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One Woman Show: "Who's Serving Who?" NYC run Off-Broadway at United Solo Festival AND shoot the short film version of the story to use as a POC for TV series pitching.

Shove your real-life shenanigans into your apron, cos the shift must go on!

Who's Serving Who?

Who's Serving Who is a comedic one woman theater show on its way to NYC & being developed into a proof of concept for a future TV series, inspired by my experiences as an Aussie waitress in Hollywood.

 Los Angeles, CA, US
  • $8,201 raised of $39,588 goal
  • 24 donations
  • 57 days left
This is a Fiscally-Sponsored Project

Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas

OOHH, TELL ME MORE…

You know how they say “Do something that scares you every day”? Well, I took that advice a little too seriously and decided to do the thing that terrified me the most: Writing and performing a one-woman show. 

Very much inspired by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and her iconic stage-show-turned-tv-show Fleabag, what kicked off as an 8-minute stand-up routine (another terrifying thing that I swore I would NEVER do), quickly morphed into a full hour of theater which I performed to sold-out crowds and rave reviews at this year's Hollywood Fringe Festival!

FRINGE REVIEWS: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10834?tab=reviews

ORIGINAL SHOW SIZZLE (1.5 Min): https://vimeo.com/959672983
And guess what? Not only has the show snagged an invite to next year's off-Broadway United Solo Festival in NYC, but I've also received an overwhelming amount of advice to develop the show into a TV Series!

Things were getting REAL, so I recently sat down for coffee with one of my favorite filmmakers, Bo Youngblood. Bo is the woman who held my hand through all of the learning curves of setting up my film company, directed and co-produced my company’s first short film The Power Within, and took home the award for Filmmaker to Watch at the Rhode Island International Film Festival for this very project. I asked her… “Am I crazy?”. Am I crazy to want to take this show to the next level? Am I crazy to say ‘yes’ to it all? 

Her response: “You’re crazy not to”. 

So, I’m beyond excited to announce that the show is now being developed in TWO exciting avenues:

  1. Newly Revamped 1-Hour Theater Show: Incorporating feedback from one of Hollywood's top creative minds (you know who you are!) I'm refining the show to elevate its impact and storytelling.

2. Proof of Concept for the Television Series: After a successful film festival run this year with our short film, The Power Within, Bo Youngblood and I will be teaming up again to Co-Produce the proof of concept for the Who’s Serving Who television series, with Bo as Director and myself as Co-Director whilst reprising my role of ‘Sydney’.

LINK TO PROOF OF CONCEPT PITCH DECK: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGQ90q_LRo/tet5VDEqUUmUCZmM66I2iA/edit?utm_content=DAGQ90q_LRo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Who's Serving Who Proof Of Concept Pitch Deck.pdf 26.24 MB


ABOUT THE WRITER/ACTRESS/PRODUCER: 


For those of you who don’t know me, I'm Kelsie McDonald, and I've acted, written and produced my way around the world, from little old Brisbane, Australia, to London, Mexico and LA. I hold an MA in Acting from the Guildford School of Acting in the UK, and co-created the London-based theater company Encompass Theatre Collective out of University, which toured shows across the UK and Europe. In 2018 I started to branch out a bit and began writing and producing indie films. In 2021 I launched my production company People Power Pictures. The company's first film, female-driven sci-fi/superhero short The Power Within is a proof of concept for a feature film franchise that premiered this year at the famous Chinese Theatre within the esteemed Dances with Films festival. It was later screened at San Diego International Comic Con and the Rhode Island Film Festival. I'm currently in Guadalajara, Mexico in production for pickups on a feature film which I co-wrote, co-produce and co-star alongside Ted Lasso and Venom star Cristo Fernandez. The film is a bilingual rom-com and is due to be released 2025.

It’s undeniably the most exciting time of my career, and I know that right now is the time to get this project out to the world.


ABOUT THE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

BO YOUNGBLOOD

Bo Youngblood is a producer and director focusing on female driven and diverse stories. All of her feature films have had full theatrical releases as well as world wide distribution under her banner Showdown Productions. Her past films include “Safer at Home” “The Pay Day” and “Break”. She recently wrapped production on "The Cure" starring David Dastmalcian and Ashley Greene. Her feature film directorial debut “In Flight” starring Cristo Fernandez, Maria Russell, and Tiffany Smith is being released theatrically and streaming November 2024. She recently was awarded the Directing Filmmaker of the Future Award at the Rhode Island Film Festival. 

WHY SUPPORT THIS PROJECT? 

Are you keen on championing female-driven projects that focus on untold perspectives? Do you have a soft spot for feel-good stories that spread positive messages? Ready to back an emerging artist who is incredibly passionate, driven and go-getting? If you’re nodding along, jump on board—I can’t wait to team up with you!

We’ve got an amazing crew on deck, including many team members from The Power Within, and we need your support to get this project soaring! 

I truly believe it’s my mission in life to entertain and connect with audiences and we need more comedy and vibrance on our screens and in our lives! The first stage performances had the audience laughing and crying, with folks coming up to me afterwards, tears in their eyes, thanking me for sharing such a raw, honest, and relatable story. Hearing that the show made viewers feel seen and less alone was confirmation that this project needs an opportunity to reach a larger audience to share this positive effect.

