Apprehension, A Play
Austin, Texas | Theatre
Drama, Mystery
Rarely have people felt more alienated from one another, more disconnected in their understanding. Apprehension is a Hitchcock-style thriller offering audiences the chance to recognize and explore the depth of our own fears, to see them reflected on stage, and to feel less alone in the experience.
Apprehension, A Play
Austin, Texas | Theatre
Drama, Mystery
Green Light
This campaign raised $28,003 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
176 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Rarely have people felt more alienated from one another, more disconnected in their understanding. Apprehension is a Hitchcock-style thriller offering audiences the chance to recognize and explore the depth of our own fears, to see them reflected on stage, and to feel less alone in the experience.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A World of Paranoia
Have you ever felt like something was wrong, but no one else seemed to notice? Like the world around you had shifted in ways only you could perceive?
That’s the heart of Apprehension. Inspired by Rosemary’s Baby, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and the psychological thrillers of Kafka and Orwell, this play is an unsettling, immersive journey into paranoia, alienation, and fear. The protagonist, Joe, feels his life and his memories slipping away and begins to suspect that the people surrounding him are not who they seem to be.
As someone who has struggled with depression, I've felt, and lived through, this journey. One of the hardest parts of depression is isolation. What terrifies one person may seem trivial—or even absurd—to another. Apprehension is my attempt to bridge that gap, crafting a chilling, deeply human story that makes the invisible weight of alienation felt.
Why Apprehension? Why Now?
We live in a time of deep division, paranoia, and distrust. Fear has become a defining part of our culture, shaping the way we see each other and the world around us.
But Apprehension isn’t just about fear—it’s about understanding it. It’s about making the unseen visible. It’s about showing audiences that their darkest thoughts and anxieties aren’t just their own—they are universal, deeply human experiences.
This isn’t just a play. It’s an experience—blending Hitchcock-style psychological horror with serious philosophical themes to create something truly unique.
Where We Are in the Process
This project is already in motion. Here’s what we have and what we need to bring Apprehension to life:
- The Script – Finished and refined.
- A Passionate Team – We’re assembling a talented cast and crew from Austin’s thriving theater scene. We'll be announcing some of those additional people throughout the campaign.
- A Bold Vision – We’re creating an immersive atmosphere that pulls the audience into the main character’s unraveling mind.
What’s next?
- Securing a theater – The right venue will set the tone for the audience’s experience.
- Building immersive scenic & lighting design – A world that feels both familiar and deeply unsettling.
- Original sound design – Crafting an eerie, unforgettable auditory experience.
Every dollar raised will go directly into these elements to ensure the production is as impactful as possible.
How You Can Be Part of This
Backing Apprehension isn’t just about backing a play—it’s about creating something powerful.
- Back the play – Your support helps us secure a venue, pay artists, and bring this vision to life.
- Share – Spread the word. The more people who hear about Apprehension, the closer we get to making it happen.
- Follow the Journey – Stay updated as we build the world of Apprehension piece by piece. We'll share updates of our progress right here on the site.
We can’t wait to bring you into this world of paranoia, mystery, and psychological tension. Let’s make something unforgettable—together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Crew
Costs $7,060
Got to have the crew! This figure includes pay for a producer, director, stage manager, lighting designer, sound designer, and more.
Cast
Costs $11,960
A cast of nine actors for six weeks of rehearsal and four weeks of production.
Theater & Production Materials
Costs $10,375
Stage rental, rehearsal space rental, scenery, props, wardrobe, and miscellaneous items.
FOH Expenses
Costs $750
Posters/postcards, programs, marketing, credit card fees, and contingencies.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER
The playwright: L.B. Deyo is the author of Invisible Frontier: Exploring the tunnels, ruins & rooftops of hidden New York and several other books. He's acted in such Austin plays as The Intergalactic Nemesis and Dance, Cupcake, Dance. Apprehension is the first play he has written.
PRODUCER/TD
The producer: Christopher Shea is a multifaceted producer/director in the world of independent film, theater, and television. His impressive roster of projects includes acclaimed films such as Lousy Carter, which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival, the acclaimed Rooster Teeth web series Arizona Circle, and the PBS documentary series about stand up comedy in Austin, Texas called Stand Up Empire. As a producer and director based in Austin, Texas Chris has helmed productions for Netflix, Apple TV, Discovery, A&E, and TLC. Chris' theatrical work has recently been for the Alchemy Theater, and includes Good People, A Christmas Memory, Mack & Mabel, The Virgin Trial, and most recently the critically acclaimed Pipeline.
