About Us

The Theater Offensive’s mission is to form and present the diverse realities of queer lives in art so bold it breaks through personal isolation and political orthodoxy to help build an honest, progressive community.

 

 

Our work provokes vibrant discussion about the realities of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Through social gatherings, soirees, workshops, and post-show discussions, the organization transcends traditional theater boundaries and opens new avenues of understanding, awareness and inclusion within queer communities as well as outside of them.
 

STRATEGY
 

At its core, OUT’hood empowers local residents to be agents for social change by embracing the concept of OUTness. OUTness is defined as being honest with yourself about who you are and sharing that openly with other people. While the term ‘OUT’ is most often associated with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement for equal civil rights, the concept of OUTness resonates far beyond the LGBT community – especially in areas with high levels of racism, poverty and violence. Through lively public dialogue, OUT’hood will help empower neighbors to stay true to themselves, as well as create safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.
 
OUT in Your Neighborhood involves three types of programs:
 

The Theater Offensive artists work with community members to help them create original performances based on their own experience and present it in a showcase to their peers. This could happen in a modest way with a workshop that lasts a few hours or in a more serious way with an intensive workshop series lasting up to three weeks.
 

Theater Offensive engages nationally renowned artist to get stories and input from people in our neighborhoods to use in creating their shows. Then we work with local groups, businesses, and neighbors to present a production of the show back in the neighborhood.
 

Boston’s neighborhoods are rich with ethnic and local festivals, community organizations and businesses. We collaborate with them to cultivate a vibrant and culturally competent LGBT presence in these venues.
 
OUT In Your Neighborhood programming reflects the diversity of the city of Boston, gives voice to underserved LGBT community members, creates avenues for cross-cultural dialogue and breaks down the barriers of homophobia, bigotry and hate.