Exclusive Interview: Queer Chaos Co-Founder Aaron Paulley, 03 December 2024

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Queer Chaos cofounder Aaron Paulley to discuss the artistic vision of this exciting soon-to-be nonprofit. He and cofounder Lisa Tricarico are kicking off their queer-focused theatre company with The Merry and Gay Cabaret on Friday December 20 at 8pm at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s (click here to be redirected to the Queer Chaos website for ticket information). Paulley and Tricarico envision the company producing a mix of cabaret performances, new works, and unique takes on already established pieces with predominantly queer playwrights, directors, actors, creative staff, and crew. Now more than ever, the queer community needs spaces where they are not just seen, but celebrated – and unequivocably safe and loved.

The origins that Paulley expressed for the need for this kind of space were touching and personal, rooted in a past with limited options to feel loved for and within the queer community. The broader world also seeks this kind of unconditional acceptance, and Queer Chaos desires to amplify opportunities for people beyond the LGBT community whose voices are underrepresented, including people of color and people who live with disabilities. The upcoming season is not set in stone beyond The Merry and Gay Cabaret, and there will be lots of opportunities for community involvement. Paulley stated that Queer Chaos’s most pressing next steps are solidifying nonprofit status, recruiting board members with expertise in fundraising, and creating a network of queer artists, all of whom will have a photo displayed on the Queer Chaos website. This photo gallery will function as a database for other theatre companies seeking queer talent in various capacities. This resource is expected to impact not only the individual artists, but also the authentic portrayal of queer characters on stage in other theaters, with the sincere hope that the safety and inclusion Queer Chaos intends to create can be spread to benefit artists everywhere and the industry at large.

Towards the end of our interview, I asked Paulley what the community can do to best support Queer Chaos. He emphasized that creating a safe and inclusive space starts with the community buying tickets to support current and future endeavors. Not only do ticket sales support Queer Chaos financially, but having the performers perform before a full audience solidifies the value of embracing LGBTQ+ voices with stories to tell. A full audience energizes the performers, and reinforces support in the world at a time when being openly queer might feel precarious for some. Queer Chaos is not just an opportunity for performers – it’s also an opportunity for audience members of all identities to come together to create a larger community where they feel safe being their authentic selves, and enjoying doing so.

Tickets for The Merry and Gay Cabaret, scheduled for December 20, are on sale here. You can read more about Queer Chaos on their website.

Pages on Stages review of The Merry and Gay Cabaret coming soon!