I need your help to start a fund for artists who can't afford medicinal or psychiatric care. In order to do this, there has to be a starting point of $50, 000 in the fund. 

I wrote a show about my journey with bipolar disorder. 
I wrote a show about my mother's death & her journey with mental illness.
I wrote a show about deep love, forgiveness, and letting go of shame.
I wrote a show to help artists.
I wrote a show to help humanity.
I wrote a show about hope.

My name is Chryssie Whitehead-Disbrow and I am a working professional with 25 years in the performing arts in film, television and on Broadway. I am 42 years old and currently live in New York City where I work in the theatre and in education. At the age of 38, I was shockingly diagnosed with bipolar two disorder. Over the past four years, I have been slowly coming to terms with my diagnosis. Some years prior, my mom died at the age of 66 from a slow suicide. Her death certificate read "Failure to Thrive." Since her passing, my diagnosis, therapy and forgiveness, I decided to use my skills as a professional storyteller to write a show about our lives with mental illness. Now, more than ever, I felt it was time to share with my community and the community, at large.

As the show unfolded in my head, on the page and into our first reading workshop, it developed into more of a motivational cabaret. I titled it In My Own Little Corner, as I have as always felt a little odd and in my own little world, but never understood why. Perhaps, some of you can relate? It was also the name of the song that I used to land my Broadway Debut, A Chorus Line, and is layered within the show. 

 In My Own Little Corner has been described as "touching, heartfelt, hopeful, and educational." Through song and story, and a bit of dancing, I share about my mother's death, my career and stories of my ups and downs, along with the huge grasp mental illness has played in both my mom's and my life. I explore how it is possible to get proper help, medicine, and tools to find clarity in one's life with bipolar disorder or any mental illness.

WHO IS THIS FOR?
This show is for those who feel alone and in the dark with regards to their own mental health, as well as their loved ones who may not understand what someone is going through and yearns to know more. May my mother's and my story be a beacon of hope for people in need, struggling with mental illness. One's life doesn't have to end tragically, as it did for my mom and countless others. 

PLEASE NOTE: I am fully aware I am not a clinical professional, but only here to stand in my truth as a fellow human being, not in shame, but in hope that there is life after diagnosis and that it doesn't have to be scary.

Excerpt from the show:

"In my journey of learning what I am, I now understand what I am not. I am not bipolar. I have bipolar. You see, I have mood disorder like one has diabetes or one has a chronic illness and they take medicine to help manage their disease. I take medicine twice a day, along with ongoing therapy, exercise, mood tracking, meditation, good sleep, nurturing my support system and eating healthy foods. The author, Ellen Forney's SMEDMERTS guide from her book, MARBLES, offers powerful insight in how t feel more grounded, rational, reliable and strong in your day to day!"

 GOALS FOR THIS SHOW ON NOV. 5TH:
1. To sell the film to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, etc. inspired by "What the Constitution Means to Me" on Amazon Prime.
2. Tour colleges and high schools with the film and include a talkback.
3. Limited engagement run in any theatre.

*Proceeds will continue to go directly to the fund wherever the show moves to next, whether at schools, more theaters or on streaming platforms.   

LIVE SHOW NOV. 5TH PROCEEDS: Donation tickets at Riverside Theatre Box Office in New York City will be available along with paid tickets to see the show. All proceeds will be going directly to this fund. 

MORE ON THE SHOW HERE: https://chryssiewhitehead.com/one-woman-show

Chryssie & The IMOLC Team

*Contact us at IMOLCTHESHOW@GMAIL.COM for more info or to see the film of staged reading for potential investors.

As Broadway, TV and film productions, and performing arts venues across the country remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those in the entertainment community need our help now more than ever.Every day, the need for the Entertainment Community Fund's services grows, and your gift today will ensure that The Fund can continue to help those who need us through these difficult times.Thank you for supporting my fundraiser! You will help ensure that people who work in the spotlight and behind the scenes can pay their rent or mortgage, feed their families, find work and afford health insurance. You can help The Actors Fund continue to be the lifeline they need.Thank you for giving generously to help our entertainment and performing arts community.