The Little Cause that Could: CK working L.A.

I'll be on the other coast this week. But not for client work, nor vacation. Nope, this week I'm working pro-bono to support my cousin and her troupe of savvy, if struggling, actors. Oh the things we do...and the miles we fly...for family.

She's part of an urban rock drama titled "The Playground". Inspired by true events, it's an edgy, ensemble show that chronicles the lives of runaways and homeless teens. While a remarkable performance yielding great reviews, it's been a marketing challenge: a BIG one.

• Low Budget? try NO Budget: I've worked in entertainment but that was for networks who had big stars and bigger budgets.
• A play...in L.A.? You've heard of off-Broadway? Try way-off Broadway. If it were NYC at least I could leverage the theatrical community. But L.A. is the land of screen celebs.
• Small Venue: The venues I marketed boasted 16,000 seats--this venue has 50 (and we'll have to break fire code to fit an extra 25 seats for the event).

But where I have a great challenge, I'm also armed with a good cause: In L.A. there are 12,000 kids living on the street, with 13 dying each day. So what I've strategized is to hold a special awareness-raising event that will bring the issue front and center.

We've partnered with the LA Youth Network, a non-profit dedicated to helping abused, neglected and runaway youth. We'll have 15- 20 kids who've rebuilt their lives after living on the streets at the event to elicit action from the community. And since we're leveraging good art for a good cause, we've been able to land sponsors to cater the event and celebs to attend--which in turn prompts media coverage since otherwise it would fall under their A-List radar.

Celebs attending the event include: Alan Rosenberg (president of Screen Actors Guild, starred in The Guardian), Adrian Grenier (heartthrob star of HBO's Entourage), Chris Klein (another hunk, most known for American Pie and We Were Soldiers), Louis Mandylor (played the brother in My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Ginnifer Goodwin (plays the youngest wife on HBO's Big Love) and David Anspaugh (director of Rudy, Hill Street Blues and Hoosiers).

Being that 2 weeks ago we had no budget, no media coverage, no celebs, and no sponsors and I had absolutely no contacts on that coast, I'm proud of how our small bunch has overcome big obstacles--and most especially that we'll call attention to a very worthy cause.

And here's the plug: if you're going to be in L.A., here's information on the show. It will be running until September 30th and it's truly moving.

Comments

[Paul McEnany]

Damn, CK. Not too shabby.

Congratulations, and Good Luck!

[Neil Vineberg]

Go CK! I saw the show and loved it!

[CK]

Thanks man. It's been a group effort but they may even get 'optioned' from this run for a film or TV piece (fingers crossed). They've worked really hard...they deserve all the praise.

I've just tried to be a good cousin, she's family and one of my best friends.

[Mack Collier]

"Small Venue: The venues I marketed boasted 16,000 seats...this venue has 50 (and we'll have to break fire code to fit an extra 25 seats for the event)."

But smaller crowds means a more intimate setting and that you'll make a greater impression on the people there. Which means you have a better chance to covert that smaller group into a group of advocates for the play.

And besides, you're motivated by passion for the play that comes from your cousin and her friends being involved and your wanting to see them succeed. People are attracted to passionate people ;)

Keep us updated, sounds like you guys have hit the ground running!

[CK]

Neil: Thank you for seeing the play while you were in L.A. last week. Rebecca was so touched to see you in the crowd and I'm so pleased you found it moving, too.

Mack: I really appreciate your kind words (as always). Yes, we're marketing it as "an intimate setting where you're part of the play". Hey, gotta put the 'spin' in there so as to give it the best shot possible of getting coverage and increasing awarness of the issue.

[Lewis Green]

Way to go CK. Thank you for supporting a good cause but more important, thank you for supporting your family. By the way, I am impressed with your success.

[CK]

Many thanks Lewis/all. I'm pleased to say the event was a smashing success! To be able to talk with these kids gave me heartfelt perspective--and to meet some popular celebs was fun (they're just regular people and really supported the cause and play).

[Ann Handley]

Great story, CK. Best of luck to you and the kids.