Manchester based Proto-type Theater have been selected by the British Council to participate in the 2011 British Council Showcase in Edinburgh this August. This opportunity would mean that we would have our show featured among what the council considers to be the best/most important touring work that has been created in the UK in the past several years. During the showcase, the council invites hundreds of presenters from around the world to see work with an eye towards creating international partnerships and setting up tours. While this is a brilliant and prestigious opportunity, Proto-type needs to raise at least £2,500 to make it possible for us to attend. We are a small non profit touring theatre company and we receive funding on a project-by-project basis from Arts Council England and through commissions and venue fees. We do not have regular-funding from anyone and as a result we have to be entrepreneurial and inventive with finding ways to fund our work. In order to participate in the showcase, we will have to hire a venue, pay for marketing, travel and accommodation and pay fees to our performers so that they can take time off of other work engagements. We would be grateful for the opportunity to seek funding from the many individuals out there who love challenging performance and who want to help us thrive despite the governments 'small society'. Please help!