In this episode of Artistic Finance, Ethan Stimel chats with Matthew LaBanca about his solo show Communion, inspired by his dismissal from the Catholic Church for marrying his husband. They explore resilience, theater production, and financial tips for creatives.
What inspired Matthew LaBanca to create his solo show Communion?Matthew’s inspiration stemmed from a personal experience where he was fired from his music teaching job by the Catholic Church after marrying his husband. This act of discrimination pushed him to craft a story that not only recounts his journey but also sheds light on broader issues of LGBTQ+ rights within religious institutions. Matthew turned down a non-disclosure agreement and compensation offered by the Church, deciding instead to share his story openly and use it as a platform for change.
How did Matthew manage to produce his show and secure resources?Matthew relied on a mix of community support, personal savings, and strategic partnerships. Early funding came from a GoFundMe campaign initiated after his dismissal. He also collaborated with the Cell Theater, which offered a residency to develop the show. To elevate the production to an Off-Broadway mini-contract, he sought out a lead producer through unconventional methods, including posting an ad on Playbill.com. His producer, Alyssa Orlando, brought a strategic and empathetic approach to fundraising and development.
What were some key lessons Matthew learned from producing Communion?
- Build a Team Early: Collaborating with others brings momentum, shared expertise, and emotional support.
- Integrity Matters: Relationships in theater thrive on trust and professionalism, which open doors for future opportunities.
- Be Resourceful: Using tools like pitch decks, archival videos, and leveraging connections proved crucial in securing funding and interest.
- Think Big: Matthew emphasized the importance of envisioning the broader impact of the show, including potential touring and commercial opportunities.
What financial advice does Matthew offer for creatives?
- Start Saving Early: Matthew credits his financial stability to saving consistently since his teenage years, including opening a Roth IRA in college.
- Pay Yourself First: Develop a habit of setting aside a portion of earnings for long-term goals.
- Leverage Skills: Matthew supplemented his income with teaching jobs and found ways to create financial opportunities even during early stages of his career.
How does Communion tackle sensitive issues like religious discrimination and LGBTQ+ rights?The show serves as a platform to confront the policies and practices of religious institutions that harm LGBTQ+ individuals. Without pointing fingers, it holds up a mirror to these systems, fostering dialogue and empathy. The play integrates elements of community, spirituality, and theatrical connection, making it a poignant experience for audiences regardless of their religious affiliations.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Transform Adversity into Art
Matthew turned personal discrimination into the powerful solo show Communion. - Integrity Matters
Strong relationships and professionalism lead to lasting opportunities. - Financial Tips for Creatives
Save early, pay yourself first, and diversify income streams. - Collaborate for Success
Build a team early to share resources and maintain momentum. - Theater as a Platform
Communion fosters dialogue on LGBTQ+ rights and religious discrimination.
Listen to this Episode on:
Website / Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube
This episode of the Artistic Finance podcast is hosted by Ethan Steimel.
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Artistic Finance provides theatre makers with honest, no-pretension insights into managing money in the entertainment industry. Hosted by lighting designer Ethan Steimel, this podcast delves into the personal finance challenges and business realities of show business, offering candid advice and practical tools tailored to creatives working behind the scenes.