What’s This All About?

My name is Clifton Duncan.

I’m a shy army brat who earned his MFA from America’s top acting conservatory, eventually found himself starring Off-Broadway opposite Tony Award-winning actors, on Broadway in a beloved British comedy, and on TV with veteran actors like Scott Bakula and Jimmy Smits.

I’ve conquered everything from musical comedy to Shakespearean tragedy, and now I want to pour my 20 years of talent, training and experience into taking on the greatest challenge of my career:

Becoming Thomas Sowell.

Born during the dark days of Jim Crow, Dr. Sowell rose from humble beginnings to establish himself as one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th (and now 21st) century, courageously cutting through conventional wisdom and speaking difficult truths on race, culture, history, and the human condition at large.

Unsurprisingly, his controversial and often counter-cultural views mean he’s been marginalized, not recognized.

That is, until now.

My ultimate aim is to develop a dynamic solo play and embody Dr. Sowell as only I can (other monumental men, such as Paul Robeson and Thurgood Marshall, have received the same treatment), and eventually share this work with the entire world.

But I need you and your support to get a solid first draft off the ground!
 

What I Need & What You Get

Dr. Sowell has published 45+ books, thousands of columns, and has decades of interviews, speeches, and talk show appearances online.

Given his expansive body of work, I’m seeking to have 6 months of my basic expenses covered (food, rent, and research materials such as books) in order that I can completely immerse myself in my subject without distraction.

My plan:

• 3 months of deep immersion into the life and ideas of Dr. Sowell
• 3 months of development, crafting Sowell’s words into a workable script
• A virtual table read for backers at the end of this 6 month period

I’ve taken the extra step of recruiting a line producer who has vowed to keep me on schedule!

Backers get:

• Shout outs to my 150K+ followers
• Bi-weekly updates via vlogs and posts (which will also keep me on task!)
• Exclusive virtual access to the world premiere table read
• Input into developing new theatre outside the traditional system
• Mega donors will receive a producer credit

Why It Matters

America feels more divided than ever.

People across the nation feel alienated by its cultural institutions.

At the same time, in the wake of 2020-2023 theatres across the country are stagnant, and struggling like never before.

Therefore the potential impact of this piece stretches far beyond myself or even Dr. Sowell:

It’s about breaking the zeitgeist. 
It’s about reaching an audience that’s aching to be served.
It’s about showing other artists that it’s possible to have an impact far outside of NY and LA.

And on top of all this:

It’s about igniting renewed interest in a dying American theatre.

But I can’t take this first step alone.

Can’t Contribute? Here’s What You Can Do:

If you can’t contribute this time around, don’t fret–you can still be apart of this historic undertaking:

• Subscribe to my page on Locals for updates!
• Share this campaign with your friends (and your enemies)!
• Become a paid subscriber to my newsletter The State of the Arts!