About the Festival
A message from the founders:
Laser Webber and Maddox Pennington
We knew it was coming, but here we are—for nearly five months, the Harry Potter play is playing right in the middle of Hollywood. And people are going, and they're going to advertise it everywhere, and that's just what is happening.
We love fantasy. We love magic. We truly do. But JK Rowling has said some stuff about the trans community that we really disagree with. Things that have been quoted in legislatures. Things that have been repeated to us and our friends. She wrote Harry Potter, and now when I see things related to Harry Potter, I am sad.
But I have always been the kind of person who takes bad feelings and turns them into action, so now I present you with: THE JOY WHO LIVED, a trans performing arts festival in Los Angeles, running from Trans Day of Visibility (March 31) through April 26. This festival will be a celebration of plays (like the Harry Potter play, but you know, by and starring trans folks—you could see these instead?). There will be also be comedy, there will be music. If you go to the Harry Potter play, you're welcome to come. Promise.
Accessibility
Accessibility in all forms is important to us and a joy to enable, so as many folks as possible can enjoy the festival! If there’s a specific way we can help you navigate a space so you can just show up and be in community, feel free to email petey@joywholived.com and we’ll help you out.
Q: Wheelchair Accessibility?
A: Absolutely. Below is info on all 9 of our venues. Feel free to let us know at ticket purchase or by emailing petey@joywholived.com if you need accessible seating and we’ll make sure you’re good to go!
Dynasty Typewriter
The venue is stair free from sidewalk to showroom, and bathrooms are ADA compliant. Though seating is generally first come first served, Dynasty’s happy to reserve companion seats to accompany a wheelchair space! Please feel free to contact them directly if you like with the size of your party: contact@dynastytypewriter.com
Broadwater Second Stage
The lobby, audience, stage and backstage are all wheelchair accessible. ADA Compliant bathrooms are located through the backstage entrance of the Second Stage.
McCadden Theater
The venue is stair free from sidewalk to showroom, and bathrooms are ADA compliant. All bathrooms are located through the back of the building.
Lyric Hyperion
The venue is completely wheelchair accessible from the street to seating with ADA compliant restrooms.
The Elysian
The main theater is completely wheelchair accessible, but please note the lobby leading into the theater is on a slightly steep uphill grade. Concessions and bathrooms, while ADA compliant, must be accessed from outside the building through the shop next door. They are working on a ramp and apologize for the inconvenience!
The Vault at The Elysian (Monthly Halloween Party Only)
This smaller space has a 3ft wide door - if more space is needed it is also accessible through the main door. Concessions and bathrooms, while ADA compliant, must be accessed from outside the building through the shop next door. They are working on a ramp and apologize for the inconvenience!
Cat's Crawl (Passion of the Cut Sleeve only)
The venue is completely wheelchair accessible from the street to seating, with ADA compliant restrooms.
Greenway Theatre (LGBTQ Storytelling Showcase only)
Greenway has a parking lot next door with accessible parking spaces. To access the venue (whose main entrance is up a flight of stairs) follow signs from the parking lot near the back of the building for their side entry. The rest of the space and bathrooms are fully accessible.
UCB (QTs presents JOY! only)
This venue is step-free, with two spots in the theater reserved specifically for wheelchair users—able to accommodate more in the front row. Due to the narrow, busy street for ticket lineup, the ticket line is not wheelchair-friendly, and bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible on account of small size.
MCCUCC of the Valley (You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown only)
The venue is completely wheelchair accessible from the street to seating, with ADA compliant restrooms. There are accessible parking spaces out front as well.
The Clubhouse (some workshops)
Unfortunately, these workshops are located up a flight of stairs. We quite apologize for the inconvenience.
Q: ASL?
A: Six shows across our festival will have ASL Interpretation by queer interpreters. Thanks to the wonderful Sher Smith for helping coordinate 🙏🏻
3/31 - 7:30pm - Gentlemen's Club at Dynasty Typewriter
4/4 - 8:30pm - A Streetcar Named Desire at McCadden Theater
4/6 - 6pm - There is Evil in This House at McCadden Theater
4/8 - 8pm - Spice Up Your Sex Life Til It Burns at Broadwater Theater
4/27 - shows at 2pm, 7pm - You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown at MCCUCC
Q: Masking?
A: Heck yeah. Most of our shows require masks - check out the icon in the show’s description. We are pleased to be partnering with Mask Bloc LA, a mutual aid org donating masks for our festival’s run. We will also be providing air purifiers at our venues for performers.
Q: Streaming?
A: Yes! Can’t make it to the theatre for any number of reasons? We got you covered. Most shows will be livestreamed, with clear, multi-cam professional cameras. These livestreams will also be available until the end of April, for watching at your leisure.
Q: Ticket Pricing?
A: Yes! Most shows offer sliding scale pricing for better accessibility to more shows at all budget levels. 100% of ticket sales go directly to the trans creators of that show/workshop.