Dear Presenter,

Thank you for your interest in The Mammy Project. Below you will find all of the specifics needed to book the show for your program. If you have further questions please click the Contact/Booking button on the left to send an email requesting more information.

Feeling a little unsure or fearful about presenting a show about such a controversial subject matter? Understandable. The subject of "Mammy" is very painful for many communities across the United States. The mission of this show is to transform its oppressive nature into celebration and pride. The Mammy Project was develop to provoke discussion, educate and to bridge the rarely talked about gaps of communication and understanding between the races. The impact of the show on audiences has only been positive. But don't just take my word for it. Here are a few references who can share with you how the show impacted their students and or audience. Don't worry they are expecting your call. Also click the Press button to find out what the critics are saying.

Contact:

• Nancy Barber, Sullivan Lecturer, Department of English, Stetson University, Phone 386.822.7092, Email nbarber@stetson.edu 
• James A. Schultz, University of California Los Angeles, Professor of German, Director Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Program
  310.825.5194 jschultz@humnet.ucla.edu 
• Kate Kramer, PhD, Deputy Director, Center for 21st Century Studies, University of Wisconsin 212.229.5044 kkramer@uwm.edu 

 (The Q & A at SCU)

The Mammy Project running time is 1 hour and is followed by a 30 minute question and answer with the audience. Michelle Matlock has also developed workshops that can be a great addition to the show. Depending on your needs workshops are tailored to last from 2 hours to one full week. Workshop descriptions are listed below and are an additional Fee.

Fees and/or Honorarium

Fee or honorarium for artist is negotiable and depends on the number of shows and venues interested in presenting the project. Joining forces with another venue in your area will bring costs down. Please click Contact/Booking button to the left to request more information.

Presenter is responsible for:

• Round trip travel (usually from New York) for Michelle Matlock and one technician.

• Accommodations if needed. Two separate rooms.

• Travel to and from airport, technical rehearsals and performances.

Technical Requirements

The Mammy Project travels with one Technician who runs the video projections and sound from a laptop. Technician also runs the lights. After 4 years of touring we have our technical rehearsals down to a science.

Crew: Venue will provide 1 stage hand and one light board programmer if needed.

Schedule: 4-5 hours technical rehearsal if lights are pre-hung. Preferably one day before performance, but not required. Strike one hour with stagehand

Sound Needs:

• 1 CD player

• PA system (speakers, mixing board, located with lighting controls)

• 1 mic, sm58 or equivalent, wireless a plus

Lighting Needs:

• Minimum of 2 scene analog board, programmable preferred.

• general stage lighting

Projection Needs: (we can secure a projector and screen if one is not available to you)

• Digital projector, preferably over 1200 lumens, single RCA cable from projector to booth

• 6' X 9' screen (absolute minimum size 3' X 4', max 9' X 12')

• if stage is deep enough rear projection is a plus

Staging Needs:

• 6 black box risers (standard acting cubes) 3ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft ( size can vary and at least one should be strong enough to stand on)

If black box risers are not available:

• 2 small cafe tables, a block to stand on and one chair.

Please click Contact/Booking to request a hard copy of Technical Rider.  Please keep in mind that we have adapted the show to many different spaces. We will try to make up for anything that is missing

Workshops

Below is a list of workshops led by Michelle Matlock after a performance of The Mammy Project.  Each workshop can be a great addition to the discussions that will begin after your audience sees the show! Workshops are designed to give insight into the process, history and stories behind the development of The Mammy Project.

Q & A

The Q & A has been a tradition of the show since I began developing it here in NY. Right after the show I usually address the audience. I allow those who need to leave to leave, then just open the door for any questions, concerns or issues that the audience may have about the work they just saw. Q & A included in the package. It usually lasts 20-30 minutes. Sometimes longer when it gets really good. This discussion afterwards is really why I continue to do this show around the country.

Stereotypes Then and Now

8-20 participants

Focus will be on discussing and exploring stereotypes that African Americans faced during the Jim Crow era of the 1893 Columbian Exposition and how they were created. Main focus will be the Mammy/Aunt Jemima stereotype featured in the show. We will then research and discover stereotypes in advertisements today. All materials will be provided Students required to bring in one current magazine.

Solo Performance Workshop 

8-12 Participants

This workshop will focus on how to develop and perform a solo show. Starting with what motivates you! Through theater games for the solo actor we will explore the "right now" and "doing, not thinking." Clown techniques will be introduced to uncover the unique, connected and visible performer. We will then move into building your character/characters from a physical point of view. Storytelling will figure heavily in the work as you begin to discover and structure your own solo performance material. Participants are asked to please come in with an idea. It can be anything, a poem, a prop, a gesture, a monologue, a word. Anything.

Clown Techniques for the Actor “Find The Silly!”

8-12 Participants

This workshop is an introduction to clowning and will focus on the essence of clowning, including building characters, expressing emotions physically and embracing mistakes. Through exercises, routines, music and improvisation we will explore solving problems, status and making bold physical choices. Clowns have an untraditional and childlike (not childish) process of solving problems which is usually funny, unique and a stretch of their imaginations. Let’s find the silly!