Love, Katiuska - Edinburgh Fringe Debut
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Aim
To take 30 years of secrets held in my diary, 15 years of building a career in the UK, and debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
ABOUT THE SHOW
August 3, 1999. At fourteen, I wrote a secret in my diary: “I’m scared of being a nobody.” For years, I played that part. I was "Kat"—the girl who stayed in her "perfect little box," hiding her greñuda hair and her deepest heartaches behind a peppy mask. I was the girl who thought being a friend meant taking the insults of others, and that "home" was a place you weren't allowed to leave.
But Katiuska is the woman who finally walked through the door.
This is the story of that transformation. It’s a journey through the "magic of baking" in a South Texas kitchen, the sacred silence in the home my grandfather built, and the beautiful reality of building a life in England. Through the lyrics of Sondheim, Bareilles, and the echoes of my ancestors, I’ve realized that being "somebody" isn't about being perfect—it’s about the courage to be messy, the strength to be "astonishing," and the terrifying, wonderful risk of being alive.
WHY NOW?
Quite simply: I love what I do. I love taking a simple page of text and dots and making it come to life.
I have been performing ever since I was a child and all throughout my teen years, having earned countless awards at the regional and state level, I went on to study Opera/Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University, ranked one of the top Performing Arts Schools in the United States. Then, after marrying an Englishman, moved to the UK and have been building a career here for just over a decade.
[Image: Sofia Flores in Park Beyond voiced by me]
I have performed in pubs and restaurants, with amateur dramatics, in studios and sound studios—at Pinewood Studios, Shepperton Studios, and The Actors Centre—with acting mates in box theatres and churches; I've even been a busker! Last year, I finally mustered the courage and, with the help of my family, produced my first international tour: From South Texas to London.
This is why now is the time to put a stamp in my career passport, take this crucial leap, and take decades of dedication to my craft and put on my own show. This dream is only possible with your financial support.
Your contribution is an investment in my persistent dedication to my craft: years of voice lessons, acting classes, auditions, competitions, hours of rehearsals, learning scripts, mastering choreography, and I could just go on! It's not just 'a donation'; it's helping me bring this story, and years of hard work, to one of the world's biggest stages.
Then there's the huge costs that come with producing your own show. Accommodation alone takes up almost one-third of the budget!
HERE'S WHAT YOUR SUPPORT HELPS PROVIDE
• Hiring the creative team to help make it the best show ever!
• Hire and fully secure our venue at Greenside -Riddle's Court
• Afford great marketing like flyers and digital ads to best reach the Fringe crowd
• Help cover essentials like transport & accommodation
Your financial support is more than a donation; it is a vote of confidence in the power of live theatre and living out our wildest dreams.
MEET THE TEAM
KAT LOZANO | Performer & Creator
Born and raised in South Texas, Kat is a Mexican-American/British actor and singer. A graduate of the prestigious Oklahoma City University (B.M. in Opera/Music Theatre), she has spent years bringing characters to life behind the mic—most notably originating the voice of Sofia Flores in Park Beyond and contributing to major projects for Disney Studios, Ubisoft, and Paramount Pictures.
NICKY GAYNER | Director
Bringing a wealth of international experience to the project, Nicky Gayner serves as Director. A celebrated cabaret singer and storyteller in her own right, Nicky has graced the stages of The Pheasantry, Crazy Coqs, and is no stranger to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
DAVID NEHLS | Musical Director
David Nehls is an acclaimed US composer and musical director, best known for the international hit The Great American Trailer Park Musical and his award-winning work on over 50 productions at the Arvada Center. This summer, the 10-time Henry Award winner brings his world-class talent to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his must-see show, Do You Wanna Go? From his roots in The Rocky Horror Show to his latest theatrical scores, David continues to be a powerhouse of American musical storytelling.
THE REWARDS
£10 — The Digital High Five
High-fives all around! You’re helping us hit the ground running. Every pound goes directly into production costs to ensure this vision reaches the stage. To say thank you, your name will be permanently listed in the "Friends of the Show" section on my website.
£25 — The Digital Hug
A massive thank you. This level of support helps us bridge the gap between a dream and a reality, wrapping this project in a big embrace. You will have your name featured on the "Friends of the Show" wall, plus you'll receive a special mention in our Official Digital Programme.
£50 — An Opening Night Toast
Cheers to you! At this level, you are significantly fuelling our rehearsal and prep time. To share a bit of that opening-night energy, I will send you a 30-second personalised video message and song, directly from me, along with your name on the "Friends of the Show" website wall.
£100 — A Postcard from Edinburgh
Snail Mail Love! You are helping me take this show to one of the biggest stages in the world, and I want to send a piece of that festival atmosphere back to you. I’ll send you a handwritten postcard directly from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh during the festival, plus a digital signed poster from the show.
£250 — The Cultural Ambassador
Deepening the connection. This tier is for those who want to dive into the "why" behind the show and the heritage that inspired it. You’ll receive an invite to an exclusive private Zoom Q&A with me to discuss the themes of the show and my career, plus a secret family treasure: one of my favourite childhood cookie recipes from the early days of baking with my grandmother.
£500 — The Patron
A Pillar of the Project. Your generosity provides the security we need to focus on excellence, making you a cornerstone of this production. You will be officially credited as a Patron in the digital programme and on the website, and I’d love to host you for two free tickets to the Harrogate preview (date to be confirmed) plus a post-show drink at Rolands.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 30th June 2026 at 3:33pm