Coming Out Monologues auditions coming up

By Riley Hill

Starting this Saturday, the Student Success Centre will begin auditions for the third annual Coming Out Monologues, a celebration of sexual diversity held at the University of Calgary. The event features various artistic performances exploring Calgary’s queer community. Auditions will be held in the Women’s Resource Centre. 


The show, which will be premiering on March 13, features various monologues about personal experiences with questions regarding sexuality. “Allies” also speak, sharing stories about friends and family who have dealt with these issues. 


Show director Aleesha Bray said anyone interested should come audition. 


“No stage experience is required,” says Bray. “We have monologues there, at the audition. It’s all drop in, you don’t have to book or anything. You can come sit, have a cup of tea, read over [the monologues] and find one that you’re comfortable with.”


According to Bray, everyone is encouraged to participate in any way they feel comfortable. 


“You can audition for the monologues or the artistic performances,” says Bray. “You can be a student, staff, faculty or community member. Last year we had ages ranging from 17–76 for our performers. Everyone is welcome.” 


Bray explains that in addition to the performances, the event will feature a photo booth and a wishing tree where people can leave messages of support.


The first Coming Out Monologues happened at the University of California Riverside in 2007. It has since spread to university campuses across Canada and the United States. 


The auditions will be taking place on Jan. 26, Jan. 28 and Jan. 30. Tickets will be available for the performance in March starting in February, and 50 per cent of sales will go towards the Calgary Sexual Health Centre.