Pledge of the Day: Mandy Williams

Mandy Williams
Pledge: $15.00
Mandy recently graduated from Tufts University and is currently searching for a job teaching history in high schools (either near Portland, OR or in the Bay Area in CA.)

HamletEug2Ed: What excites you about The Edinburgh Hamlet Project?
Mandy: The Edinburgh Hamlet Project sounded really cool because it was created by a student who was trying to make her own path, instead of simply waiting around for something to come to her. I often have that "I want to hurry up and DO something feeling", and Rebecca has acted on that impulse. Though it is a daring and unique idea, it will help lots of young people bolster their careers, and certainly deserves support.

HamletEug2Ed: Are you involved in the performing arts yourself?
Mandy: I'm actually pretty lame when it comes to the performing arts, but I can appreciate the talent that Rebecca brings to the theater as well as the work that goes behind a solid production.

HamletEug2Ed: What inspires you?
Mandy: The reason I wanted to be a teacher was to help young people feel inspired and find their potential. I ran track and cross country in high school, and thanks to all the support I received while running, my self esteem sky rocketed and I was excited to work hard. If I can help someone else do this, whether it's a student or a developing theater company, I feel inspired. When I see how my support has helped someone else, and how good they feel, it reminds me of how good working hard can feel.

HamletEug2Ed: What is one personal project you're currently involved in?
Mandy: I'm very excited about starting my career in teaching. It's going to be frustrating and I'll be tested by my students almost every day. However I already know that the returns are going to be great and I'll look forward to the challenges that each day brings me.

Become a “Pledge of the Day” and allow us to perform in Scotland!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2007580726/the-edinburgh-hamlet-project

Pledge of the Day: Bill Woolum

Bill Woolum
Pledge: $100.00
Bill teaches English at Lane Community College. While teaching is his vocation, he derives great pleasure from his avocations. He likes to take photographs, cook, write, and, get involved in theater. Occasionally he gets to play a part in a play and be the narrator for the Shakespeare Showcase at LCC, which is put on at the end of each academic term.

HamletEug2Ed: What excites you about The Edinburgh Hamlet Project?
Bill: I have been in plays with Barbie Wu and Chip Sherman and my admiration for them inspired me to make a contribution.

HamletEug2Ed: Are you involved in the performing arts yourself?
Bill: My most recent involvement in the performing arts just ended. I played Christopher Sly in LCC's production of "The Taming of the Shrew".

HamletEug2Ed: What inspires you?
Bill: I'm inspired most by authenticity whether in teaching, writing, worship, photography, movies, making plays, or in relationships with friends and family.

HamletEug2Ed: What is one personal project you're currently involved in?
Bill: A friend and I go out every Saturday to different locations and take photographs. It's an ongoing project that feeds and sustains my happiness.

On occasion, I post some pictures at my blog: kelloggbloggin.blogspot.com
My blog features my daily writing contribution called “Three Beautiful Things”. It also features other writing I've done since starting the blog in Oct. 2006.

I have a Flickr account, too, but I haven't updated it for quite a while. (I just went to my page...it's been a really long time since I updated...I've got to get on that!) http://www.flickr.com/photos/billy1227/

Become a "Pledge of the Day" yourself! Make a pledge at 
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2007580726/the-edinburgh-hamlet-project

Pledge of the Day: Sam Taylor

Sam Taylor
Pledge: $5.00
Sam is a University of Oregon Freshman, majoring in English and Cinema Studies, but also interested in Classical Antiquity. His most recent venture has been in movies; discussing, writing, filming, lighting, directing and watching movies! In his free time, Sam enjoys basketball (Go Blazers!) and learn boxing.

HamletEug2Ed: What excites you about The Edinburgh Hamlet Project?
Sam: I helped film the promotional video for Kickstarter and it was a lot of fun. I knew Brian, the film director from the University Film Club, and he needed a crew. It was really fun helping out and I wanted to follow the project through to the end.

HamletEug2Ed: Are you involved in the performing arts yourself?
Sam: I am trying to be a part of film, if that is a part of the performing arts. But I would like to be a part of the performing arts at UO, maybe helping out with lighting or something.

HamletEug2Ed: What inspires you?
Sam: I am inspired by all-around well-made films. Also by good writing and story telling.
HamletEug2Ed: What is one personal project you're currently involved in?

