Don The Monsta

From brand new theatre company Plead Insanity Productions comes comedic satire, 'Don The Monsta.' A cross between 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'Dazed and Confused,' this delirious, skit based comedy explores themes of addiction and toxic masculinity. Learn about the 'awesome' repercussions of doing way too many drugs - mates can't go wrong, can they? Truuuuuuussstttt... 

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This show is the debut production of Plead Insanity creative leads, Rory Grant and Simon Ulm. Produced by Salty Lizard Productions. 

Our intention is to use the funds raised through this campaign to pay for production costs (outlined below) and a monitory koha to the creative team. 

Who are these young'un creatives? Why on earth should you trust them?? 

Creative leads: PLEAD INSANITY PRODUCTIONS...

2024 marked the founding of Plead Insanity Productions, spearheaded by young creatives Rory Grant and Simon Ulm. The pair first met in 2023 and quickly bonded over their love of comedy. Plead Insanity Productions is a platform committed to creating bizarre comedic works made by young people, for young people (or the chronically online).

Producer: SALTY LIZARD PRODUCTIONS... 

Peer (and now creative colleague) Aroha Morrison  founded Salty Lizard Productions in late 2023 as a vehicle for creative expression, development and support for fellow emerging artists. 

THE CREW... 

SFX/LX designer & operator: CHARLIE MORSE

Charlie Morse is a Wellington based composer and actor. Since fully committing to the arts, Charlie has used his passion and skills to create unique, unforgettable, healing work.

Stage Manager: SAMUEL MURPHY

Samuel Murphy is a Wellington-based actor and arts practitioner.  He loves trying out a multitude of role throughout the creative industry and 'Stage Manager' is an exciting hat to wear! 

Set/Props designer: MATT YOUNG

Matt came onboard as the designer for Don The Monsta early in the process. Sadly, Matt died late 2024. We have endeavored to honor Matt and his designs throughout this creative project. 

Matt Young was a Set & Props construction student at Toi Whakaari. Throughout his childhood, crafting had been a great passion, leading Matt to study how to approach large scale creative endeavors with a sustainable mindset. 

Each project he has been involved in has used recycled, eco-friendly materials and locally sourced all supplies. 

Many thanks to Matt's father for bringing his design to life.

Through our BOOSTED campaign, we are aiming to raise a current total of $2750.

In supporting Don The Monsta's crowdfunding campaign, your donations will be contributing to the costs of:

- Rehearsal space

 - Venue hire

- Costume, set, props

- Marketing costs eg. promotional photography, online and printed collateral (think; posters etc.) 

- Administration

 - A small koha to the creatives onboard for their mahi thus far

This means we will break even and all box office proceeds from our upcoming show season can then solely go towards paying the team for their mahi.

Whilst this production was initially brought to life to achieve the simple (yet challenging) goal of providing light-hearted comedic entertainment for the sole purpose of having a good laugh, the opportunity to infuse it with some gravitas was too strong.  

"People are more likely to engage with something serious if it's presented in a way that's entertaining and funny" - Simon Ulm.  

In a world filled with PLENTY of strife, this is a space to enjoy some totally-completely-light-hearted-unserious-comedy-that-doesn't-have-an-underlying-message-of-the-consequences-of-toxic-friendships-and-substance-abuse-for-insecure-teens-everywhere... 

We want you to sit back, relax, have a laugh, and contemplate the choices you make. 

"This needs to be seen because people need something to laugh at, especially in our current climate" 

- Simon Ulm 

Most young people are no strangers to the crippling effects of catering to an addiction and/or navigating friendships in their formative years which may negatively impact their life and mental health.  

Using a comedic avenue for conversation without stigma or judgement is paramount.  The rates of mental health issues in teens and young people in Aotearoa are staggeringly high, if this production can shed some light and laughter then we have done our job.

Additionally, the closer we get to our funding goal, the fairer an experience you are paying for.  You get quality art by backing the creatives striving to make it happen. Your contribution is significant to successful productions and it couldn't (seriously couldn't) happen without your support.