Entertainment for a Cause
Queer Youth Initiative #2 - Entertainment for a Cause - This is a youth led effort granting participants the opportunity to learn how to lead entertainment for a cause efforts, gain live performance experience, show coordination, and much more! Partnering with local Rocky Horror Picture Show troupe, Riff Raff's Street Rats, youth will create an event including finding a space, advertising, rehearsal, day of coordination and performance, and all of the little steps involved in this big process. There are tasks for all abilities and interests!
If live entertainment is your vibe, this is the initiative for you.
This effort needs youth with interests in:
live performance
show planning and coordination
advertisement
fundraising
recruitment
negotiation
and soo much more!
Please consider submitting your interest form if any of this is appealing to you. It takes a small army to create and put on shows. This is your chance to shine in the spotlight or even back stage, and develop skills that will look great on your resume!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS) initially received extremely negative feedback when it first debuted. However, RHPS continued to air with an increasing following and ever increasing participation from the crowd at screenings. Eventually, this participation resulted in the formation of shadow casts to carry on the tradition of dressing up and interacting with the film. This tradition of pairing the screening with live entertainment continues today.
RHPS's initial negative reception can mirror the historical experience of many in the Queer community. As is also true of many in our community, the show continued on in its authentic way and gained a loyal following. Let's continue to reclaim the narrative and celebrate owning your true identity without shame. RHPS embodies this fervent strengths of character and self celebration.
In the Puget Sound area there are several Rocky Horror Picture Show casts, including the longest running shadow cast in the country the Tacoma Blue Mouseketeers. While the Blue Mouse Theater group is engaged in other efforts, including touring and trips to Reno, NV, the spirit of Frank-N-Furter (originally cast by Tim Curry) is strong in our area. One of these groups, Riff Raff's Street Rats, from the peninsula, is partnering with HDP to give our youth a unique experience in learning about this cult classic and live entertainment.
Often times these screenings, especially locally, raise funds for local efforts to increase gender equity, LGBTQ education, and continue to provide this classic form of entertainment that has been going strong for nearly 50 years (since 1975)! This Queer Youth Initiative will introduce participating youth to all of the elements that go into creating and coordinating one of these screenings.
Not every youth that wants to be involved has to perform, either. There are many tasks that go into putting on shows. This is a great opportunity to get started in live arts and entertainment!
Complete the interest form to participate in this Queer Youth Initiative by clicking here!
Please reach out to Abby White with any questions about Queer Youth Initiative #2 - Entertainment for a Cause.
Hope Development Practice was selected along with 12 other agencies in Washington state as recipients of the Pride Foundation's LGBTQ Youth Initiative grant!
We are using these funds to promote young leaders in the LGBTQIA2+ community, assist them in skill and experience development, and further the conversation on social and health issues relevant to our mission to bring safer communities to Washington through healing. We have designed two Queer Youth Initiatives (QYI) thus far, and are seeking participants from the community for these.