U of M Alumna Aims to Spread Laughter to Thousands

Posted: Apr 29, 2011 at 10:24 AM [Apr 29, 2011]

Khristee Rich, a University of Michigan alumna of the class of 1996,  a B.F.A. theater performance major from Ridgefield, CT, started her own comedy business in Connecticut in May 2009 called The Dancing Curtain, LLC.  The Dancing Curtain aims to heal through laughter and offers such services as live sketch comedy, improvisation, stand-up, one-act plays, acting classes, and positive products.  The Dancing Curtain recently applied for a Pepsi Refresh grant and is pleased to announce that their idea has been selected to be in the running.  Pepsi is giving away millions of dollars to the public in the form of Pepsi Refresh grants. Individuals, not-for-profit organizations, and for profit businesses are welcome to apply for grants from $5,000 to $50,000.  Every month from May through the end of the year the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite idea to refresh the community.  Each cycle Pepsi accepts an unlimited number of applicants but selects only 1,500 ideas to go into the running each cycle. 

 

The Dancing Curtain’s idea is to spread laughter to thousands of people in California, specifically San Francisco, through a month of free comedic plays.  This idea would allow at least 2,000, possibly 4,000 people the opportunity to see free live theater, a comedic one woman show written and performed by Ms. Rich, President of The Dancing Curtain.  California has the highest unemployment rate of any state in the U.S. and is near bankruptcy.  The grant would give Californians a needed boost and build community.

 

“Let’s make California the Golden State again!  Let’s boost Americans self-esteem through comedy and laughter, “ says Ms. Rich.   “Laughter really is the best medicine.“

 

If the play earns positive reviews in San Francisco, the show will go on tour.  Ms. Rich hopes to take the show to Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as an East Coast tour.

 

If you are interested in voting for this idea to support The Dancing Curtain, to support the arts, and to spread laughter to thousands of people in San Francisco, California through a month of free comedic plays, please visit www.refresheverything.com/spreadlaughterinsanfrancisco  Voting begins May 1 and ends May 31.  Everyone may vote once daily throughout the month of May.  To learn more about The Dancing Curtain or to join the mailing list, please visit www.thedancingcurtain.com or Like The Dancing Curtain on Facebook or follow The Dancing Curtain on Twitter www.twitter.com/dancingcurtain or www.twitter.com/spreadthejoy_