
Donate $20.00 or more
Amount over $18.00 is tax-deductible.
Virtual Livestream Link to a screening of our live show (date of your choosing June 6, 23, or 28)
Plus social media shout out
Secret Recipes Dossier
Donate $30.00 or more
Amount over $20.50 is tax-deductible.
Hannah Blake's Virtual Cookbook Our previous AFAFO Media production was The Cruelty-Free Confessions of Hannah Blake. We have an exclusive cookbook full of 100% vegan recipes inspired by that production
Plus link to virtual screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
Incoming Transmission
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount over $20.50 is tax-deductible.
Thank you video from our cast and crew
Plus virtual Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to virtual screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
Physical Media Two-Hander
Donate $100.00 or more
Amount over $60.50 is tax-deductible.
Poster from the show Signed by Simone herself
Hard Copy of Hannah Blake's Cookbook Same content as the ebook version but now it's a physical book instead of being saved to the cloud
Plus thank you video from our cast and crew Plus virtual Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to virtual screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
Murderboard
Donate $200.00 or more
Amount over $60.50 is tax-deductible.
Exclusive behind the scenes photos
See our cast and crew in action at rehearsals and enjoying all of what Hollywood Fringe has to offer
Plus signed poster Plus hard copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus thank you video from our cast and crew Plus virtual copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to virtual screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
New Recruit Training Session
Donate $500.00 or more
Amount over $60.50 is tax-deductible.
Virtual Visit of one of the Simone rehearsals Exclusive Zoom with the cast and crew, see first-hand what it takes to put on a comedic play. Get ready for a ton of jokes as you see the show start to come to life.
Plus exclusive behind the scenes photos
Plus signed poster Plus hard copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus thank you video from our cast and crew Plus virtual copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to virtual screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
Operation Case-O-Cheese with 007
Donate $700.00 or more
Amount over $235.50 is tax-deductible.
A small suitcase full of cheese hand-delivered to someone in LA *Delivery must be in LA, NYC, or New Orleans - that's where our operatives are based
or...
An undisclosed DVD from the James Bond franchise signed by our cast and crew It's 007 backwards! So we need to honor the legendary spy
Plus exclusive Zoom of rehearsal Plus exclusive behind the scenes photos
Plus signed poster Plus hard copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus thank you video from our cast and crew Plus virtual copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
Clearance Upgrade
Donate $1,000.00 or more
Amount over $271.50 is tax-deductible.
Associate Producer credit Your name in our program Two in-person tickets to a performance date of your choosing *travel and accommodations not provided
Plus case-o-cheese (if in LA, NYC, or New Orleans) Plus signed James Bond DVD Plus exclusive Zoom of rehearsal Plus exclusive behind the scenes photos
Plus signed poster Plus hard copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus thank you video from our cast and crew Plus virtual copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to virtual screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
Top Operative
Donate $5,000.00 or more
Amount over $307.50 is tax-deductible.
Co Producer credit Full bio in the program Up to four tickets to the performance of your choice Drinks with cast and crew after opening night performance on June 14
*travel and accommodations not provided
Plus case-o-cheese (if in LA, NYC, or New Orleans) Plus signed James Bond DVD Plus exclusive Zoom of rehearsal Plus exclusive behind the scenes photos
Plus signed poster Plus hard copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus thank you video from our cast and crew Plus virtual copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to virtual screening of the live show
Plus social media shout out
Target Eliminated
Donate $10,000.00 or more
Amount over $307.50 is tax-deductible.
Dinner with poisoned drinks *after you sign over life insurance policy
Your next of kin will receive:
Up to four tickets to the performance of their choice (travel and accommodations not provided) Plus case-o-cheese (if in LA, NYC, or New Orleans) Plus signed James Bond DVD Plus exclusive Zoom of rehearsal Plus exclusive behind the scenes photos
Plus signed poster Plus hard copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus thank you video from our cast and crew Plus virtual copy of Hannah Blake cookbook Plus link to virtual screening of the live show