Our Host@Home Kit
If a friend received a cancer diagnosis, what would you say and do?
Follow the story of 5 friends and how they handle a cancer diagnosis.
Our Host@Home kits allow you to read & listen with a group of friends or acquaintances and be prepared to laugh, cry & learn!
You don't need any experience of acting! You simply need to read your character out aloud, listen to the songs and discuss what you learnt!
No preparation, No rehearsals and No pressure -because there's no audience!
What do you get in our Host@Home Kit?
Each participant will receive the following items to use on the day and take home with them:
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The Script booklet
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The Soundtrack album (choose from a CD or Digital Download card)
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Instructions
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A personal self analysis form
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A helpful handout (developed with Griffith University) so that you can say & do great things to help your friend with a cancer diagnosis.
All for $50 per participant PLUS knowing that 38% of our proceeds have been donated to Cancer Research. That's $19.03 donated for every $50 sale!
Frequently asked questions
How does it work?
Each participant is allocated a character and reads aloud from the script. A song from the soundtrack is played between the scenes. It is the journey of four friends, relationships and a cancer diagnosis. Both funny and reflective, this is a reading and listening experience which is a discussion starter for cancer patients, their support people and the broader community. At the end of the listening & reading experience, participants are encouraged to complete a short self analysis form which is returned to 'The Silk Rags Project' for further funding & marketing opportunities. Participants are then encouraged to share their learnings via a short informal discussion together and take away the 'Not Sure What to Say & Do?' - a handout developed with Griffith University & Australian Cancer Research Foundation.
What is it about?
A comedy/satire. It is the journey of four friends, relationships and a cancer diagnosis. Both funny and reflective, this is a reading and listening experience which is a discussion starter for cancer patients, their support people and the broader community.
How long should I allow?
As a guide, an individual kit allows you to read & listen in your own time. For a Group Kit, 4 hours is usually enough to welcome guests, enjoy food, complete The Silk Rags Project experience, discuss, have raffles and leave. The actual reading and listening experience takes approx. 1hr 30 mins (but allow extra time for raffles/auctions if organised). A lot of people bring a plate/drinks and eat before the reading starts. It's entirely up to you!
What do I need to provide?
A laptop or tablet and internet connection to view a special welcome and thank you from the CEO of The Australian Cancer Research Foundation. A CD player or digital playing device to play the soundtrack in between the scenes - speakers may be needed depending on your audio player. A black balloon and a pin! Or a pillow (ideally with black cover). Pens/pencils for your friends to take notes and complete the self analysis questionnaire at the end.
Is it a sad story?
No character dies in this script. However, it is about how a group of friends react when one of them receives a cancer diagnosis. It's both funny and sad but this event is designed for participants to learn about communication techniques should an event like this happen in their lives. If one of your participants has experienced or is experiencing cancer, you are advised to discuss this with them. You may wish to give them a copy of the script before the event so that they can decide if they wish to participate or not. Our experience with such participants is that The Silk Rags Project gave them a voice and an opportunity to confirm how and when they needed help.
How many participants do I need?
A minimum of 6 participants are required to host this event. Each participant reads out a character and are encouraged to give their character an accent or ham it up a bit! Pretend you are on the radio and strut your stuff! If you have more than 6 attending, you can easily purchase additional Individual Kits on our website so that they too have something to keep as a reminder of your fundraising event.
The Characters
The Host/"Narrator"
This will be the Host of the event. The Narrator reads out the Stage Directions contained in the script and plays the songs in-between the scenes. This role enables the other participants to concentrate on their parts and also provides a centralisation of the story.
"Two"
"Two" is a magnet for unhealthy relationships. Her husband, Garry, suppresses her.
Due to all the hurts in her life, she is extraordinarily pessimistic and on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
"Four"
"Four" is overbearing, controlling and avoids doing anything that she deems too difficult. As a result, her husband, Laurie, is brow beaten, but her children are undisciplined.
She cannot understand why the others complain about their problems while no one listens to hers. She believes her financial, emotional and physical problems are worse that those of her friends and acquaintances, and she is always unhappy because of it.
"One"
'One" has been recently diagnosed with cancer. She has children and the love of a devoted husband. Prior to cancer she was the glue that kept her friends and family together. Even when her friends are frustrating, she shows them the compassion that they seem to lack.
"Three"
is desperate for a baby. To achieve her ends, she is constantly visiting alternative doctors and trying all the latest fads. She quit her job years ago when she and her husband, Mark, first tried to get pregnant. Now, she works from home to help support her health habits. She is always trying to fix everyone else.
"Man" (doesn't have to be a male participant)
"Man" is the adoring husband of ONE. He loves his wife.
He is her strength and her support. He constantly maintains his composure for her benefit.
What others have to say
“A great way to be educated into how to deal with a cancer diagnosis. A positive experience with good music.”
My character was patient and resilient. She seemed long suffering when confronted with the reactions of her friends.
I learned that there is a whole library and reactions to a cancer diagnosis. In hindsight, I didn't know what NOT to say or was just silent. I think we may all have tried to empathise in the wrong way.
Polly, Retired Librarian - Character 'One'
Know where your money is going
38% of all our proceeds are donated to Australian Cancer Research Foundation
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This means for every $50 spent - we will donate $19.03 directly to cancer research.
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