Going to Tahiti Productions is a young and exciting theatre company in New York. It is a company dedicated to providing more opportunities for women in theatre and was started in 2008. So far they've been kicking ass.

I had the pleasure to speak with the company's founder and executive producer, Jessica Ammirati, about their new production: "SKIN FLESH BONE - which will premiere at The Secret Theatre in LIC this summer. Their crowdfunding campaign has been doing quite well and I wanted to get the story behind the new show and the cool campaign.

What was the inspiration behind the theatre project you are currently running on RocketHub? 

I've been a theater director since college - well actually, I think I've been a director since birth. I still remember "directing" both my big and little sisters where to put their clothes and books in the playroom we shared growing up - but I chose directing as a career when I was in college. After I moved to New York and had directed a few shows off-off-Broadway, I knew it was time to take things to the next level. Believe it or not, there weren't hundreds of independent producers clamoring to hire me and throw money at my projects. So, I realized if I was going to direct the plays I wanted to direct, I'd have to produce them myself. I started Going to Tahiti Productions (www.goingtotahitiproductions.com) with the intention of providing more opportunities for women (like myself) in the theater world. Along the way I gathered an ensemble of actors and an amazing stage manager and technical director. Last winter we started thinking about our 2011 season. What immediately came to mind was a play my little sister had written a few of years ago. It fit GTTP's mission perfectly and after a few minor revisions, my ensemble was raring to go. So, four months later, here we are up to our ears in rehearsals for SKIN FLESH BONE.

We love what you've accomplished so far. Why is this project important to you? 

There are many reasons, but the simplest answer is: family. For me, the most important thing in life is family - the one you're born into and the one you create for yourself. I started GTTP in the hope that it would develop into a family - and I'm blessed because that's exactly what happened. The play is written by my sister, features music she composed and performed and I have this amazing group of actors and technicians bringing it to life - it just doesn't get any better than that. If SKIN FLESH BONE is a success it will enable us to continue doing good work. Every GTTP project brings us together as a family and like I said, nothing is more important than that.

How has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of theatre in New York - how are your supporters responding?

To be honest, it's been good but also really hard. I absolutely LOVE the idea of crowdfunding. It makes me think of that old shampoo commercial - "I told two friends and they told two friends and so on and so on and so on." Small amounts added up really can make the difference. But, the hardest part for me has always been asking people for money. I mean the actual "Hey Aunt Betty, could you give me some money?" It's really tough. Even if it's someone you know and love, someone who's always been there for you...Anyway, it's a hurdle you just have to get over. In my experience people want to help, even in tough economic times. But they won't help if they don't know you need it. So you ask. The worst thing that will happen is they'll say no, but if you're a creative type it's not like you've never heard that word before. So far, our supporters are responding well. We're more than 25% funded and we have more than two weeks to go. We have some cool things planned for the next week so we should be in good shape before our deadline.

You've done quite well so far. Any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a similar project?

Creatives should be exactly that: creative. Be crazy. Be different. Try stuff and if it doesn't work try something else. You can accomplish the impossible on a shoestring. Trust me, I've done it before.

Thank you Jessica and thank you Going to Tahiti Productions for continuing to innovate and to provide new theatre opportunities. Get your cool rewards, here.

-Vlad