there's no stop'n hellzapoppin! (DONATION links BELOW)

The Producers:

There is dynamic duo steering this monumental touring outfit. Their names are Bryce "the Govna" Graves and Willow Lauren. Their commitment to Hellzapoppin is unwavering, and they wholeheartedly immerse themselves in its every facet. Day in and day out, they toil tirelessly, dedicating countless hours to the relentless pursuit of producing, managing, booking, and persevering through these formidable challenges. Their very sustenance hinges upon the success of this endeavor, and the responsibility of preserving this art form rests solely upon their shoulders.

Preserving a Dying Art Form: The Battle to Save Sideshow:

The world of sideshow, a mesmerizing and time-honored art form, is at a crossroads. In recent years, the sideshow industry has faced unprecedented challenges that threaten its very existence. It's a battle that Hellzapoppin knows all too well. As one of the last of the true traveling circus sideshows, we find ourselves on the front lines of this struggle, fighting to keep this historical art form alive and thriving.

A Journey Through Challenging Times:

The journey of Hellzapoppin is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the underground circus culture. We've faced the storm head-on, enduring 1.5 years of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic shut-down. With stages darkened and over 150 Hellzapoppin events canceled, our performers were left without an audience, and our passion for the art was put to the test. But we didn't give up; we fought our way through those challenging times, determined to come back stronger than ever.

Competing in a Crowded Arena:

Hellzapoppin was the first touring artists to launch a national tour after the shutdown. We were killing it with almost every show sold out but by mid 2021 the shit hit the fan in the entertainment world, AGAIN! The market is completely saturated with touring artists across the globe all vying for the same coveted dates and venues. The competition is fierce, and securing performance opportunities has become a formidable task. It's survival of the fittest. Add to that the skyrocketing costs of touring and ticket fees, driven by rising fuel prices, shipping fees and shortages, and it's clear that the deck is stacked against us. Ticket sales continue to plummet as mask mandates and mandatory vaccines or proof of negative COVID test are enforced. Thousands of artists have cancelled countless shows and tours (Hellzapoppin included)!  

The Alarming Shift in Social Media advertising:

In the digital age, social media has been a vital tool for Hellzapoppin to connect with our fans. However, the landscape has changed drastically. Social media marketing costs have soared, with the price per click skyrocketing from a manageable 10 cents to a staggering $6 DOLLARS per click!!! The ads overcharge and severally under-deliver.  This dramatic shift has placed an massive burden on us, making it almost impossible to reach our dedicated supporters.

Misunderstood and Flagged for Self-Harm:

Hellzapoppin is being censored and shadow banned on social media. One of the most disheartening challenges we face is the misunderstanding of our art by social media algorithms. Our traditional sideshow performances, which include feats of extraordinary skill and endurance, such as sword swallowing, fire eating, walking on broken shards of glass and the bed of nails, are mistaken for self-harm. These algorithms can not distinguish the difference between a professional traveling circus sideshow performing dangerous stunts and some kid doing jack ass stunts to hurt themselves; the algorithms then flag our pages as promoting self-harm, hindering our ability to share our craft with the world. Shadow banning is real thing and it is infecting our business like a plague.

Why Your Support Matters:

We humbly seek your assistance in safeguarding this treasured art form. Hellzapoppin transcends mere entertainment; it embodies a rich culture.  Moreover, it provides sanctuary for an array of exceptionally gifted performers, whose talents find no parallel elsewhere. We stand as unwavering advocates for the world of the extraordinary and the unusual. Hellzapoppin is staring adversity in the face, the very livelihoods of these remarkable artists hang in the balance.

Be Part of the Solution:

Your gracious contribution will empower us to persist in our noble mission, extending the enchantment and fascination of sideshow to diverse audiences across the globe. Your support not only ensures the survival of this age-old tradition but also serves as a lifeline for the extraordinary talents who call Hellzapoppin home. Together, we can kindle the flames of wonder and preserve a cultural treasure that has long enchanted the hearts and minds of all who dare to witness its magic. By donating today, you become a guardian of a dying art form, a champion of the underground circus culture, and a supporter of Hellzapoppin.  Join us in this extraordinary journey to preserve history, and together, we'll write the next chapter of Hellzapoppin's remarkable story.

Looking for a token of appreciation? Visit our merchandise page, where your purchases directly contribute to supporting Hellzapoppin. 

Keeping it weird,

Bryce "the Govna" Graves

Producer/Ringleader

&

Willow Lauren

Co-Producer/Sword Swallower