The Louies Make Their Mark

For years, Uppity was known for its groundbreaking Alternate Cutreents/Direct Currents Series that presented emerging and established solo and ensemble performers. In 2001, based on interest in the community, we decided to focus on assisting interested professional and amateur actors in the community in expressing their own voices and founded "The Louies."

"The Louies" is a workshop for gay men from the St. Louis area in which they develop original theatrical pieces based on their life experiences. Under the direction of Joan Lipkin, Artistic Director and in collaboration with guest artists such as J.T. Ricroft, Adam Rosen and Karen Werner, members of the group engage in conversation, writing, sound and movement, and theatrical exercises as a foundation for creating work. Through the workshops and performances, The Louies create greater awareness about gay male culture and provides a powerful medium to display the talent, creativity, and experiences of this group of men to the rest of the St. Louis community.

Last season, The Louies offered performances at various venues throughout St. Louis including the Tap Room, the Ethical Society, the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill, Focal Point and Washington University. They were also featured artists in the Gateway Men's Chorus spring concert, "Expressions of Hope" at Union Avenue Church.

Their performances include pieces about Internet chat rooms, early childhood fantasies, relationships with fathers, PFLAG moms, and even a three minute comedic operetta.

In the fall, Louie members Daniel Logan and Rich Scharf along with Suzanne Peebles, Jackie Marshall and Sarah Shimshick collaborated with PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Family of Lesbians and Gays) and GAY (Growing American Youth) to offer workshops and create new theatrical pieces. A performance featuring all three groups is planned for the spring of 2004.