About
Queer Bites is a workshop and mentorship program for emerging LGBTIQ identifying artists. It was introduced to Shaun Parker’s annual program in 2019 as part of a wider and ongoing mission to develop emerging artists and to engage deeply with communities in which we perform. Queer Bites, Shaun Parker & Company aims to bolster new artists in their careers, build resilience for LGBTIQ artists, and continue with our tradition of building new works through research, development and collaboration.
Queer Bites is multidisciplinary and includes dancers, theatre-makers, musicians and writers of diverse ages and backgrounds. Queer Bites as first presented in association with Shaun Parker & Company’s new work KING, which had its world premiere in February 2019 as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in the Everest Theatre. The Company sought 10 Queer Bites participants through an Expression of Interest process.
Here is what several past Queer Biters have to say about the program:
“It was a wonderful opportunity to be on the floor generating material with other queer artists. Creating work quickly always brings up interesting material and is a great way to sharpen your instincts as a maker. I really valued this.”
______ Dyan Tai
“Since completing my mentorship I have stayed in regular contact with Shaun, including being employed as the Dramaturge on his upcoming inter-generational show BUBBLE. With this in mind, I have no doubt at all that the five mentees who take part in the proposed ‘Queer Bites’ program would gain a huge amount of professional, creative and personal guidance from Shaun – one of the country’s leading queer identifying artists. Knowing Shaun and his mentorship style, the relationship with the mentees will last far beyond the project timeline. Shaun remains a great teacher, supporter and source of creative inspiration (as well as occasional employer!)”
______ Felcity Nicol
“Working with Shaun Parker has helped me develop confidence in my abilities to collaborate with inter-generational teams of dancers, producers, and production crew. Shaun has helped me focus on my strengths as a writer and performance artist, allowing the content to shine. Shaun’s mentorship supported my transition from a solo artist used to working in small teams to a large-scale theatrical performer. Throughout this journey, I learned valuable skills such as time management, dramaturgical development, and the ability to communicate my vulnerabilities both on stage and as a mature individual with multiple disabilities. Shaun’s focus on my strengths and practical support, combined with his responsiveness to my unique needs as a person with lived experience of disability and trauma, were truly beneficial.
“Shaun is an organized and on-the-ball director, a present collaborator, and he dedicates 100% of his energy to his chosen artists, encouraging us to shine and develop our strengths while being honest about our challenges. His mentorship style is astute, quick-witted, and pro-active. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with artists from different generations in an interactive and positive environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Shaun Parker & Company’s Queer Bites program and mentorship!”
______ Barbarella Karpinski
