Present a benefit production of Karen Brody’s play Birth in your community!

Thank you for your interest in organizing a BOLD performance of the play Birth. Every BOLD performance raises awareness and money for local communities worldwide. No theater or producing experience is necessary.

Birth is a 2-hour full production that paints a portrait of how low-risk educated women are giving birth. You can produce the play live or screen a reading of the play (performed as part of BOLD’s 5^th anniversary – view Birth film trailer). BOLD events have taken place in large theatrical venues and small, intimate gatherings. You can choose how you want to be BOLD.

How To Be BOLD:

Should I organize a performance or screening of Birth?

Both have advantages! Live performances are more work, but from what our organizers tell us the community excitement and payback in terms of doing live theater is huge. Also, because Karen wrote Birth as a play this work is a very powerful stage production. However, a screening is also powerful (see trailer). The Birth film is a screening of our 5th anniversary webcast live from the Museum of Motherhood in New York City. Over 5,000 people world wide watched this film and we were told by viewers that the show “brought me to tears” and “left me speechless and wanting to give birth differently.”  So while live production is powerful if you are short on time and volunteers then screening the film is a quick and easy way to raise awareness about maternity care in your community.

Explain how a BOLD event works.

Typically BOLD events present the play and then a panel discussion or Q&A is afterward. Some locations have raffles, silent auctions, and sell merchandise to raise additional funds. Most BOLD events find sponsors to cover the cost of posters and other costs so that your percentage of ticket sales can go to raising money for a childbirth organization or group that is mother-friendly.

Will I get support from BOLD to organize the play?

BOLD will provide you with a guide to organizing a performance or screening. You will also have access to a private BOLD Organizers Facebook page and listserv where you can download the play and helpful documents.

I am ready to be BOLD. What’s next?

Once you know you want to do a performance or screening fill out our online BOLD application. For screenings you must provide your date, venue, number of seats, and location. For performances this information is preferable, but not essential until 4 weeks before your performance.

When your application is submitted we will then send you a licensing agreement. After your application is approved and BOLD has your licensing information we will then set up an online ticketing page for your BOLD event. We will also promote your BOLD event on our website. You determine your ticket price, but we suggest that you charge a minimum of $10 per person. BOLD will donate 50% of all ticket sales back to your birth-related organization for performances and 25% of ticket sales for screenings. You can also raise additional funds for your organization by offering BOLD merchandise including our 5^th Anniversary DVD Reading and Celebration of Birth, copies of the second edition of Birth, and MY BODY ROCKS t-shirts (check out our BOLD store to view merchandise).

If want to host a free screening in your communy or are interested in purchasing the play to show for educational purposes contact Jennifer at performance@boldaction.org.

After the show is over is there anything I need to do?

When your show is over BOLD will send you the money you raised within one month. Before we send you the money you are required to email us a short report on your event including press clips and any photos you would like to share with us.

I have produced the play before. Are these guidelines new?

In 2012 the BOLD guidelines changed significantly. BOLD now handles all ticketing for events and we no longer charge a fee per performance.  Also, we no longer require you to send us film footage (although we’d love for you to!).

I live overseas and would like to translate and adapt the play to my community?

The play has been translated into Spanish, French, and German. It has also been adapted in English for New Zealand and other countries. If you would like to bring Birth to your community outside the United States contact Karen@boldaction.org.

I want to show the film for educational purposes with no intention of charging money.

Educational copies of Birth are available to screen to pregnant couples, high school and college students, and others for a one-time fee.

Birth workers – $125

Academic Institutions – $500

Non-profits – $350

If you would like a copy of Birth as an educational tool contact us for a special Educational Use Liscensing Agreement.

 I want to learn how to use the stories in Birth as an educational tool to empower pregnant mothers.

Karen Brody has created a powerful training program for birth workers that includes using stories from Birth to empower pregnant mothers. For more information about the FEAR to FREEDOM Birth Facilitator Training Program go to their website: www.changethecultureofbirth.com.

If you have any questions about bringing Birth to your community please contact Jennifer at performance@boldaction.org.