I have been in theatre for years. I am retired but will be directing a play and doing it pro bono. Can I deduct expenses?

[TuckerdogAVL]

I am a playwrite now as I have been in theatre since the 60s. I decided to allow a theatre to produce my play, pro bono in order to possibly get promotional video to use to get it produced for profit. I am traveling there, living there for a month (will not be my tax home) and will show no profit, but I project at least $2500 in expenses. Can I deduct those? I have Pension and Social Security as my main sources of income.

[Bsch4477]

There is no deduction since you have no business. If you have income based on those expenses in the future you could deduct as start costs at that time.