Queer Utopian Theory for Transformative Change in Theatre Organizations
Queer Utopian Theory for Transformative Change in Theatre Organizations
MASTER OF ARTS IN JUSTICE STUDIES
MASTER OF ARTS IN JUSTICE STUDIES
2024
2024
ABSTRACT
Canadian theatre has the potential to incite social change but inequitable working environments within theatre organizations have hindered this prospect. The sector needs new frameworks to improve conditions for arts workers. Inspired by several scholars such as José Esteban Muñoz, Jack Halberstam, and Lee Edelman, I look to the concept of queer utopia to address inequities within the theatre sector, with a focus on the role of theatre organizations. By defining Queer Utopian Theory (QUT), analyzing calls to action in the Canadian theatre sector, and employing three focus groups, I created a Queer Utopian framework for Canadian theatre organizations to answer the research question: What is the utility of the concept of queer utopia in addressing inequities in the Canadian theatre sector? My research found that relationship building, embracing fear, and subverting socio-political norms are aspects of QUT that are of utility to organizational leaders who wish to foster equitable environments.
Canadian theatre has the potential to incite social change but inequitable working environments within theatre organizations have hindered this prospect. The sector needs new frameworks to improve conditions for arts workers. Inspired by several scholars such as José Esteban Muñoz, Jack Halberstam, and Lee Edelman, I look to the concept of queer utopia to address inequities within the theatre sector, with a focus on the role of theatre organizations. By defining Queer Utopian Theory (QUT), analyzing calls to action in the Canadian theatre sector, and employing three focus groups, I created a Queer Utopian framework for Canadian theatre organizations to answer the research question: What is the utility of the concept of queer utopia in addressing inequities in the Canadian theatre sector? My research found that relationship building, embracing fear, and subverting socio-political norms are aspects of QUT that are of utility to organizational leaders who wish to foster equitable environments.
Keywords: queer utopia, Canadian theatre, focus groups, landscaping, process design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Urgent Conversations and Calls to Action in the Canadian Theatre Sector
2.1 Urgent Conversations and Calls to Action in the Canadian Theatre Sector
2.2 Queer Utopia
2.2 Queer Utopia
Chapter 3: Methodology
Chapter 3: Methodology
Chapter 4: Theory Generation
Chapter 4: Theory Generation
4.1 Queer Utopia Theory to Address Inequities in the Canadian Theatre Sector
4.1 Queer Utopia Theory to Address Inequities in the Canadian Theatre Sector
Chapter 5: Focus Group Findings & Discussion
Chapter 5: Focus Group Findings & Discussion
Chapter 6: Queer Utopian Guide to Organizational Change in Canadian Theatre
Chapter 6: Queer Utopian Guide to Organizational Change in Canadian Theatre
Chapter 7: Conclusion
Chapter 7: Conclusion
References
References
Apendices
Apendices
Maria Zarrillo © 2025. Illustrations by @artworks_by_thorn. Website by Seaweed Studio
Maria Zarrillo © 2025. Illustrations by @artworks_by_thorn. Website by Seaweed Studio