Cast Party
Beach Haven, New Jersey | Film Short
Comedy
Best friends Claire and Dani are home from college for their summer break with no money and nothing to do - that is until they decide to crash their alma mater’s drama club cast party. When their scheme to sell fake drugs goes awry, they are subject to the twisted minds of vengeful thespians.
Cast Party
Beach Haven, New Jersey | Film Short
Comedy
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
88 supporters | followers
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Best friends Claire and Dani are home from college for their summer break with no money and nothing to do - that is until they decide to crash their alma mater’s drama club cast party. When their scheme to sell fake drugs goes awry, they are subject to the twisted minds of vengeful thespians.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
“Cast Party is an addition to the current revival of raunchy buddy comedies. It’s a hilariously inappropriate war between older and younger Gen Z theater kids, all with a shared knack for melodramatic outbursts. Its tiptoe into absurdism is what reminds audiences that life, more often than not, is stranger than fiction. And yet, the script’s confidence stems from its ability to not take itself too seriously." - Caleb Barron, Director.
k itself too seriously.”
references for style, humor, and dynamic
Best friends Claire and Dani are home for Summer Break after their first year in college.
Their wild summer plans include getting stoned in a Wawa parking lot, reminiscing about the past, and seeing Claire’s little brother star in a production of Into The Woods at their old high school. They’re broke, bored, and only have each other in their sleepy Jersey shore hometown.
But, when they find out the drama club is holding the Into the Woods cast party at Claire’s house under her brother's supervision - they devise a money-making scheme that just might fix all of their problems - it’ll make Dani rich, and give Claire a chance to re-live her own washed up high school drama club fame.
Once Dani and Claire's cover is blown by one of the kids at the party - what once was a quick cash grab for these two, quickly turns into their personal nightmare; an evening of performances by vengeful theater kids with Dani and Claire as their captive audience.
What you can expect to find in this film:
- Paper Plate Award Ceremonies
- Devised 'movement pieces'
- The "I Ate The Divorce Papers" monologue
- Over zealous tap dance performances
- Teenage gossip about 'casting politics'
- and MORE!
Why should I support this film?
Nearly half of our budget is allocated towards paying cast and crew. As actors ourselves, Haley and I have noticed that there is a growing trend in the indie filmmaking world of just simply not offering pay to upcoming actors. We find this unfair and hope to create a set where everyone feels supported and appreciated. Our actors will be the heartbeat of this story; in order to create an ensemble comedy, we obviously must find and support the best ensemble out there. With your support, we can make this possible.
Okay, give me one more reason?
Just look at these kids! You're making their dreams come true!
We are real life theater kids and real life best friends. We met at one of these ridiculous Central Jersey theater parties, went to theater school together, and have always dreamt of collaborating - but couldn't figure out how. We've figured it out now, and would love your support.
Follow Cast Party on Instagram to keep up with casting updates and our fundraising journey.
Thank you so much!
aire and Dani’s money making scheme turns into their wst nightre - a vengeful group of theater kids with a captive audience.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Labor
Costs $4,000
We are committed to paying our cast and crew a fair wage throughout this project!
Travel
Costs $800
Long Beach Island is a bit of a trek from New York City. Help fund travel for our cast and crew.
Production Design (Costume/Set)
Costs $400
Some of the kids are still in their "Into the Woods" costume during the film. Donate to make our cast look as amazing as possible!
Equipment
Costs $1,200
We want to showcase our crew with the most fitting equipment we can find.
Post Production
Costs $1,600
The final piece to our story - the editing team will make this story shine. Help us provide funds for all post-production team members!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Caleb Barron (Director) - is a Brooklyn based director and producer. Working in both theater and film, he has spent over five years creating everything from full length musicals to short narrative films and music videos. A 2024 graduate of The Barrow Group’s directing program, Caleb seeks to dismantle the notion that stage and screen acting are notably different. With each project, he practices similar techniques to support each performance, all while utilizing the unique modes of storytelling for each medium.
