Ash Mckenzie

Mark & I first met one another whilst working with Larry Moss in the Melbourne masterclasses 2013 and we both gained instant mutual respect. During the workshop, two other actors worked on a scene from 'Orphans'. As soon as we saw this wonderful script come to life in front of us, we were hooked. I rang Mark soon after and asked him for a coffee. We sat down, chatted and I simply said - "I like your work, how about working on Kessler's 'Orphans' with me?". Mark said yes and we hired a studio.

Soon after our first rehearsal, we found an instant connection with both, one another and the play. About two months into working on it, we decided there and then "we need to do this properly". I applied for the licence and so it began.

Along with our wonderful coach and now director, Gabriella Rose-Carter we have been working on this piece for about 6 months and will continue to do so up until production time. Working under the support and network of Q44 Theatre Co, we decided to make our rehearsal & preparation process last over 10 months so that we paid the respect deserved to the writer and the characters. During this time, our ideas, opinions and views on the play have changed and morphed into something we feel is very strong and quite special.

Our possible campaign is simply to help us put this play on, and then in turn continue to produce more plays year after year, so that more actors like us get the opportunity to work on plays and delve into writers that they normally would never get the chance to. Sets, Marketing, Props, Costume, Licensing, Sound, Lighting… the list goes on, and when you are starting from scratch, it can be daunting. Part of this venture involves paying actors that we decide to hire. We both strongly believe that no matter how small the foundation for a theatre project, all actors and creatives deserve to be paid. They are all qualified professionals and deserve the same respect we are giving the writers and the audience.

Orphans is a beautiful story and we are more than thrilled to bring it to life for Melbourne audiences. It is such a special play and the way it speaks to all demographics continues to inspire us each day.

This is only the beginning for us and with your financial help, we can make the next project even bigger and better.
Opportunities to work on great plays and writers are rare for actors in Australia. We decided to take things into our own hands and could not be prouder that we did. Please help us make this project as professional as it is passionate.

Biggest thanks,

Ashley Mckenzie, Mark Davis & Q44 Theatre Co.

Seating - $800
Set Design - $800
Marketing/ Print - $1200
Director/ Outside Actor hired - $5,000
Lighting - $ 500
Props/Costume - $500
Venue Hire - $1300

All funds will be solely used for these expenses.

When putting on a play for the first time with a brand new company and team, the risks and challenges are endless. That said… bring them on!

Scheduling, finances, production, marketing, promotions, venue hire, insurance. The obstacles and expenses continue to try and stop us, but we are not giving up.

We have contingency plans for all obstacles and are confident with all of them. Our main focus is the work, so with every bit donated, it takes pressure of the logistics so we can put more energy into the play.