Dear friends,
I'm so excited to say that Catholic Guilt has been offered another slot in a larger venue for the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival!!! This time last year, I was drowning trying to figure out how to self-produce overseas.
But I made it happen with the support of you and other generous souls, and it was the greatest experience of my life. I ended up selling out the run to over 1,000 people, was nominated for Best Newcomer with the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards, and was given four star reviews by press. When I returned back to the states for the Philadelphia Fringe, the show sold out a few more times and was voted the audience choice award for comedy the very first week (and then again the fourth week of the fringe).
The best part was what I didn't anticipate--the impact on others. From the audience:
"Kelly developed a devastatingly accurate portrayal of the trauma many people with a religious upbringing go through on a day to day basis. There were many laugh out loud moments, but what I didn’t expect was to well up with tears of empathy several times. Much like grieving the loss of a loved one, the trauma doesn’t simply go away with willpower or the passage of time. It’s an experience that continues throughout life without choice. Shows with dynamics and depth like “Catholic Guilt” are beyond cathartic. Simply put, knowing you’re never truly alone helps to dull the pain. Also, it’s funny as shit. I’m grateful for this show and will recommend it highly."
"It did more for me than the Barbie movie in terms of processing childhood trauma."
"Where to begin - what an incredibly well crafted and amazingly performed Fringe solo piece. It is not often you get to see a performer who can just as easily be a sex symbol or a literal muppet create a such a tightly scripted, hilarious, moving, insightful, and delightful piece of art. Kelly is extremely talented behind the page and on stage, and she has earned any awards previously, and should earn more in the future."
Edinburgh changed my life in multiple ways. I not only grew as an artist and an individual, I learned how to self-produce at the largest arts festival in the world all while making an impact and gaining some recognition! I am eternally grateful for everyone's support. I'm so excited to develop this show even more for my return in August of 2024!
As you may or may not know, I am an independent artist that is fully self-producing this show. I do not currently have a producer, manager, promoter, etc. I could really use your help! Your donations will help me bring the best version of Catholic Guilt to Edinburgh.
Your donations will cover:
Technician fee - $750.00
Base Rental fee - $3,314.96
Props - fresh bread for each of the 25 shows - $47.73
Venue brochure - Fee $763.62
Registration fee - $372.26
Marketing - signage and flyers $1,909.47
Housing - $2,500
Flights - $1,274
Music Licensing fees - $120.36
Fringe Box office charge - $254.59
TV rental for projection - $424.74
TOTAL: $11,731.73
Thank you so much for helping me continue bringing my show to an international stage! I have so much doing this show and I'm so grateful.
More information about me and the show: www.kelly-mccaughan.com