Recent directing projects include The End of the World As We Know It (The Producer’s Club, short play) and Choices (The Barrow Group, short play). He is also producing The Actor (North130 Films), a 15 minute independent short currently on the festival circuit. Cast Party marks his directorial debut for the screen.
Trevor Flynn-Stead (Director of Photography) - is a cinematographer based in Chicago, Il. He is a senior at DePaul University, where he studies film and television with a concentration in cinematography. He has directed photography on 11 shorts (including 5 episodes of a web series) at DePaul and acted as camera operator for most of them.
Mikayla Luchun - DANI (Executive Producer, Writer) - is a writer and actor based in Brooklyn. She does improv with her team Lipgloss Comedy. When she's not doing improv, she's auditioning and waiting tables. Cast Party is her passion project and she is very, very glad that some of you may care about it. It means everything to her to write a film with her best friend.
Haley Flynn-Stead - CLAIRE (Executive Producer, Writer,) - Haley Flynn-Stead is an actress and writer based in Los Angeles. She co-wrote Cast Party with her best friend Mikayla after meeting her through the NJ theater scene-a terrifying place. She is so excited to start shooting and thanks you for being a part of it.
Asia Thomas (Producer) - Asia Thomas is a writer and director currently based in Chicago. She is wrapping up her senior year at DePaul University where she will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television with minors in Cinematography and Journalism. While at DePaul, she has directed a number of short films, with the most recent titled Fishbowl and Full Court Press. In the future, she hopes to continue writing and directing, whether it's in Journalism, feature films, or television.
Ashar Khan (1st AD) is a director and documentarian who has lived in Illinois for all of his life. He is continuing his journey into the film world in his third year at DePaul University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production, with a concentration in Directing, alongside a minor in Animation. During his time in college, he has directed episodes of the short series Magnolia Way, alongside producing and assistant directing over 20 films over the years.
Owen Major (2nd AD) is a writer and producer currently based in Chicago. They are a junior at DePaul University, pursuing a BFA in Film and Television with a concentration in Showrunning and a minor in Classical Studies. During their time in college, they have so far produced 10 shorts, including two web series. They hope to work in scripted television in the future.
Mishka Witkin (Production Designer) is a writer, producer, and production designer based in Chicago. About to graduate from DePaul University with a BFA in Showrunning and a minor in Public Relations, she has led an art team on seven productions. Mishka also wrote for and was an executive producer on an episodic web-series. In the future, she has huge hopes to write and produce for television.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
“Cast Party is an addition to the current revival of raunchy buddy comedies. It’s a hilariously inappropriate war between older and younger Gen Z theater kids, all with a shared knack for melodramatic outbursts. Its tiptoe into absurdism is what reminds audiences that life, more often than not, is stranger than fiction. And yet, the script’s confidence stems from its ability to not take itself too seriously." - Caleb Barron, Director.
k itself too seriously.”
references for style, humor, and dynamic
Best friends Claire and Dani are home for Summer Break after their first year in college.
Their wild summer plans include getting stoned in a Wawa parking lot, reminiscing about the past, and seeing Claire’s little brother star in a production of Into The Woods at their old high school. They’re broke, bored, and only have each other in their sleepy Jersey shore hometown.
But, when they find out the drama club is holding the Into the Woods cast party at Claire’s house under her brother's supervision - they devise a money-making scheme that just might fix all of their problems - it’ll make Dani rich, and give Claire a chance to re-live her own washed up high school drama club fame.
Once Dani and Claire's cover is blown by one of the kids at the party - what once was a quick cash grab for these two, quickly turns into their personal nightmare; an evening of performances by vengeful theater kids with Dani and Claire as their captive audience.
What you can expect to find in this film:
- Paper Plate Award Ceremonies
- Devised 'movement pieces'
- The "I Ate The Divorce Papers" monologue
- Over zealous tap dance performances
- Teenage gossip about 'casting politics'
- and MORE!
Why should I support this film?
Nearly half of our budget is allocated towards paying cast and crew. As actors ourselves, Haley and I have noticed that there is a growing trend in the indie filmmaking world of just simply not offering pay to upcoming actors. We find this unfair and hope to create a set where everyone feels supported and appreciated. Our actors will be the heartbeat of this story; in order to create an ensemble comedy, we obviously must find and support the best ensemble out there. With your support, we can make this possible.
