Community Musical Theatre: The Queer Experience

This arts-based research study explores the lived experiences of 2sLGBTQIA+ individuals in community musical theatre. Conducted through auto-ethnography and four semi-structured interviews, culminating in a full-length musical production, the research uncovers themes of friendship, identity, exclusion and systemic power imbalances. Contrary to popular belief, these community spaces are not always inclusive or safe. Nevertheless, they still offer the closest thing to refuge for many who seek a place they can belong. This study challenges the assumption of inherent safety in theatre spaces and calls for more research and reform to ensure truly inclusive environments for every community member.