Kiwi artists raising funds to keep calling Scotland 'home'
The founders of an Edinburgh-based theatre company are trying to raise nearly £25,000 in order to remain in the country.
Caden Scott, Alex Medland, James Wright and Courtney Bassett arrived in Scotland from New Zealand three years ago.
They would go on to found Half Trick Theatre known for staging irreverent, chaotic, and comedic reinventions of classic dramatic texts.
Over the past three years they’ve staged 10 full productions and been nominated for four awards, while also working countless jobs to support their artistic endeavours.
However, their current visas are running out and with a five-year Global Talent visa costing approximately £5,900 each they face a massive bill for the four of them.
Caden said: “Three years ago we packed up our lives and took a one-way trip to Edinburgh where we found a new home, friends and family.
"We have loved our time in Scotland and are very proud of everything we have built and achieved, so we would very much like to stay longer.
"The problem is we need more money than we have ever seen to apply for our Global Talent visas and give us another five years.
"Not only will it allow us to continue to chase artistic opportunities, but means remaining part of the community that made us so welcome.
"Unfortunately despite our best endeavours we need support so have set up a GoFundMe and are holding a “Right to Remain” fundraiser on August 30.”
To make a donation visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-four-kiwi-artists-pay-for-their-global-talent-visa and to learn more follow @halftricktheatre on Instagram.
Half Trick have also been busy preparing two shows for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Waiting for Wonka runs at Dram at Gilded Balloon Patter House from August 5-16, as a grown-up Veruca, Augustus, Violet, and Mike grapple with the trauma from their tour of the chocolate factory.
The Faustus Project is at Belly Laugh at Underbelly, Cowgate, from August 17-30, an anarchic version of Doctor Faustus featuring a guest performer every night who hasn’t even seen a script.
For tickets visit www.edfringe.com/tickets