The Theater Offensive

Today, we express our deepest gratitude and bid farewell to our Director of Programs, Tonasia Jones! Tonasia rejoined the TTO team in May 2020, stepping in during the pandemic and one of the most challenging periods for our programming. Over the past five years, they have been instrumental in revitalizing TTO’s work—bringing programming back to both virtual and in-person spaces, co-developing a new curriculum for True Colors programming with Jo Michael Reyes, expanding the programs department from a one-person team to four, and creating and reimagining core initiatives such as the Emergent Artist Residency Program, True Colors Program, and Queer (Re)Public. Their leadership also embedded TTO’s Queer Aesthetic values into artistic processes, both internally and externally. Tonasia has fostered and led key partnerships with organizations including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Company One Theatre, National Performance Network, Boston Public Library, Boston Public Schools, IMPACT Boston, and Double Edge Theatre. They also maintained a portfolio of artists, donors and funders with record numbers of engagement at TTO– building crucial relationships that directly contributed to the organization's success. Under Tonasia’s programmatic vision and leadership, The Theater Offensive secured over $600,000 in grant and corporate funding for TTO’s revolutionary programming. Additionally, Tonasia played a major role as a key collaborator on the Barr Foundation’s Arts Amplified initiative bringing in crucial funding that propelled TTO’s growth as a leader in QTPOC artmaking in Boston.? Outside of their work as a strategic leader and advocate for TTO, Tonasia acted as a thought partner for peers in the field– actively participating in significant industry cohorts, including the Queer Arts Exchange, Queer Theater Alliance, National Performance Network & Nonprofit Finance Fund’s LANE (Leveraging A Network for Equity) Cohort, and the Queer Theater Coalition. Described by many as “the heart of TTO,” Tonasia embodies emotional wholeness, liberation, compassion, mentorship, boldness, and grace—demonstrating that these values can and should be at the core of producing artistic work. We are endlessly grateful for Tonasia’s contributions and leadership, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter!

Next week we're back for another edition of Queering The Screen in partnership with The Coolidge Corner Theatre! Let's come together for a screening of Tangerine, Wednesday February 26th @ 7pm! About Tangerine: It's Christmas Eve in Tinseltown and Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) is back on the block. Upon hearing that her pimp boyfriend hasn't been faithful during the 28 days she was locked up, the sex worker and her best friend, Alexandra (Mya Taylor), embark on a mission to get to the bottom of the scandalous rumor. Their rip-roaring odyssey leads them through various subcultures of Los Angeles. Queering The Screen is a part of the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s Signature Programming and we will be hosting a post-screening chat to talk through some of the themes of the film! Grab your tickets today and join us February 26th! Tickets available here: https://lnkd.in/gU4rQumb #QueeringTheScreen #TheTheaterOffensive #CoolidgeCornerTheatre

Meet The Cast ?? We are one week away from The Best Part of Night is Black, an immersive 2-day engagement at The BCA Black Box written by UGBA (pronoun inclusive) and Directed by Zhailon Levingston (he/him)! Starring UGBA and Stetson Pierre (he/him), The Best Part of Night is Black follows Malachi and Kareem, a queer Black couple, as they struggle to survive the aftermath of a devastating loss. When their one-bedroom apartment seemingly becomes haunted, their relationship is put to the test as they live out a tale of grief, loss, and the things no one prepares us for when falling in love. We are hosting a post show story circle Friday and a talk back Saturday to share resources and build community. Grab your tickets today! ??? * Viewer discretion is advised * Tickets and more information available on our website https://lnkd.in/gCbrbxzv

EMBRACING RADICAL OPTIMISM | A message to our community from Executive Director, Giselle Byrd. In this moment, as we face the uncertainty, challenges and blatant threats brought by the new administration, We want to take a moment to honor the incredible resilience within our communities. We recognize each of you, with the wholeness and agency of your humanity.

? ONE WEEK LEFT ? The deadline to apply for the True Colors Performing Ensemble is January 31st! This program is a sanctuary for young people who are looking for a space to express their truths, build confidence, and challenge the status quo. We’re especially excited to welcome youth who identify as QTPOC, to build a new generation of theatre artists who are empowered, fearless, and unapologetically themselves. This is a paid opportunity for youth that culminates in a final performance. This week has brought negativity and anxiety to the forefront, but we will never let fear be the star in our story. We are committed to creating spaces where our voices can be heard, our art can thrive, and our identities are affirmed! Visit our website for more information!

Welcome back to another round of TTO Word Association! The word is… #TTOWordAssociation #TTO35 #TheTheaterOffensive #WordAssociation #QTPOC ?? Gio Lopez ?? Parachute Studios, Boston Editing: Aaron Campbell jr. Creative Direction: Joseph V. Porter and Hakeem Adewumi Styling: Joseph V. Porter Production Asst: Jess Ernst All jewelry by Alexis Bittar

There's still time to apply for the next Queer (Re)public Emergent Artist Residency cohort! This is a 22 month program where you will work in collaboration with The Theater Offensive to deepen your artistic practice. There are three distinct levels, so please check out the link in our bio for more information regarding the requirements and relevant deadlines. Know someone in Boston who would be a good fit? Tag them below and DM this video so they can apply! https://lnkd.in/gJ_MRik3 #BostonArtists #BostonArtistResidency #QTPOC #QTPOCResidency #QueerRepublic #TheTheaterOffensive

The Best Part of Night is Black ?? Join us for an immersive reading of this deeply moving Black Queer Horror Love Story at the BCA presented by The Theater Offensive February 7th & 8th. Written by UGBA and Directed by Zhailon Levingston, The Best Part of Night is Black follows Malachi and Kareem, a queer Black couple, as they struggle to survive the aftermath of a devastating loss. When their one-bedroom apartment becomes haunted by their past and present, their relationship is put to the test as they cling to hope despite grief, fear, and all the things no one prepares us for when falling in love. Tickets and more information available via our website https://lnkd.in/gCbrbxzv *Viewer discretion is advised*

Ready for another round of TTO Word Association? We gave our Executive Director 15 seconds to say the first things that came to mind. The word is… ?? Gio Lopez ?? Parachute Studios, Boston Editing: Aaron Campbell jr. Creative Direction: Joseph V. Porter and Hakeem Adewumi Styling: Joseph V. Porter Production Asst: Jess Ernst All jewelry by Alexis Bittar #TTOWordAssociation #TheTheaterOffensive #TTO35 #WordAssociation

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2025 with a game of word association, TTO style! We gave our Executive Director 15 seconds to say whatever came to mind! Y’all ready?? Let’s get into it! ?? Gio Lopez ?? Parachute Studios Boston Editing: Aaron Campbell jr Creative Direction: Joseph V. Porter and Hakeem Adewumi Styling: Joseph V. Porter Production Asst: Jess Ernst All jewelry by Alexis Bittar #TTOWordAssociation #TheTheaterOffensive #TTO35