Okay, give me one more reason?
Just look at these kids! You're making their dreams come true!
We are real life theater kids and real life best friends. We met at one of these ridiculous Central Jersey theater parties, went to theater school together, and have always dreamt of collaborating - but couldn't figure out how. We've figured it out now, and would love your support.
Follow Cast Party on Instagram to keep up with casting updates and our fundraising journey.
Thank you so much!
aire and Dani’s money making scheme turns into their wst nightre - a vengeful group of theater kids with a captive audience.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Labor
Costs $4,000
We are committed to paying our cast and crew a fair wage throughout this project!
Travel
Costs $800
Long Beach Island is a bit of a trek from New York City. Help fund travel for our cast and crew.
Production Design (Costume/Set)
Costs $400
Some of the kids are still in their "Into the Woods" costume during the film. Donate to make our cast look as amazing as possible!
Equipment
Costs $1,200
We want to showcase our crew with the most fitting equipment we can find.
Post Production
Costs $1,600
The final piece to our story - the editing team will make this story shine. Help us provide funds for all post-production team members!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Caleb Barron (Director) - is a Brooklyn based director and producer. Working in both theater and film, he has spent over five years creating everything from full length musicals to short narrative films and music videos. A 2024 graduate of The Barrow Group’s directing program, Caleb seeks to dismantle the notion that stage and screen acting are notably different. With each project, he practices similar techniques to support each performance, all while utilizing the unique modes of storytelling for each medium.
Recent directing projects include The End of the World As We Know It (The Producer’s Club, short play) and Choices (The Barrow Group, short play). He is also producing The Actor (North130 Films), a 15 minute independent short currently on the festival circuit. Cast Party marks his directorial debut for the screen.
Trevor Flynn-Stead (Director of Photography) - is a cinematographer based in Chicago, Il. He is a senior at DePaul University, where he studies film and television with a concentration in cinematography. He has directed photography on 11 shorts (including 5 episodes of a web series) at DePaul and acted as camera operator for most of them.
Mikayla Luchun - DANI (Executive Producer, Writer) - is a writer and actor based in Brooklyn. She does improv with her team Lipgloss Comedy. When she's not doing improv, she's auditioning and waiting tables. Cast Party is her passion project and she is very, very glad that some of you may care about it. It means everything to her to write a film with her best friend.
Haley Flynn-Stead - CLAIRE (Executive Producer, Writer,) - Haley Flynn-Stead is an actress and writer based in Los Angeles. She co-wrote Cast Party with her best friend Mikayla after meeting her through the NJ theater scene-a terrifying place. She is so excited to start shooting and thanks you for being a part of it.
Asia Thomas (Producer) - Asia Thomas is a writer and director currently based in Chicago. She is wrapping up her senior year at DePaul University where she will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television with minors in Cinematography and Journalism. While at DePaul, she has directed a number of short films, with the most recent titled Fishbowl and Full Court Press. In the future, she hopes to continue writing and directing, whether it's in Journalism, feature films, or television.
Ashar Khan (1st AD) is a director and documentarian who has lived in Illinois for all of his life. He is continuing his journey into the film world in his third year at DePaul University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production, with a concentration in Directing, alongside a minor in Animation. During his time in college, he has directed episodes of the short series Magnolia Way, alongside producing and assistant directing over 20 films over the years.
Owen Major (2nd AD) is a writer and producer currently based in Chicago. They are a junior at DePaul University, pursuing a BFA in Film and Television with a concentration in Showrunning and a minor in Classical Studies. During their time in college, they have so far produced 10 shorts, including two web series. They hope to work in scripted television in the future.
Mishka Witkin (Production Designer) is a writer, producer, and production designer based in Chicago. About to graduate from DePaul University with a BFA in Showrunning and a minor in Public Relations, she has led an art team on seven productions. Mishka also wrote for and was an executive producer on an episodic web-series. In the future, she has huge hopes to write and produce for television.