Gay Marriage Here Today is a site-specific theater project that will be produced at the University of Virginia during the week of, and culminating on October 21st, 2004. A week-long intensive rehearsal period and awareness raising precedes the final performance, which consists of an all-inclusive wedding ceremony and reception.

When I say “all-inclusive,” I really mean it. As the director of this project, I seek individuals of all persuasions and opinions surrounding the hot-button topic of gay marriage. Whether you believe that marriage for all is a civil right, or an institution that should be protected only for heterosexual partners, or an antiquated tradition that is on its way out and rightly so, all of these opinions are vital to understanding this complex and emotional topic. The opinions of every individual participating in this project will be respected and honored in the process and in the performance.

We’re not setting out on a quest to “change the minds” of our viewers with this show. “Gay Marriage Here Today” is an educational project offering a cross-section of the many points-of-view, put together in one place at one time. The project will be an expression unique to the Charlottesville / University of Virginia community, and hopefully, it will result in a community of better-informed and newly-impassioned people – whatever “side” individuals choose to take.

All of what I have described above can only happen with the help of those who are willing to express their opinions, beliefs, and realities by way performance.

This project cannot work if those who participate all hold the same belief – whatever it may be. I hope that with my solemn statement of respect for all involved parties – which all participants will agree to as well – that people will feel comfortable coming forward. This project is funded by the LGBT Resource Center, but that funding is not dependent on a particular outcome. That is to say, I and the Resource Center are united in our commitment to an egalitarian and supportive process for the sake of a fully truthful production.

So then, the project requirements are clear. I seek a mix of voices from the Charlottesville and University communities. In particular, the project would benefit from: members of the clergy, married people, domestic partners (homosexual or heterosexual), and those who have something to say about the Institution of Marriage from an intellectual and/or personal standpoint. Most importantly again, you must be willing to speak your truth as passionately as you believe in it for the performance.
(If you are not willing to perform, but want your voice heard, actors may be enlisted torepresent members of the community, using your words only.)

This project is grounded in a Christian context, because the social and political discourse surrounding it in our nation today is also situated there. This fact does not confine participants to that belief system. People of all faith backgrounds, or none, are encouraged to inform the process with their participation. Similarly, people of all class backgrounds, race and ethnicities, and gender or sexual identities are not only encouraged to apply, but are necessary to create the richest and most representative project as possible.