DIRECTOR
Sonnet Blanton is an award-winning theatre artist living in Austin, Texas. In her 20 plus year career here as a director, producer, writer, and performer she has worked with Salvage Vanguard Theater, Paper Chairs, Scriptworks, Glass Half Full Theatre, Fusebox Festival, Ariel Dance Theatre, and Grackle Jack.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A World of Paranoia
Have you ever felt like something was wrong, but no one else seemed to notice? Like the world around you had shifted in ways only you could perceive?
That’s the heart of Apprehension. Inspired by Rosemary’s Baby, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and the psychological thrillers of Kafka and Orwell, this play is an unsettling, immersive journey into paranoia, alienation, and fear. The protagonist, Joe, feels his life and his memories slipping away and begins to suspect that the people surrounding him are not who they seem to be.
As someone who has struggled with depression, I've felt, and lived through, this journey. One of the hardest parts of depression is isolation. What terrifies one person may seem trivial—or even absurd—to another. Apprehension is my attempt to bridge that gap, crafting a chilling, deeply human story that makes the invisible weight of alienation felt.
Why Apprehension? Why Now?
We live in a time of deep division, paranoia, and distrust. Fear has become a defining part of our culture, shaping the way we see each other and the world around us.
But Apprehension isn’t just about fear—it’s about understanding it. It’s about making the unseen visible. It’s about showing audiences that their darkest thoughts and anxieties aren’t just their own—they are universal, deeply human experiences.
This isn’t just a play. It’s an experience—blending Hitchcock-style psychological horror with serious philosophical themes to create something truly unique.
Where We Are in the Process
This project is already in motion. Here’s what we have and what we need to bring Apprehension to life:
- The Script – Finished and refined.
- A Passionate Team – We’re assembling a talented cast and crew from Austin’s thriving theater scene. We'll be announcing some of those additional people throughout the campaign.
- A Bold Vision – We’re creating an immersive atmosphere that pulls the audience into the main character’s unraveling mind.
What’s next?
- Securing a theater – The right venue will set the tone for the audience’s experience.
- Building immersive scenic & lighting design – A world that feels both familiar and deeply unsettling.
- Original sound design – Crafting an eerie, unforgettable auditory experience.
Every dollar raised will go directly into these elements to ensure the production is as impactful as possible.
How You Can Be Part of This
Backing Apprehension isn’t just about backing a play—it’s about creating something powerful.
- Back the play – Your support helps us secure a venue, pay artists, and bring this vision to life.
- Share – Spread the word. The more people who hear about Apprehension, the closer we get to making it happen.
- Follow the Journey – Stay updated as we build the world of Apprehension piece by piece. We'll share updates of our progress right here on the site.
We can’t wait to bring you into this world of paranoia, mystery, and psychological tension. Let’s make something unforgettable—together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Crew
Costs $7,060
Got to have the crew! This figure includes pay for a producer, director, stage manager, lighting designer, sound designer, and more.
Cast
Costs $11,960
A cast of nine actors for six weeks of rehearsal and four weeks of production.
Theater & Production Materials
Costs $10,375
Stage rental, rehearsal space rental, scenery, props, wardrobe, and miscellaneous items.
FOH Expenses
Costs $750
Posters/postcards, programs, marketing, credit card fees, and contingencies.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER
The playwright: L.B. Deyo is the author of Invisible Frontier: Exploring the tunnels, ruins & rooftops of hidden New York and several other books. He's acted in such Austin plays as The Intergalactic Nemesis and Dance, Cupcake, Dance. Apprehension is the first play he has written.
PRODUCER/TD
The producer: Christopher Shea is a multifaceted producer/director in the world of independent film, theater, and television. His impressive roster of projects includes acclaimed films such as Lousy Carter, which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival, the acclaimed Rooster Teeth web series Arizona Circle, and the PBS documentary series about stand up comedy in Austin, Texas called Stand Up Empire. As a producer and director based in Austin, Texas Chris has helmed productions for Netflix, Apple TV, Discovery, A&E, and TLC. Chris' theatrical work has recently been for the Alchemy Theater, and includes Good People, A Christmas Memory, Mack & Mabel, The Virgin Trial, and most recently the critically acclaimed Pipeline.
DIRECTOR
Sonnet Blanton is an award-winning theatre artist living in Austin, Texas. In her 20 plus year career here as a director, producer, writer, and performer she has worked with Salvage Vanguard Theater, Paper Chairs, Scriptworks, Glass Half Full Theatre, Fusebox Festival, Ariel Dance Theatre, and Grackle Jack.