The arts community is waiting for you!
Will you let your creative self out of the closet in 2017?
The beginning of every new year invites us to indulge in a bit of dreaming. Will you play in a band? Act in a play? Sing in a choir! Or maybe you will help out in the wings and enjoy the arts from behind the scenes (and attend some fabulous wrap-up parties).
To help you with your grand design for this coming year, we’ve collected a few of the more active and popular LGBTQA Arts Groups from around the lower mainland. We’ve included the website for each group, so please visit and connect with them directly. They’re waiting for you!
1. I’m ready to get out of the shower and sing on the risers!
OUT IN HARMONY
Out in Harmony’s website states that they welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, creating a fun and safe community where individuals are free to be themselves, as well as encouraged to stretch themselves musically. There are no auditions, and no previous musical experience is required. Out in Harmony welcome new members at any time during the year, so feel free to drop by.
Rehearsals are held at 7:30 PM on every Tuesday from September until June at St. Margaret’s Cedar Cottage Anglican Church, 1530 East 22nd at the corner of Dumfries Street in Vancouver (close to the intersection of Knight and Kingsway).
Always looking for volunteers, who will be able to hear concerts for free in exchange for helping out with concert tasks. If you would like to volunteer at a concert, please contact [email protected] .
Website: http://outinharmony.org
VANCOUVER MEN’S CHORUS
The Vancouver Men’s Chorus is one of Canada’s premier singing ensembles and Canada’s first gay chorus. For more than 30 years, they’ve delighted audiences locally and abroad. At the core of the Chorus’ achievements stands its contribution to the creation of new repertoire for men’s and mixed voices.
The Vancouver Men’s Chorus accepts new members in January and September each year. Don’t be shy—if you’re interested in becoming involved, here’s some of the information that you’ll want to know: http://www.vancouvermenschorus.ca/about-the-vmc/joining-the-vmc/
Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 7:30pm to 10:00 pm. at the Vancouver Academy of Music – 1270 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.
2. I want to become a thesbian!
LEAPING THESPIANS
Leaping Thespians is an award-winning woman’s theatre company bringing stories of queer lives to anyone who wants to watch. The company has written five original shows and has produced variety shows and acts with other groups in Vancouver.
To become a Leaping Thespian or to help out on stage or behind the scenes you are invited to contact them and describe your interests. You may just be the person they need.
Website: http://www.leapingthespians.com
LITTLE BASKET THEATRE
Located in Vancouver, Canada, Little Basket Theatre Company’s mandate is to provide theatre that is rich with stories focusing on women. Through comedy, drama, one-act and full-length productions, Little Basket Theatre hopes to bring to the stage strong, dynamic female characters with the help of experienced and emerging artists.
Call for more information: Phone:604-446-4750
Website: http://www.littlebaskettheatre.com/
THE FRANK THEATRE
the frank theatre company / Screaming Weenie Productions is a theatre company based in Vancouver. They produce and promote queer and sex positive performance, facilitating a stronger Queer community by creating and encouraging the performing arts and artists.
Their website goes on to explain how they strive to create greater positive public awareness and acceptance, through the performing arts, of individuals and groups outside of sexual and gender norms.
The Frank Theatre Company is looking for awesome volunteers to fulfill a variety of tasks in the office, during productions and out in the community, including translator, active listener, and admin support.
Website: http://thefranktheatre.com
3. Actually, I really just want to help out and get involved
VANCOUVER QUEER FILM FESTIVAL
Volunteers are the backbone of every part of Out On Screen and make the Vancouver Queer Film Festival and Out in Schools possible. Volunteers are recognized with one film ticket for each five hours of logged volunteer time, up to a maximum of 15 tickets. Plus there’s an awesome wrap-party after the Festival each year.
Website: http://queerfilmfestival.ca/volunteer/
THE QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL
The Queer Arts Festival (QAF) is an annual artist-run multi-disciplinary summer arts festival at the Roundhouse in Vancouver, BC. Recognized as one of the top 5 festivals of its kind worldwide (Melbourne Sun Herald), QAF produces, presents and exhibits work with a curatorial vision favouring challenging, thought-provoking work that pushes boundaries and initiates dialogue.
Volunteer for the QAF is a great way to help out and, if you’re an artist, connect with local, national and international queer audiences and colleagues. All volunteers receive an all-access rush pass for QAF performances and there’s a grand party on closing night just to celebrate your participation!
4. But wait! I have a tuba!
RAINBOW CONCERT BAND
The Rainbow Concert Band is a group dedicated to providing an outlet for Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered and Bisexual people who are looking for a safe and supportive environment to practice and perform music. They are always looking for new members so if you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument and can read music, they want to hear from you. All ages and abilities are welcome with no audition required.
Their website tells us that at the moment they are particularly interested in trombone, flute and french horn players (though any instrument is welcome), and you are invited to come out soon to a rehearsal and either sit in and play with the band for an evening or listen and have a chance to chat with current band members.
They are also often on the lookout for interested volunteers for other roles, both musical and behind the scenes.
Rehearsal: Thursday, 7:15pm and ends at around 10:00pm. Please arrive early to help set up and be ready to play at 7:15pm. The Cedars in Beulah Gardens in East Vancouver.
3355 5th Ave E, Vancouver, BC (5th Ave near Rupert).
Website: http://www.rainbowband.ca/
