This May GayCalgary had the pleasure of chatting with Weston Jacques, Third Street Theatre Board Member, about the roots of Third Street Theatre, what the company stands for and, most importantly, this month’s special events, which include the glamorous Stars of the Stage and Screen fundraiser.

May 30th attendees will be able to walk the red carpet dressed as their favourite actors and characters from the stage and screen, sample delicious hor d’oeuvres and drinks, be entertained by an awesome line up, and dance as Hot Mess takes the night away! A ton of prizes will be awarded for best dressed and a raffle will be sold to raise funds for the company.

GC: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us and showcase a bit of the rich history of Third Street Theatre for our readers. How did Third Street Theatre begin?

WJ: Third Street Theatre was formed in June, 2012, by Paul Welch and Jonathan Brower in response to a growing concern regarding the continued negative social attitudes towards the queer community and an unfulfilled need they observed: the authentic and artful representation of queer content on our stages. As a result, Third Street Theatre has become a vehicle to artistically explore, examine, and expose both past and present social attitudes towards queer culture.

GC: What have been some of the features you have been most proud to host?

WJ: Third Street Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to the positive promotion of queer culture, stories, and voices, with a focus on production, mentorship, and the artistic development of queer and queer-minded talent. We are committed to work that engages and educates the community on relevant social issues pertaining to the often-marginalized queer community. We have had the privilege of working with many queer artists in the industry and have reached an audience who are now able to see their stories presented on stage.

GC: Can you tell us a bit about YOUth riot?

WJ: Third Street Theatre has created a program specifically for queer youth, entitled YOUth Riot. Over the course of 12 weeks, Third Street Theatre associates will facilitate a playwriting program for queer teens, helping them tell their stories through the medium of 10-minute plays. The work created in this program will culminate in a public reading festival sponsored by Third Street Theatre on May 13th, 2015 at One Yellow Rabbit’s Big Secret Theatre in Arts Commons. During the festival, professional actors and directors from the Calgary theatre community will stage the readings of the participant’s plays.

GC: Another big event this May is Stars of the Stage and Screen; what can readers expect to see?

WJ: Stars of the Stage and Screen will transform the Arrata Opera Centre into a glamorous Hollywood-themed costume ball. The rehearsal hall is the perfect space to throw a dramatic party!

GC: What makes this an event one that readers simply cannot miss?

WJ: This year four queer community organizations are joining forces to throw the party to start the summer! Velvet Cinema, Hot Mess is the DJ, and it will be the Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival After Party. In the past, we all competed for dates and audience members – this year we are changing that and joining forces! This is huge for the community! We want to help each other and make one inclusive community for everyone to enjoy! Stars of the Stage and Screen is making that possible!