Variety fundraiser proves successful

Break Through Productions, a theatrical alliance formed to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in society, put on a variety show at the downtown club, Revolution, for its first-ever fundraising event on Saturday.

While Break Through Productions touts sponsors such as the Princeton Review and Equal (a UCF student organization), the fundraiser was to "… account for the minimal amount of funds needed to get the event off the ground and tie all the loose ends together," according to Eden Wetherell, the marketing director and a performer of Break Through. The event will fund the upcoming shows August 26 and 27 that focus on body image.

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The variety show, which members called a "show behind the show," highlighted members' multiple talents, ranging from theatrical performances to drag routines to spoken word. The performers included Eden Wetherell, Jowy Ptashinski, Gorgeous Oranges, Daniel Haas, Megan Alfredson, Jason Gootner and Shannon Curran – many of whom being UCF students. The emotionally charged variety segments gave a glimpse into what Break Through Productions is all about.

"It's great to see a group of students coming together for a cause that are so talented," senior interdisciplinary studies major and variety show attendee Caroline Pollifrone said.

Haas, a UCF student and choreographer, performed a dance number in the variety show and also choreographed a piece that the musical group Gorgeous Oranges performed. Haas' performance began with him being masculine before gradually shedding the masculinity to become more feminine. This transformation was accompanied by jumping dance moves and flashing lights, giving the impression of his spirit coming out.

The Gorgeous Oranges' performance also embodied the male and female spirits, as demonstrated by two people acting as one person.

Gootner, who not only helped in the initial writing process for Break Through but also acted in the first production, performed at the variety show, as well. His performance the traditional Maori art of poi — a choreographed dance accompanied by spinning objects. In his case, he held glow sticks and swung them in a circular motion. Gootner also performed a stand-up comedy routine to add some humor to the event.

Alfredson, a senior communications major, performed a number of cover songs on her acoustic guitar, including Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know."

Break Through was written by Alexandre Wall and produced and directed by junior theatre studies major Gabrielle Shulruff. Ptashinski, a junior hospitality major, served as the social director and Wetherell, a UCF alumna, served as the marketing director. The two teamed up with Shulruff from the beginning to make Break Through come to life.

"We were all personal friends and work well together as a group," Ptashinski said. "We wanted to make something that you don't see very often – a concept for theatre for social change."

"We were both a part of Equal. The idea of equal rights and social change followed over into theatre. There is a great supportive community that all believe in a cause," Wetherell said.

The fundraiser variety show helped push forward another series of Break Through shows that have proven to be successful on the UCF campus.

"When we first introduced Break Through at UCF, there was an overwhelming response," Wetherell said. "The show was sold out every night. We decided that we wanted a bigger venue and audience so we moved the show downtown to the Abbey Theatre."

The Break Through show donates 100 percent of its proceeds to The Zebra Coalition, a non-profit organization that provides safe houses for LGBT youth.

"Not only are they showing the community what it is really like to be LGBT, but they are also making an actual difference by donating to Zebra. It is really inspiring," psychology major Robin Koogle said.

To find out more information about Break Through Productions and upcoming shows, visit their website at breakthroughproduction.org.