Sam: I am doing attending a workshop about screenwriting with people from the University Film Club. Tim Schneider teaches it. He graduated from the University of Oregon a couple of years ago and was the film club president when he was here. He went to L.A. to help produce movies. He noticed people would give him terribly written screen plays to read, so when he came back to Eugene, he decided to do a free workshop to show people the basics of writing a screen play. I am learning a lot and it is very fun. I am excited about the possibility of being able to write good screenplays from it.

The Screenwriting Workshop runs weekly on Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 pm in Pacific 12 (the room is subject to change). It is free and open to the public.
Contact Timothy Schneider at timothynschneider@gmail.com


Become a "Pledge of the Day"! Make a pledge at:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2007580726/the-edinburgh-hamlet-project

Pledge of the Day: Audrey Vejraska

Audrey Vejraska

Pledge: $30.00

Audrey is a senior at UO, studying Journalism Communication studies. She considers music and dance as her passion; she loves to sing and perform at any chance she can get, even if it's just karaoke! She’s partly trained in ballet, jazz and other types of dance, and currently learning African and tango. Upon graduation, Audrey has fears of unemployment and finding a job she loves.

HamletEug2Ed: Why did you pledge to The Edinburgh Hamlet Project?
Audrey: I pledged to this project because I think it is really inspiring that you have decided to create your own opportunities and make this happen. It is really exciting! A lot of us are afraid of what will happen when we have to step into the real world, but I this project offers a lot of hope for other people who want to pursue their dreams and make it happen on their own.

HamletEug2Ed: What excites you about this project?
Audrey: It is exciting to be able to see this project in the making and be a supporter.

HamletEug2Ed: Are you involved in the performing arts yourself?
Audrey: I am not currently involved in anything, but I was in a few plays in high school. Right now I just sing and dance when I get the chance. I hope to audition for more singing opportunities once I'm done with school and have more time, but we'll see. Right now I just seem to have little time to focus on it. I really appreciate the arts, especially like this one, because it is an influence for others who have a vision and want to make something happen.
HamletEug2Ed: What inspires you?
Audrey: oh goodness... more like who inspires me! I love Audrey Hepburn--her dancing, style, movies, and love for others was just exceptional. Every time I watch Funny Face I want to just dance with her. She is inspiring. Oh, and of course Betty White. She is amazing. If I am as funny and young at heart as she is when I get to be 80, then I'll have no complaints!

Wanna be the Pledge of the Day? Check out our Campaign at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2007580726/the-edinburgh-hamlet-project

Pledge of the Day: Laura Robinson

Laura Robinson

Pledged: $100

Laura has lived in Eugene since 1997. She is the operations manager for a mobile and modular space company and is the mom of a really cool daughter!


HamletEug2Ed: Why did you pledge to The Edinburgh Hamlet Project?

Laura: I had the opportunity to perform at the Fringe Festival when I was in college (CSUFresno). It was a phenomenal experience. More than anything, however, I am so impressed with Rebecca's self-motivation and drive. I wish I'd had even half of it when I was her age. Heck! I wish I had half of it now!

HamletEug2Ed: What excites you about this project?
Laura: I think what excites me most is the fact that it was built from an idea sprung from the mind of a talented young woman, for, if I remember correctly, a class project. And suddenly, fast forward several months, and Rebecca and her merry band of players are only about $2000 from getting on a plane! That's magic!

HamletEug2Ed: Are you involved in the performing arts yourself?
Laura: I am! I did theatre for many years, but took a long hiatus once I moved to Eugene (about 10 years!). I dipped a toe back in, in 2007, and feel very blessed to have been warmly welcomed by the theatre community and audiences here. I am amazed at the breadth of talent here- and not just in theatre! I have met so many talented writers, singers, dancers, poets, musicians! Sometimes I think Eugene has more artists per capita than any other city in the world... Except possibly Edinburgh at Fringe time!
HamletEug2Ed: What is the next project you’re excited about?
Laura: I am currently involved in Winter's Tale at Lord Leebrick Theatre Co. 

Check it out here! http://www.lordleebrick.com/

It's my first Shakespeare since about 1995, or so, so it is both challenging and invigorating! Also looking forward to re-teaming with my 11 year old daughter for Wizard of Oz with Roving Park Players this summer. We did their Alice in Wonderland together last summer and had a blast!

Wanna be the Pledge of the Day? Check out our Campaign at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2007580726/the-edinburgh-hamlet-project