After two successful digital runs in 2020 and 2021, Soulpepper’s Annual Queer Youth Cabaret returns for its first-ever in-person cabaret! On June 24 and 25, twelve selected artists will present short performance pieces for live audiences at Soulpepper. The Queer Youth Cabaret will be a Pride celebration like no other!

Not only will the selected artists get to perform for a live audience, they will also receive training, mentorship, and dramaturgical support from established queer artists and arts educators in the weeks leading up to their final showcase. In addition, each artist will receive a $400 honorarium for their participation in the program. 

Queer Youth Cabaret is an opportunity for young 2SLGBTQIA+ artists in the early stages of their career to develop and showcase their artistic voice in a safe and welcoming environment. 

2022 Queer Youth Cabaret: Queer Icons

Queer Icons will take us on a collective journey to celebrate and explore the histories and legacies of global Queer Icons of the past, present, and future!

Artists are free to interpret the theme in a way that sparks their creativity. Some questions to consider are:

• What does it mean to be an icon? How can the word ‘icon’ be reimagined in different ways?
• Who do you consider an icon?
• How does the queer community bestow ‘icon’ status?
• What makes queer youth iconic? This is an invitation to look inwards, at yourself and the young queer people around you.
• What are some examples of queer iconography and symbolism? Where is queerness found in culture, history, art, etc?

Who is this for? 

Soulpepper is looking for participants who: 

• Identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
• Are 30 years old and under
• Are in the early stages of their career or self-identify as an emerging artist
• Are interested in performing and expressing themselves creatively
• Will commit to all of the workshop and event dates and times listed below

No theatre/performance experience is necessary!

Program Details

Queer Youth Cabaret 2022 includes artist workshops and development, as well as rehearsals and two live performance dates. We will select 12 artists and offer each artist an honorarium of $400 for their participation.

• Educational workshops will introduce participants to various elements of performance including writing, movement, design, and dramaturgy. These workshops will also be a chance for the artists to meet and learn from industry professionals, as well as one another, in a safe and creative environment
• One-on-one dramaturgy sessions will help artists develop their work and pose questions that will push their creative boundaries
• Rehearsal time and space will be provided for artists to develop the work on their feet
• The final public showcase will take place at Soulpepper on June 24 and 25

Important Dates

Welcome session: May 9 (evening)

In-Person Workshops: optional, drop-in workshops available weekly on Monday evenings from May 9-June 13

Tech Week & Dress Rehearsal: June 22 & June 23 (evening)

Cabaret Dates: June 24 & June 25 at 7:30pm

All workshops and program activities will take place in person at Soulpepper. 

How to apply

Applications are now closed.

Please Note: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is a prerequisite for participation in any in-person programming at Soulpepper.

Queer Youth Cabaret Logo by Sama Al-Zanoon