Monstersongs Granted Funding!
We are SO EXCITED to announce that we have been granted two funds to help us put on our fall musical Monstersongs! Both the Netherland-American Foundation and VSB Fonds have decided to support us in our vision for the show and the opportunities it provides for members of the performing arts community in Amsterdam.
Read below to learn more about our vision for the show and each of the respective funds we were granted to help bring this vision to life!
Our Vision
Following the success of our last production, Disenchanted!, we want to bring another new, exciting musical to the Amsterdam audience. Monstersongs is a rock musical that explores what it means to be a monster and the humanity that lies within. Diversity and inclusivity are core tenets of The Cauldron Performing arts and for our run of Disenchanted!, we were very fortunate to have a diverse cast in all senses of the word- we had not only ethnic diversity, but a wide range of body diversity and neurodiversity as well! This resulted in an appropriately cast ensemble that imbued their performances with a sincerity and relatability that captivated their audience. We at Stichting The Cauldron believe that with its flexible casting criteria, Monstersongs presents another opportunity to showcase a diverse, talented cast of people that can present an engaging performance that will resonate with the theatregoers of Amsterdam.
The diverse, multicultural nature of Amsterdam is what drew many members of our creative team to the city in the first place and we believe that Monstersongs presents the perfect opportunity to avail of this facet of the city. Monstersongs is a unique piece of theatre that combines projections of graphic novel style artwork with a rock concert- all done from the point of view of misunderstood monsters. Each monster in the show directly reflects different archetypes of what makes monsters in the real world, brought on by elements like societal constraints, parental neglect, toxic masculinity, body image, and more. Not only is the show a fantastic combination of a visual spectacle, catchy rock music of different genres, and poignant themes, but another element we love about this show is that every single role can be played by anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, body type, etc. We find that musical theatre often falls into the trap of casting roles by the same “type” of person who has always played them in the past, leading to a lack of diversity in the industry. We specifically chose Monstersongs so that we can provide opportunities to those who have not had these opportunities in the past.
The Netherland - America Foundation
Founded in 1921, the Netherland-America Foundation (NAF) is the leading bilateral foundation initiating and supporting high-impact exchange between the Netherlands and the United States, including the NAF-Fulbright Fellowships and programs in the arts, business, public policy and historic preservation. NAF activities provide donors and recipients with access to a broad network of educational, cultural and business organizations that exemplify Dutch and American excellence in a number of disciplines.
It is the mission of the NAF to foster mutual understanding and build bridges between the Netherlands and the United States by encouraging, supporting, and funding the exchange of people and ideas that create appreciation, respect, and tolerance.
We are deeply committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Within the mission and means of our organization, we pledge to fund programs and provide resources that promote meaningful change, address inequality and provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds in the exchange between our two countries.
We are all responsible for making change happen. Change starts here, with us, now.
VSB Fonds
VSBfonds supports initiatives by and for anyone that wants to actively participate in Dutch society. In the form of donations, practical knowledge and networks. Emerging out of the more than two hundred year-old nonprofit 'Maatschappij tot Nut van 't Algemeen', it aims to involve all citizens in society. The fund wants to contribute to the self-reliance and social cohesion in our country. By supporting social and cultural projects and providing scholarships. The aim is to let everyone establish their place in our diverse society. And that people can grow, learn and live with one another. Hence the motto of the fund: "Everybody participates."
VSBfonds is one of the largest private equity funds in the Netherlands. The fund has been in existence since 1990 and offers 26 million euros of donation budget each year to invest in the quality of Dutch society.