A star-studded, one-night-only reading of Clark Gregg’s new political comedy, Smear, is scheduled for November 1 in New York City’s theatre district.
Cast Lineup and Production Details
The staged reading features Oscar winner George Clooney from Good Night, and Good Luck, Adam Scott from Severance, Betty Gilpin from Glow, and Laverne Cox from Orange Is the New Black. The cast also includes Glenn Fleshler from Joker and Shane Paul McGhie from Deputy. Playwright Clark Gregg is directing the performance.
Rigor + ruckus is producing the event. Organizers will reveal the specific New York City venue to ticketholders after they purchase admission. Tickets are available through Oath.vote.
Fundraising Goals for 2028
The strategic fundraising platform Oath is directing proceeds from the evening to support The States Project and The States Forum. These non-profit organizations aim to protect voters’ voices in 2028 and beyond.
“With everything on the line in the midterms, it’s critical that resources reach the organizations where they can have the greatest impact,” Oath co-founder and CEO Brian Derrick stated. “Theatre has a unique ability to bring activists and artists together, and we want to make sure that energy translates into real impact.”
Plot and Inspiration Behind the Comedy
The play follows two jaded campaign operatives and former lovers locked in a fierce battle over a North Carolina congressional seat. That contest could swing the balance in hotly contested congressional midterms.
“Three years ago, looking for a place to channel my anger and sadness at the slow motion train wreck that is our political system, I decided to write a play about jaded political operatives in a brass knuckles brawl to swing the mid-terms,” Gregg said.
Impact on State Legislatures
Daniel Squadron, co-founder of The States Project and The States Forum, emphasized the legislative stakes involved in the funding effort. State lawmakers influence election integrity, individual rights, and making ends meet.
“State legislatures hold tremendous power over the most important issues in our country and our democracy itself,” Squadron stated. “When it comes to the integrity of our elections, making ends meet, individual rights, and more, the decisions that impact Americans’ lives for the next few years all depend on ideas coming from states.”