Performing Arts are So Queer!

by Sophia Kelly for What's on Queer BC

Meet Other Queer People Who Enjoy the Arts

Interested in dance, theatre or music? Many lesbian, gay, bi and trans folks find there is nothing like singing songs with lyrics that include us, performing stories that talk about our lives and those of our friends and families, and collaborating with others who see, appreciate and understand our lives. Whether we are behind the scenes, at front of house, or stage centre, there are lots of great places in the lower mainland to get involved.

Contact information for these organizations is provided, so you can connect with them directly.

Queer Places to Make Music, Art, Theatre or Dance

I want to sing on stage!

The lower mainland hosts several community choirs for queer folks

Out In Harmony

A non-auditioned mixed queers and allies choir, Out in Harmony rehearses weekly on Tuesdays from September through mid-June in East Vancouver. They sing a variety of material including pop, rock, classical and show tunes, but typically not religious music. You don’t have to read music and can join any time throughout the season. The choir hosts two concerts per year (January and June) and often does some smaller performances at community locations. For more information please see their website: http://outinharmony.org

Vancouver Men’s Chorus

The Vancouver Men’s Chorus is a registered non-profit society dedicated to presenting high-quality musical entertainment. They are known for commissioning custom arrangements from Canadian arrangers. Composed of gay men and their friends, the chorus promotes community spirit and a positive image of the gay community. The chorus accepts new members twice a year based on group size and voice balance. For more information on joining see: https://www.vancouvermenschorus.ca/about-the-vmc/joining-the-vmc/

Thesbians!

Frank Theatre Company – Telling it Bent is a creative writing program for queer, transgender, two-spirited, and questioning youth between the ages of 14 and 25. More information: https://thefranktheatre.com/tellingitbent/

Leaping Thesbians – An award winning women’s theatre company bringing stories of queer lives. Check out their website for information on joining or supporting. https://www.leapingthespians.com/about-us

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Productions Society - Established in 2016, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Productions Society is a Vancouver-based organization dedicated to exploring significant social circumstances and issues affecting the British Columbia community through theatre and film. https://www.motherhcproductions.com/about

Little Basket Theatre Company’s mandate is to provide theatre that is rich with stories focusing on women. http://www.littlebaskettheatre.com/about-us.php

Naked Goddess Production’s mandate is to create exciting and unique theatre. We strive to make bold choices, to risk, and to provide thought provoking works to our audience. http://nakedgoddessproductions.com/about.php

Zee Zee Theatre Company was founded in 2008 as a company devoted to telling small stories in the lives of the marginalized. http://zeezeetheatre.ca

I want to make people laugh!

QueerProv is a not-for-profit society dedicated to creating a queer community that creates, supports, enjoys, and teaches improvisational theatre. They are both a professional troupe that performs regularly in the Vancouver area, and a teaching group that offers weekly classes in improv comedy for queer community members. To get involved check out the information and events here: https://queerprov.ca

I want to play in a band!

Rainbow Concert Band

Led by Artistic Director Chris Johnston, this band welcomes anyone who plays a concert band instrument (at any level of skill) and can read music to their weekly rehearsals on Thursday eventings in East Vancouver. The band regularly performs at events during the Pride season and hosts semi-annual concerts. http://www.rainbowband.ca/

Dance!

Not So Strictly Ballroom

Do you lead? Follow? Not sure? Not So Strictly Ballroom offers ballroom dance classes for queers in the lower mainland. Dance classes are on Sunday mornings on Commercial Drive, with a rotating series of ballroom dances taught. Beginner-friendly classes are taught along with those for more experienced dancers in a friendly and supportive environment. Information: http://www.notsostrictlyballroom.ca/

Timberline Dance Society

Timberline hosts country line dancing and two step classes weekly on Thursday nights in the west end. Drop in dancers are welcome, as a new dance gets taught each week. Classes are great for intermediate and experienced dancers – if you’re new to line dancing prepare for a learning curve. Just like to social dance? Check out their monthly informal dance nights at the Pumpjack Pub (back dance space), with only a brief lesson and lots of free dancing. http://www.timberlinedance.org/