Bring "Teaching a Robot to Love" to the Stage!
Los Angeles, California | Theatre
Sci-Fi, LGBTQ
We've written a joyful, heartfelt, silly and sad musical about the non-binary experience, about anxiety, friendship, and brains, and we want everyone to see it. Help us put it on stage for the first time, with costumes, choreography, and LIVE-STREAM for all to see!
Bring "Teaching a Robot to Love" to the Stage!
Los Angeles, California | Theatre
Sci-Fi, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $30,363 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
460 supporters | followers
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We've written a joyful, heartfelt, silly and sad musical about the non-binary experience, about anxiety, friendship, and brains, and we want everyone to see it. Help us put it on stage for the first time, with costumes, choreography, and LIVE-STREAM for all to see!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WHAT THIS IS:
A heartwarming, queer, musical retelling of Frankenstein, TEACHING A ROBOT TO LOVE follows a group of hopeful interns in the big tech city of Nanotropolis, looking for their big break with tech genius billionaire Mr. Norton Norton. Mary Coral and her mad scientist roommate Faun end up making an extraordinary robot who learns enough about humanity to know that capitalism is bad. With competitors Lavender and Billy in hot pursuit of the revolutionary AI, the group must learn that change is good, evil tech bros are bad, and all you really need in life is friends, cheese, and hedgehogs.
WHAT WE'RE DOING:
We want to get costumes and choreography, and put this story on stage for the very first time. We will then FILM the show so everyone can see it. Too often musicals are hidden in big cities on stages with big ticket prices - we want everybody to be able to watch this show, no matter where you live.
This show is important to us because it shows a world of acceptance, communication, and joy, as well as people dealing with their problems together. We think representation is vital now and always.
The world premiere of TARTL is happening (with your help) this year at the Hollywood Fringe. The show will also be streamed and filmed for folks around the world to watch!
Black Box at the Broadwater, Hollywood, CA
WHY WE CARE:
This musical expresses stories of non-binary gender, different brains, anxiety, women in STEM, and queer friendships and relationships. We want to tell this fun sci-fi story and to get it as far as possible.
“LGBTQIA+ musical theatre representation is often focused in trauma or mockery, but this musical changes the game.” - Shannon Gaffney, theater critic
Watch a clip of the musical, as performed on a livestream:
WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO FAR:
There is a finished script that has been through several rounds of revisions. There is an incredible cast. And most excitingly, there are finished songs, all of which have been recorded and released in our studio cast album, which has charted on Billboard!
WHAT WE NEED:
- Salaries for our actors, director, producer, choreographer, and crew to put the show together
- Rent for theater and rehearsal space
- Production costs for costumes, sets, lights and sound to create an immersive, high production-value experience.
We've assembled the team, we just need the resources to pay them and get this show on the road.
WHO WE ARE
Hello! I'm Laser, I co-wrote this musical and I'm producing this project. I'm best known as the singer and songwriter in the Doubleclicks, a band who sings about cats, dinosaurs, and anxiety. I've directed more than 100 music videos, which you can find all over on YouTube.
The musical was co-written was E. Aaron Wilson. Aaron is is a composer, producer, and songwriter based in Los Angeles. His works for concert stage have been performed by members of the Czech Philharmonic, as well as Thomas Wilkins and the Florida Orchestra. After moving to Los Angeles, he focused on writing for film, tv, and the stage. Aaron is a sought-after musical director for improv, sketch comedy and musicals. He has been on staff at Upright Citizens Brigade since 2014 and has performed with many notable comedians including Jordan Peele, Brendan Hunt and Rachel Bloom.
Our stage director is Ashley Ward! Ashley is a comedian, actress and singer originally from Conyers, GA. She performed improv and sketch comedy all over New York City for 13 years before making the move to LA. She also appeared in several off broadway shows including the New York Times Critic's Pick "50 Shades! The Original Musical Parody" which she also co-wrote. TV Credits include Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell and Middle of the Night Show. Ashley is thrilled to perform at UCB Sunset with Magic to Do and Baby Wants Candy! She also performs around town with Big Black Car and is a proud Striking Viking Story Pirate! Ashley is also a former Jeopardy! Champion.
Our production value will be pumped up by our costume team: Atelier Abene. Juli and Alex Abene are New York based costume designers and stylists. They specialize in costumes for theater and live events, and their clients include Jon Batiste, Disney Style, Amazon Prime Video, and more. They've worked with Sleep No More and The Adventure Zone and are creating an amazing "queer retro-futurist chic" look for this show that is going to absolutely ROCK.
