Western Canada’s longest running Queer writers’ and performance showcase is back again with the "Let me be Perfectly Queer" Loud & Queer Cabaret.

Since its inception in 1991, the Loud & Queer Cabaret has produced dozens of writers, performers, musicians and theatre hits with artists from all over Canada and the U.S, according to co-creator and writer/producer Darrin Hagen of Guys in Disguise fame.

"It’s an event to showcase queer artists, and we ask for your best 15 minutes," Hagen explains. "Whether it’s poetry, plays, music, dancing, drag, spoken word, comedy or even belly dancing – we will put your best 15 minutes on stage."

The Loud & Queer Cabaret has been blazing trails for queer arts and culture for over 20 years and, as Western Canada’s longest-running gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer performance cabaret, and it has debuted more than 300 works while launching the careers of emerging writers.

"We have been fortunate to premiere new works from some of Canada’s most renowned talents while discovering up and coming artists. It’s an incredible opportunity for writers to hear their words in front of an audience, and receive that imperative feedback, and use it as a launch pad before they move on to other festivals."

While a lot may have changed in the past 20 years, the Loud & Queer Cabaret has grown into itself, and now boasts two full nights of talented works with 15 new pieces each night divided into three acts.

"The quality of the work over the years has been remarkable and this year is no different. What’s really exciting this year is we should be able to have 30 unique pieces of art with no repeats over the two nights," he adds. "Many artists over the years have gone on to national and international success with the pieces they premiered with us."

Hagen says they have been able to collect some of the best and most inspirational pieces over the years and put them together in an anthology called "Queering the Way".

From the Loud & Queer Cabaret archives, the book features some of the most memorable pieces from monologues to cabarets to one-act plays. The anthology has received accolades from all over the globe regarding its diversity of the LGBTQ experience at the heart of the collection. Those who have reviewed it have said "voices ring out with stories and perspectives that will make you laugh, cry, and glow with pride".

Hagen says those who loved the anthology will also love the cabaret, and vice versa.

"It’s really a wonderful piece of reading loaded with talent and inspiration," he says.

Curated, directed and hosted by Edmonton’s most famous diva, Hagen says Loud & Queer features the best from new and familiar GLBTQQ voices from the queer performing arts community. This year’s event is being produced by Guys in Disguise, Fringe Theatre Adventures and Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre and takes place November 7 and 8 at Fringe Theatre Adventures in Edmonton. Please visit for more information. Submissions are now closed.