Silent t Creative

Silent t Creative is a small production company focusing on cabaret and nightlife entertainment geared towards the LGBTQ community, their allies, and the bon vivant.

Jack Bartholet is the recipient of the Ira Eaker Bistro Award for Special Achievement in Cabaret. He has been a community member of Cherry Grove since 2020 working with The Pines Liquor Shop, Coastal Roots and The Arts Project. He started Silent t Creative (STC) in the spring of 2023. Mission and Vision Statement below:

Historically, cabaret found its home in hidden attics, backrooms of cafes, and dimly lit basements. While some patrons and performers prefer more conventionally grand venues, Silent t Creative embraces the essence of this art form's rich heritage, where proximity to the audience, the ambiance of alcohol, and shared bites create an intimate experience. Cabaret thrives on the juxtaposition of high and low, blending brave authenticity with whimsical artifice. It is an inherently political act, offering keen observation, criticism, and mocking humor to illuminate pressing issues. As mediocre, risk-free, and influencer-approved entertainment is peddled for piggish profit, cabaret demands that we connect with vibrant individual stories that reveal our commonalities and inspire conversations. Accessible to the bohemian, banker, and bon vivant alike, cabaret welcomes everyone. When carefully crafted with heart, it serves as a healing salve that cultivates empathy and curiosity. Silent t Creative is dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring the freedom of cabaret to encourage self-discovery and liberation. I believe that vibrant nightlife performances and storytelling keep communities connected. My mission is to be a guiding light in the cabaret world, inspiring audiences and artists in predominantly LGBTQ spaces to embrace the transformative magic of this extraordinary art form.

For Silent t Creative’s first scripted production, I chose to mount a relatively simple one-man play, Buyer & Cellar. With a cast of just one and no musicians, the production budget is comparably economical.

STC obtained a license agreement from Dramatist Play Service ensuring the playwright compensation for his work and Theatre Authority Clearance from Actors Equity Association ensuring that a reasonable net profit for APCG was achievable and set standards to protect my safety in this endeavor. This was granted on the understanding that ticket sales ultimately benefit The Arts Project of Cherry Grove (a 501c3) and that I would receive an honorarium in lieu of salary to cover costs related to my participation and producing.

With that in mind, STC prioritized the essentials: a director, wardrobe, props, a barebones stage set and modest stipends for the individuals generously assisting with technical elements.

It is my honor to benefit America’s oldest known LGBTQ Theatre through performance and to join the ranks of gay artists who have mounted art on that historic stage. Nevertheless, my honorarium will not cover all production costs nor provide compensation commensurate with the efforts required to bring professional entertainment to the community.

Later this summer, STC will collaborate with The Fire Island Pines Arts Project (FIPAP) for their Labor Day musical: Urinetown. I will play the lead, Bobby Strong. Being that it’s a benefit for FIPAP, performers are not paid irrespective of union status.

When performing a benefit, the IRS code does not permit a charitable deduction for an individual’s time or donated services. Yet, despite no pay or tax benefit, I am enthusiastic to give Fire Island the entertainment they deserve and crave; it aligns exactly with my company’s mission. While I think the model of asking artists to work for free is on its way out, I understand why nonprofit arts organizations have historically needed unpaid labor. However, nothing changes if nothing changes, and I’d like to be a part of the solution.

In addition to these plays and musicals, STC will present a classic cabaret at The Ice Palace featuring renowned musicians. Breaking even is typically what a producer can expect after paying off their band. Since cabaret isn’t typically profitable; one might call dedication to this art form an affliction, but I’m striving for success! For my company’s first year, it’s a busy and exciting summer!

Enter the need for fundraising and crowdsourcing to help to recuperate costs and hopefully (fingers tightly crossed!) promote future endeavors. It is my sincere belief that Fire Island deserves quality entertainment. I hope you see the benefit of assisting my small production company in fostering refreshing, ethical and important creative projects.

How can you help Silent t Creative?

1. A fully tax-deductible donation through my fiscal sponsor Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR)

2. My online tip jar via Venmo for excellent showmanship and professionalism, nondeductible. Paypal and Zelle as well.

3. Checks made out to Silent t Creative or PayPal below.

4. And of course, purchase tickets to the Cabaret (July 13th) at the Ice Palace and to Buyer & Cellar August 4th and 5th) at The Arts Project of Cherry Grove.

Now flip the question: how can Silent t Creative help you? Do you seek intimate entertainment for your next event? Let STC find the right performances to elevate your evening.

Your generosity will not only impact the success of this summer’s performances but also contribute to the overall vitality of our artistic community. Together, we can create a legacy of inspiration, cultural enrichment, and artistic excellence.

Most sincerely,

Jack Bartholet

+1-330-703-0980

jack@jackbartholet.com