Atelier Abene, costume designers
Our cast is made up of an incredible squad of people, well-known as singers, RPG streamers, actors and delightful host/performers, all:
- Aliza Pearl (as Mary Coral)
- Amy Dallen (as Faun Terra)
- Xander Jeanneret (as Billie Pepper)
- Bonnie Gordon (as Lavender Terra)
- and more to come! We are looking to cast a non-binary actor (ages 20-30s), and if you are interested, please fill out this casting call.
Cast is subject to change.
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WHY WE ARE HERE
We want to produce this show in an ethical way, paying our performers and crew, and getting it directly to the people who need it. It's a weird show from a group of weirdos, so going through the standard Festival process (especially during the pandemic) has not been working out. We're so excited that we can come directly to you to bring this queer sciencey musical — my first full-length project — to stage and film!
Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Venue Rental
Costs $4,700
Venue space for rehearsals and performance!
Salaries
Costs $12,220
Paying our cast, director, and producer is important to us.
Production Costs (Costumes, Sets, Design)
Costs $9,600
We are working with ATALIER ABENE to make incredible costumes! This also includes lighting & props!
Registration and Costs
Costs $2,725
These fees help us stream the show and perform at Hollywood Fringe!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
 copy.jpg)
Laser Malena-Webber
Laser Malena-Webber is best known as the songwriter and singer of US-based pop band the Doubleclicks. They have toured the US, Canada, Australia and Europe and topped Billboard and iTunes charts five times with albums spanning folk, pop and comedy genres. Their YouTube videos have racked up over 4.5 million views amongst their large and beautiful grassroots audience. They are also a published author and advocate for independent art, and a performer in Los Angeles at the UCB theater.
Laser, who is trans and non-binary, has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, both with their music and with the production of charity events representing and benefitting trans and gender-nonconforming people.
E. Aaron Wilson
Known for his colorful, sophisticated arrangements, E. Aaron Wilson is a composer, producer, and songwriter based in Los Angeles. Growing up in San Diego, he casually studied piano but also learned to play by ear from the eclectic Top 40 radio of the 1980s and the lively gospel music he heard on Sunday mornings. In his early teens, he developed a love for classical music, which eventually led to a Master’s in composition. His works for concert stage have been performed by members of the Czech Philharmonic, as well as Thomas Wilkins and the Florida Orchestra.
After moving to Los Angeles, he focused on writing for film, tv, and the stage. Aaron is a much sought after musical director for improv, sketch comedy and musicals. He has been on staff at Upright Citizens Brigade since 2014 and has performed with many notable comedians such as Jordan Peele, Brendan Hunt and Rachel Bloom.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WHAT THIS IS:
A heartwarming, queer, musical retelling of Frankenstein, TEACHING A ROBOT TO LOVE follows a group of hopeful interns in the big tech city of Nanotropolis, looking for their big break with tech genius billionaire Mr. Norton Norton. Mary Coral and her mad scientist roommate Faun end up making an extraordinary robot who learns enough about humanity to know that capitalism is bad. With competitors Lavender and Billy in hot pursuit of the revolutionary AI, the group must learn that change is good, evil tech bros are bad, and all you really need in life is friends, cheese, and hedgehogs.
WHAT WE'RE DOING:
We want to get costumes and choreography, and put this story on stage for the very first time. We will then FILM the show so everyone can see it. Too often musicals are hidden in big cities on stages with big ticket prices - we want everybody to be able to watch this show, no matter where you live.
This show is important to us because it shows a world of acceptance, communication, and joy, as well as people dealing with their problems together. We think representation is vital now and always.
The world premiere of TARTL is happening (with your help) this year at the Hollywood Fringe. The show will also be streamed and filmed for folks around the world to watch!
Black Box at the Broadwater, Hollywood, CA
WHY WE CARE:
This musical expresses stories of non-binary gender, different brains, anxiety, women in STEM, and queer friendships and relationships. We want to tell this fun sci-fi story and to get it as far as possible.
“LGBTQIA+ musical theatre representation is often focused in trauma or mockery, but this musical changes the game.” - Shannon Gaffney, theater critic
Watch a clip of the musical, as performed on a livestream:
WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO FAR:
There is a finished script that has been through several rounds of revisions. There is an incredible cast. And most excitingly, there are finished songs, all of which have been recorded and released in our studio cast album, which has charted on Billboard!
WHAT WE NEED:
- Salaries for our actors, director, producer, choreographer, and crew to put the show together
- Rent for theater and rehearsal space
- Production costs for costumes, sets, lights and sound to create an immersive, high production-value experience.
