Two years ago, we did a video piece on the amazing kids at QTET…Queer Teen Ensemble Theatre, a summer theater project for queer and questioning youth directed by Jessica Hatlo where a company of young theater makers get together to create an original theater piece from scratch. The generated work reflects the lives of the individuals that create the piece, and the very different ways they approach life as a queer or questioning young adult. The charm and intelligence of the kids involved, and the joyously creative theater they create every year are both very evident in that video. The work QTET does, and the effect it has on the kids who participate, should be supported…and, watched. It enriches not only their lives, but the life of the community as a whole.
It’s also very entertaining. The kids put on a great show every year and the title for this year’s performance, (their 6th!) “Bad@$$es: Are We Queer Enough For You?” promises something a bit spicier and “bad assier” than normal. From the QTET website:
Our 2013 production asks “When the hero you’re dreaming of never shows up, can you become your own superhero? Small town oppression won’t stand a chance against these queer youth bad@$$es!!”
In previous years, the QTET shows have been staged at Washington Ensemble Theatre, but the group has moved to Gay City’s Calamus Auditorium for this year’s production which opens this Thursday, June 27 at 7:30pm and continues through Sunday, June 30th at the same time. Seating is limited so it would be wise to to reserve tickets in advance at Brown Paper Tickets. The show is FREE for those 24 and under, and a sliding scale for everyone else, ($10 to $20).
You’re strongly urged to check it out. The kids make amazing theater. Also: that poster is pretty rad, too.