Performance Artist Sebastian on His Kickstarter Campaign That’s Creating Lots of Buzz

When Philly performance artist Sebastian launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his upcoming project Showbiz: Active Terrorism, he had no idea that it would create such a buzz: Even the Huffington Post picked up the project in a feature story. The actor, musician, and performance artist, who has graced local stages across Philadelphia, sat down with me for a rapid-fire chat about his love for creating new works and the response to his Kickstarter project.

What’s the thing that’s surprised you the most about your Kickstarter campaign?

I’ve been most surprised by how much some people are willing to contribute. I try not to have any expectations, so when someone contributes $50 or $100, I’m so grateful. I’m at almost 60 percent of my goal and I still think I can make it. I’m just so thrilled with the reception this far. I’m full of joy.

Tell me more about the project you’re working on. For someone who hasn’t seen your work before, how would you describe it?

Showbiz is a multimedia musical that uses more pop-inspired music as opposed to traditional musical-theater music. It’s a comedy but it deals with some real issues. I play a recording artist in the show, so you can expect a lot of dancing, laughing, video projections, and singing. It’s hilarious in the best way possible.

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What was your reaction when the Huffington Post did the piece on your project?

Honestly, it felt unreal. It’s the sort of thing you are always hoping for, but used to not getting. I just stared at my computer screen for about five minutes.

What is your favorite stage role you’ve played to date?

Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Hands down.

What’s one role you haven’t played yet that you’d love to?

I always wanted to play Limping Man in David Lindsay-Abaire’s Fuddy Meers. That play is hysterical, but overall, I’m a little more interested in creating new roles than playing ones that have been performed a thousand times.

Who or what inspires you performance-wise?

I find myself inspired by almost any good performance, but what really gets me going is the desire to create something that will transport people from their lives for a moment. You never know what people are going through and the idea of giving them a chance to enjoy themselves is where it’s at.

For more information on Sebastian’s Kickstarter campaign, which ends on February 22nd, click here.