Working Title: imagining a future for queer theatre and creatives

We know that it’s “nothing about us without us”, but what does that look like in action?

This project is a forum, a workshop room and a peer-driven space for young LGBTQIA+ writers and creatives to collectively imagine a future in this industry. Over four meetings, we’ll workshop and discuss writing gender diverse characters, how theatre has been influenced by Queer Culture, and what the future looks like for art made by LGBTQIA+ creatives.

WHERE: Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre (5 Sargood Street, Altona)

WHO: 12-25 yr olds

WHEN: January 2025 - This is a four week program, with meetings on Saturdays from 3pm - 5pm

workshop one: Writing Gender Diverse Characters - Jan 11
What's the same, similar and different about writing gender diverse characters in theatre? What representation exists in current media? How well does it represent us? What do we want to see more of? Who do we want to see on our screens and stages?
In this session, we respond to these questions through discussion, activities, and sharing snippets of queer characters in film, tv and literature.

workshop two: QUEER AESTHETICS AND STYLE IN THEATRE - Jan 18
How has Queer culture influenced theatre? How is it represented on the stage? How do we convey gender and queerness visually? How do we build identity through style?
Through costume and design elements, we explore the idea of gender performativity, how it has influenced theatre so far, and what’s yet to come.

workshop three: THE WORLD AROUND US - Jan 25
How do we build a world around our characters? How do we navigate the choice to include discrimination in the worlds we write and create? How do we write stories of hope, joy and wellness for queer characters? What worlds, plots and storylines do we want to see in the media?
Through writing activities, sharing our ideas and creations, and discussing these questions, we work together on the world LGBTQIA+ characters inhabit in the media, and how we can shape them as young artists.

workshop four: THIS IS A WORKING TITLE... - Feb 8
How do we bring great ideas to life? What are the steps between great writing and a great performance? How can we build an arts community to support and drive projects forward? How to find and access community, mentorship and connection in future?
In the final workshop of this series, we explore where-to-from-here: how to find a stage for our ideas, and make the future of LGBTQIA+ media come to like. We also find a name for this project, because it is just a “working title” after all...