Queer Spaces
We’re looking for writers, creators and content makers to develop short monologues about their queer spaces pre, mid and post pandemic.
Inspired by novelist Natasha Bell’s blog about her queer sanctuaries, we’re assembling an online collective to participate in four Zoom masterclasses led by queer artists. Whatever your experience, you’ll discuss creative ideas, collaborate with other content makers and receive feedback on your work.
We’re then producing Queer Spaces: Live!; a special event where some of these monologues will be performed by their authors. Whether or not you take part in Queer Spaces, we’d love for you to join us:
Friday 18th March, 18:00 - 19:00 Book now
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
Saturday 19th March, 18:00 - 19:00 Book now
York Theatre Royal
It’s free to take part and sign-up details are here. Applications are still open until Friday February 18th 18:00.
All we ask is you read the details below to make sure you can commit to the whole project.
@rootstouring #queerspaceslive
Roots
In association with Stephen Joseph Theatre and York Theatre Royal
Queers Spaces and Queer Spaces: Live! are supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Key Dates
The four Queer Spaces masterclasses take place on Zoom. We ask that participants be available to attend all four.
18:00 - 20:00 Mon 21st February
Steven Atkinson (he/him) and Frazer Flintham (he/him)
18:00 - 20:00 Mon 28th February
Charlie Josephine (they/them) and Rob Watt (he/him)
10:00 - 13:00 Sat 5th March
Travis Alabanza (they/them) and Tabby Lamb (they/she)
10:00 - 13:00 Sunday 6th March
Steven Atkinson (he/him) and Katie Bonna (she/her)
Please note that the previously advertised session 10:00 - 13:00 Sun 27th February is no longer happening.
Once you sign up, your application will be reviewed and your place will be confirmed on Friday 19th February via email.
Queer Spaces: Live!
If performing your monologue in Queer Spaces: Live! to an audience of colleagues and allies appeals, you need to agree to the following:
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To perform at both live events, on Friday 18th March at The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, and Saturday 19th March at York Theatre Royal. Please note you need to be available 12:00 – 19:00 both days.
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On Friday 18th March, your performance will be filmed, edited and made available online.
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For creatives based outside North Yorkshire we have limited travel and accommodation bursaries available for those artists wanting to perform in Queer Spaces: Live! Feel free to email hello@rootstouring.com if you have questions.
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You must attend a one-hour rehearsal at one of these locations and times:
09:00 - 17:00 Thurs 10th March, Scarborough Library.
Noon - 21:00 Fri 11th March, Boroughbridge Library.
09:00 - 15:00 Sat 12th March, Thirsk Library.
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You must attend a second one-hour rehearsal at The Barn, Tadcaster, on one of these dates and times:
09:00 - 16:00 Mon 14th March
09:00 - 15:00 Tues 15th March
0900 - 1600 Weds 16th March
09:00 - 1500 Thurs 17th March
Creative Team
Queer Spaces: Live! is led by Steven Atkinson (Producer), Frazer Flintham (Dramaturg) and Ali Pidsley (Director). The creative team are there to support your storytelling, your performance, and aid your career development as a content maker.
Steven Atkinson (he/him)
Steven leads Roots and specialises in developing new theatre and film created by diverse creatives. He has recently produced theatre with Original Theatre, Sheffield Theatres, Soho Theatre and Theatre Centre, and films with the BFI. As founder/CEO of the new writing company HighTide, he produced with theatres including the National Theatre, The Old Vic, Young Vic, Royal Court Theatre and theatres across the UK.
Frazer Flintham (he/him)
Frazer recently wrote INTO THE NIGHT (‘An entirely new dramatic genre’ The Guardian). His previous work includes ASTLEY’S ASTOUNDING ADVENTURES (New Vic Theatre) and GENESIS (Soho Theatre).
Ali Pidsley (he/him)
Ali is a freelance Theatre Director & Maker from Yorkshire. He is a founder and co-runner of Barrel Organ Theatre, for whom he has directed award-winning productions NOTHING and SOME PEOPLE TALK ABOUT VIOLENCE.
Questions?
We’re very happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Please feel free to contact Steven on hello@rootstouring.com or tweet us @rootstouring
Thank you for your interest!