The time is now, and I can’t do this without you!

As an independent artist, I have the skills, experience and determination to dream up this dual-armed project but I need YOUR financial help to bring it to life! 

WHAT WILL YOUR DONATIONS SPECIFICALLY FUND? 

This is a double whammy campaign, raising funds to take the theater show to the bright lights of NYC as well as the creation of the proof of concept short film production!

All funds raised from this campaign will go directly towards:

  1. THE THEATER SHOW:

United Solo Festival entry fees and all logistical costs associated with taking the show to NYC (flights, accommodation, food etc!).

NEW THEATER SHOW SYNOPSIS: 
As lights rise on The Day Job, Hollywood’s beloved dive, Sydney—your lively Aussie waitress—wakes up mid-shift, convinced she’s still in her recurring server stress dream. But as reality blurs with her imagination, she realizes this might be all too real.
Through chaotic orders, confessions, and laugh-out-loud mishaps, Sydney unveils the exhaustion and burnout lurking behind her bright facade. Join her for an hour of comedy, raw honesty, and Aussie charm, where one night’s shift becomes an unforgettable journey into the life of a woman holding it together one tip at a time.

AND…

2. THE PROOF OF CONCEPT SHORT FILM:

Shooting a proof-of-concept for a TV series inspired by the theater show Who’s Serving Who.

Cinematography costs, camera and lens rentals, sound equipment, editing and post-production, locations, crew salaries, insurance, taxes and fees, craft services (food!)  for 3 days of shooting, costumes, hair and makeup, props and other expenses that typically pop up when shooting a film.

PROOF OF CONCEPT for the TV Series SYNOPSIS:
Sydney treats each shift like a performance, scoring laughs from customers with her quick wit and a "Tip Tally" that dings like a game show. But when she senses an invisible audience watching her every move, the lively atmosphere takes a surreal turn. Sydney's upbeat charm starts to crack, exposing hidden insecurities and a complex inner world beneath her bubbly facade. As chaos unfolds around her, she questions if her on-screen "performance" is truly her or a carefully crafted persona. Blending sitcom charm with the depth of a one-woman show, the short film explores self-worth, identity, and the universal truth that, at the end of the day, everybody is going through something.


THANK YOU FOR DONATING AND PLAYING A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THIS PROJECT:
Your contribution will go a long way in bringing future renditions of this story to life and, because I'm fundraising through Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) organization, your donation is…

TAX DEDUCTIBLE:
Fractured Atlas is a nonprofit organization which offers Fiscal Sponsorship for Artists, (that’s me!) allowing all donations to this project to be fully tax deductible! Fractured Atlas will generate a tax receipt for every eligible contribution.

Let’s make some magic together!


OTHER WAYS TO HELP:
Other ways you can help this project take flight...

  • Got the hookup in the restaurant biz? Sponsor the crew to a meal on set!

  • Do you have a spare room in Manhattan that you could spare for the Festival duration in March/April, 2025?

  • Help us spread the word about this campaign on social media using #WhosServingWho! Send us all the good vibes as we hustle to bring this project to life—your energy could be the secret ingredient!

Thanks for serving up your support for Who’s Serving Who. It means the world to me!

Who’s Serving Who is being produced by People Power Pictures LLC, my production company, aspiring to continue telling stories from around the world, determined to push boundaries, evoke thought and inspire positive change. 

It's because of people like YOU that Who's Serving Who will deliver its message to the world: none of us are truly alone. 

And from the bottom of my heart, I know this to be true.

Thank you! 

-Kelsie

xoxo

Rewards

Featured

Proof of Palate

Donate $100.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Get your digital taste test of the proof of concept after its world premiere. Spoiler alert: it's gonna be delish! Plus huge thanks and an epic amount of love coming your way... obviously!

Appetizer Appreciation

Donate $25.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Sending you a HUGE plate of good vibes and a cheeky air hug from Sydney!

Social Starters

Donate $50.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

You're too scrumptious to keep a secret! Enjoy a shout-out on our Who's Serving Who Instagram page before the NYC theater show. Fame is just a nibble away!

Playbill Platter

Donate $250.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

You'll find your name on our menu with a “Thank you” in the Who's Serving Who NYC Playbill, plus a digital copy of the proof of concept post-premiere. You're officially part of the feast! Not to mention unlimited positive energy being sent your way!

Culinary Kudos

Donate $500.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

You'll get a “Special Thanks” in the proof of concept credits, plus a digital copy post-premiere. Your support is the secret ingredient! Plus, unlimited gratitude and good vibes from, yours truly!

Executive Chef Experience

Donate $1,000.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Step into the spotlight with an Executive Producer Credit on the Who's Serving Who proof of concept! You'll also get a “Thank you” in the Who's Serving Who NYC Playbill and a digital copy of the complete proof of concept after its world premiere at a film festival. Plus, you'll receive all the gratitude in the world—served with a generous dollop of love!

Producer's Feast of Fame

Donate $5,000.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Indulge in a Producer Credit on the Who's Serving Who proof of concept, a “Thank you” in the Who's Serving Who NYC Playbill, and a digital copy of the complete proof of concept after its world premiere. Not only will you enjoy my extreme gratitude, but you'll also be showered with enough good vibes to last you a lifetime—because you deserve a banquet of appreciation!