Short Summary
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Hi, I’m Quaz Degraft. I'm an actor, writer, and MFA student at USC (Fight On!). In The Black is my original solo dark comedy about a first generation Ghanian-American Wall Street accountant torn between ambition, loyalty and family. It’s a satirical exploration of race, capitalism, and the price of success in corporate America.
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I'm excited to introduce Casey Landman, my talented classmate at USC, who is making her directorial debut with In the Black. A skilled writer and actor, Casey and I have collaborated on many successful projects throughout our time at school, and we're thrilled to bring this show to Edinburgh together. Her unique vision and passion for storytelling will shine through in this production, and we're both eager to share it with the world.
This summer, I’m taking In The Black to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest performing arts festival in the world. With your support, I can share this timely, personal story on an international stage which is a huge step in my journey as an artist and storyteller. Your contribution brings us closer to putting a spotlight on voices rarely heard in these financial or theatrical spaces.
What We Need & What You Get
We’re raising $37,000 to help cover:
- Travel & Lodging in Edinburgh (flights, accommodation, meals)
- Venue Rental & Tech fees for the festival run
- Festival Registration & Marketing Materials
- Hiring a Stage Manager to support live performances
Even if we don’t hit the full amount, every dollar helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure the show goes on.
Perks for Your Support
- $25 – Shout-out on social media + a thank-you email
- $50 – Personalized Thank You Video
- $100 – Access to a private behind-the-scenes vlog from the Fringe
- $500 – A one-on-one Zoom chat about the creative process
- $2500+ – Executive Producer credit on the show’s Fringe run
The Impact
In The Black is the kind of story rarely seen onstage: a Black professional confronting moral compromise in a white-collar world. It’s a conversation starter about identity, ambition, and navigating power structures.
Your contribution helps bring this voice to an international stage, where it can spark conversations and connect with audiences from all walks of life.
This is also my thesis project and artistic launchpad post-graduation, so your support helps me take this leap with full force.
Every dollar helps not just this production, but future work centered on complex, underrepresented narratives.
Risks & Challenges
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a dream, but it's also a grind!
With thousands of shows, the festival is competitive and fast-paced. Expenses add up quickly, and standing out takes hustle. But I’m ready.
I’ve spent months refining the story, building a team, and preparing for the Fringe experience.
I have the training, the discipline, and the passion to face these challenges head-on. Your support gives me the freedom to focus on the art!
Other Ways You Can Help
If you’re not in a position to give, no worries! You can still support the campaign by:
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Sharing this link with friends, artists, and theater lovers
- Reposting on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter/X
- Using Indiegogo’s built-in share tools to help spread the word
Every little bit counts. Thank you for believing in this project and helping me bring In The Black to the world stage!