We've assembled the team, we just need the resources to pay them and get this show on the road.
WHO WE ARE
Hello! I'm Laser, I co-wrote this musical and I'm producing this project. I'm best known as the singer and songwriter in the Doubleclicks, a band who sings about cats, dinosaurs, and anxiety. I've directed more than 100 music videos, which you can find all over on YouTube.
The musical was co-written was E. Aaron Wilson. Aaron is is a composer, producer, and songwriter based in Los Angeles. His works for concert stage have been performed by members of the Czech Philharmonic, as well as Thomas Wilkins and the Florida Orchestra. After moving to Los Angeles, he focused on writing for film, tv, and the stage. Aaron is a sought-after musical director for improv, sketch comedy and musicals. He has been on staff at Upright Citizens Brigade since 2014 and has performed with many notable comedians including Jordan Peele, Brendan Hunt and Rachel Bloom.
Our stage director is Ashley Ward! Ashley is a comedian, actress and singer originally from Conyers, GA. She performed improv and sketch comedy all over New York City for 13 years before making the move to LA. She also appeared in several off broadway shows including the New York Times Critic's Pick "50 Shades! The Original Musical Parody" which she also co-wrote. TV Credits include Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell and Middle of the Night Show. Ashley is thrilled to perform at UCB Sunset with Magic to Do and Baby Wants Candy! She also performs around town with Big Black Car and is a proud Striking Viking Story Pirate! Ashley is also a former Jeopardy! Champion.
Our production value will be pumped up by our costume team: Atelier Abene. Juli and Alex Abene are New York based costume designers and stylists. They specialize in costumes for theater and live events, and their clients include Jon Batiste, Disney Style, Amazon Prime Video, and more. They've worked with Sleep No More and The Adventure Zone and are creating an amazing "queer retro-futurist chic" look for this show that is going to absolutely ROCK.
Atelier Abene, costume designers
Our cast is made up of an incredible squad of people, well-known as singers, RPG streamers, actors and delightful host/performers, all:
- Aliza Pearl (as Mary Coral)
- Amy Dallen (as Faun Terra)
- Xander Jeanneret (as Billie Pepper)
- Bonnie Gordon (as Lavender Terra)
- and more to come! We are looking to cast a non-binary actor (ages 20-30s), and if you are interested, please fill out this casting call.
Cast is subject to change.
WHY WE ARE HERE
We want to produce this show in an ethical way, paying our performers and crew, and getting it directly to the people who need it. It's a weird show from a group of weirdos, so going through the standard Festival process (especially during the pandemic) has not been working out. We're so excited that we can come directly to you to bring this queer sciencey musical — my first full-length project — to stage and film!
Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Venue Rental
Costs $4,700
Venue space for rehearsals and performance!
Salaries
Costs $12,220
Paying our cast, director, and producer is important to us.
Production Costs (Costumes, Sets, Design)
Costs $9,600
We are working with ATALIER ABENE to make incredible costumes! This also includes lighting & props!
Registration and Costs
Costs $2,725
These fees help us stream the show and perform at Hollywood Fringe!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Laser Malena-Webber
Laser Malena-Webber is best known as the songwriter and singer of US-based pop band the Doubleclicks. They have toured the US, Canada, Australia and Europe and topped Billboard and iTunes charts five times with albums spanning folk, pop and comedy genres. Their YouTube videos have racked up over 4.5 million views amongst their large and beautiful grassroots audience. They are also a published author and advocate for independent art, and a performer in Los Angeles at the UCB theater.
Laser, who is trans and non-binary, has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, both with their music and with the production of charity events representing and benefitting trans and gender-nonconforming people.
E. Aaron Wilson
Known for his colorful, sophisticated arrangements, E. Aaron Wilson is a composer, producer, and songwriter based in Los Angeles. Growing up in San Diego, he casually studied piano but also learned to play by ear from the eclectic Top 40 radio of the 1980s and the lively gospel music he heard on Sunday mornings. In his early teens, he developed a love for classical music, which eventually led to a Master’s in composition. His works for concert stage have been performed by members of the Czech Philharmonic, as well as Thomas Wilkins and the Florida Orchestra.
After moving to Los Angeles, he focused on writing for film, tv, and the stage. Aaron is a much sought after musical director for improv, sketch comedy and musicals. He has been on staff at Upright Citizens Brigade since 2014 and has performed with many notable comedians such as Jordan Peele, Brendan Hunt and Rachel Bloom.