ABOUT US
The Queer Shakespeare Project is an online theatre company which values itself on making a community space for LGBTQ+ artists and activists to work towards a creative project using Shakespeare's Texts.
This project was founded by a young trans man named Zach Waddington who wanted to see a positive representation in the media for his community. He also wanted a safe and accessible space for everyone to be able to work in a collaborative state throughout the rehearsal period.
Dear Actors, Musicians, Singers, Dancers, Queer People, Trans People, Allies and Everyone who may be interested,
I would like to welcome you into the world of our wonderful little theatre company, The Queer Shakespeare Project.
The Queer Shakespeare Project was founded for the need to build a space where queer and trans folk can be themselves, be creative and have a good time while finding a supportive community in an online space.
A Midsummer Nights Dream was set for our first production in 2020. As we created this performance, COVID-19 was still at its peak in many countries around the world. We knew that we needed to act fast so that our community had support around them who understood queer struggles, desires, achievements and heartbreaks that are part of our daily lives. I believe The Queer Shakespeare Project gave the people involved a sense of pride that everyone should have. especially those who are often under-represented in current-day media and entertainment.
Previously, I have worked on many projects in the community arts sector to create a space for people to have a voice and use that voice to their full advantage. This includes the work with local theatre venues, Action Transport Theatre and Storyhouse in the northwest of England. To create young peoples takeover days to share that voice with audiences including their own parents and communities around the region. Alongside this, I have studied in major drama schools including The Hammond, LIPA Sixth Form, Rose Bruford and will embark at LIPA University to study Management of Music, Entertainment, Theatre and Events.
At The Queer Shakespeare Project, we value representation and diversity as a key part of our goals and aspirations. We strive to build a policy changing company that celebrates the use of people's own unique lived experiences as part of their characterisation. This includes not only the LGBTQ+ community but also people of different races, access needs, mental health structures and theatrical abilities so that this becomes a safe space for all involved.
The Queer Shakespeare Project currently runs in the summer with an intensive 6-8 week rehearsal period. The benefits of an intensive rehearsal period resonate with the company as it requires dedication and boosts up skills in learning pieces faster, working with a cast and director, managing time and implementing a high standard and organised sense of work.
We see The Queer Shakespeare Project as not only a home for those who need one, but also a place of protest, showing others that Trans, Non-binary and Genderqueer people can play the roles of the lovers. That queer people can play role of power and significance. That the LGBTQ+ community have so much to offer the theatrical world and they should be placed into more productions in the future.
Giving people these opportunities changes lives and changes mindsets by making people see that the queer community are spectacular and their queerness adds an extra level of courage and strength to their bows. That they are desired, beautiful human beings and they all deserve respect and love.
I will always strive for everyone to feel that love and I will not stop until I think my task is complete.
I'll see you at the next audition!
Zach Waddington (He/They)
Artistic Director of The Queer Shakespeare Project.
