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

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Maria Zarrillo © 2025. Illustrations by @artworks_by_thorn. Website by Seaweed Studio

Maria Zarrillo © 2025. Illustrations by @artworks_by_thorn. Website by Seaweed Studio