THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ME

A Dramatic & Visual Art Program Celebrating LGBTQ+ Youth Authenticity

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
* This interdisciplinary art program is inspired by Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest), who was imprisoned in 1895 for “a love that dare not speak its name,” and aims to reexamine Wilde’s historical significance by employing his legacy of authentic self-expression and social critique through art to empower LGBTQ+ youth.
* The program invites high school and college age (14-23) LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida and nationwide to create and submit visual art or dramatic writing (monologue, scene, short play, spoken word, poem) on the program’s title theme of queer authenticity and affirmation.
* This program will launch on July 14, 2022 and culminate on October 23, 2022.
* All participants (visual and dramatic artists) will participate in a Program Orientation on Thursday July 14th (3:30pm EST).
* Youth writers will participate in a free writing workshop series conducted in August 2022 by professional artists and queer youth ambassadors from Thinking Cap Theatre.
* No prior (play)writing experience is required.
* Participants will be permitted one excused workshop absence. Any absences beyond one may jeopardize the inclusion of one's work in the October performance lineup.
* The SHOWCASE of LGBTQ youth visual and dramatic art will be presented live on Sunday, October 23rd and streamed online at a later date TBD.
* Visual art format may include photography, digital art, painting, fashion, sketch, sculpture, etc.
* Visual art submissions from out of state will be featured in an online digital gallery; local submissions will be exhibited for viewing at MAD Arts.
* Participants under the age of 18 will need parental/guardian permission to participate.
* This program is made possible by Our Fund Foundation, MAD Arts, and World Aids Museum.

KEY DATES

ORIENTATION SESSION FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
Thursday July 14, 2022 | 3:30pm-5:00pm EST via ZOOM

PLAYWRITING WORKSHOP & REHEARSAL DATES
Tuesday August 2, 2022 | 3:30pm-6:00pm EST via ZOOM
Thursday August 4, 2022 | 3:30pm-6:00pm EST via ZOOM
Tuesday August 9, 2022 | 3:30pm-6:00pm EST via ZOOM
Thursday August 11, 2022 | 3:30pm-6:00pm EST via ZOOM
Saturday September 10 & Sunday September 11 | Time TBD via Zoom (Rehearsals)

NOTE: Participants will be permitted one excused workshop absence. Any absences beyond one may jeopardize the inclusion of one's work in the October performance lineup.

VISUAL ARTS SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Sunday August 28, 2022

IMPORTANCE OF BEING ME EXHIBIT, PERFORMANCE & RECEPTION
Sunday October 23, 2022 1:00pm - In person at MAD Arts Space, Dania Beach, FL
Performance to be streamed at a later date online.