

Founded in 2014, Queerly is FRIGID’s annual celebration of all things artistic and LGBTQIA2S+. Queerly strives for diversity on and off stage, seeking out queer teams and artists of all kinds as well as a wide range of shows and performances. Our goal is to provide a space for queer artists who’ve rarely or never seen their identities portrayed on stage to be able to represent themselves and tell their stories their way, as well as to provide a space for queer celebration, pride, and strength. Queerly was started by Erez Ziv and then curated by Kevin R. Free for many years. It is now curated by FRIGID co artistic director Jimmy Lovett, a trans, non-binary, bisexual maker and theater artist.
Queerly is a place for self-representation, for telling the stories we want to tell, and for sharing our work with our community and beyond. Regardless of how a piece makes us feel, there is joy in artistic creation and, as we raise our heads in defiance of those who would dehumanize us, queer joy is an act of rebellion. Queerly is a place for that rebellion. In light of the barrage of anti-trans legislation across the country, we are prioritizing work by or featuring trans artists, and amplifying trans voices, trans joy, and trans rebellion, as well as work that speaks to queer resilience past, present, and future.
Applications are now open for Queerly: Then, Now, and Always
We are so excited to have the applications open for this year’s Queerly festival! The theme for this year is “Then, Now, and Always.” With this theme, we are seeking work that speaks to the ways queerness has thrived and will continue to thrive across time. This may look like queering mythology, historical fiction, science fictional, biography-based work, storytelling, queer futurism, and more. The theme is not meant to be restrictive, but rather to offer a guide post to our artists and to build an energy of queer joy, power, and perseverance. We can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Please read the festival handbook before applying!
Festival Q&As
Q: When can I apply? And when will hear back?
A: Applications are open until 11:59 on Monday, March 2nd. While we will look at applications as they come in, when we receive an application is not considered during the selection process. You will back from us no later than March 23rd.
Q: Can I apply?
Yup! There are not restrictions on applications to Queerly. Artists can apply from any city, state, or country.
Q: What kind of show can I apply with?
We accept all forms of performance, including, but not limited to, traditional plays, staged readings, improv shows, stand-up comedy, storytelling, drag shows, variety/cabaret shows, musicals, clowning shows, dance shows, musicians/bands, mixed media, film, burlesque, and performance art. The biggest restriction is simply what our venue, UNDER St Marks, can handle (for example, we cannot support any ariels). We accept non-English language and bilingual shows (please fill out the application in English, though).
Q: How long should my show be?
There is not a strict time limit on shows. That said, we strongly suggest shows be at least 35 minutes to stand alone (if we get multiple shorter pieces, we may consider arranging a double bill) and shows that run about an hour are the easiest to schedule.
Q: Do I apply with a script or a production?
A: You apply with a production. Queerly does not provide casting, directors, stage managers, or artistic team members. We may be able to help you find the folks you need to fill out your team, but you will be responsible for producing your show as a part of the festival.
Q: How do I apply? Does it cost money?
A: Just fill out the form! There are no fees associated with applying for or participating in the festival. Instead, we do a box office split to help cover the costs of producing the festival.
Q: Can I submit more than one show?
A: You can, but both will not be accepted. If you have multiple shorter pieces (under 30 minutes) that could be presented together, you can submit them as a single project.
Q: Where does the festival take place?
A: Queerly takes place in New York City at FRIGID New York’s home venue, UNDER St Marks, in the Lower East Side. USM is a 45-seat basement blackbox. Unfortunately, it is only accessible via stairs. If you’re not familiar with the space, you can see the venue details here or email office@frigid.nyc to set up an in-person viewing.
Q: What do I get being part of the festival?
A: Every production that participates in the festival will get…
- 1 to 3 performances
- One tech and front of house staff member for each performance
- One staffed tech rehearsal
- Participation in festival marketing efforts including publicity by Emily Owens PR
- Full ticketing setup, including festival ticketing and 3rd party vendor listings
- The option to stream and/or record performances
- Free tickets to other festival shows on a stand-by basis
- The opportunity to connect with your fellow queer artists
- A box office ticket split wherein the first $200 of each performance goes to the theater and the remainder is a 50/50 split
Q: Who picks the shows for the festival?
A: Jimmy Lovett, one of our resident artistic directors, curates Queerly and has done so since 2022. Jimmy is a trans-masc, non-binary, bisexual queer (just to get in as many letters as possible). They are a maker, writer, animal lover, story enthusiast, and long-time member of the FRIGID New York community.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: First, we highly suggest you review the festival handbook before applying. There are even more details about the festival timeline, what we can and cannot allow in the space, tech, and ticketing. If you still have questions, you can email us at office@frigid.nyc.
Queerly 2026 will run from June 12th through July 3rd.
Keep up with Queerly on Instagram at queerlyfestival!









We’ve also been featured in a number of publications, some of which are listed below. We’re endlessly grateful to Emily Owens PR for representing the festival.
- 100 Word Review
- All About Solo
- The Body
- Broadway World
- CBS NY
- Chelsea Community News
- The Daily News
- EDGE New York
- Gay City News
- The Hollywood Soapbox
- Lou Reviews
- NBC New York
- NY1
- New York Theatre
- New York Trend
- New York Times
- Queer Forty
- Secret NYC
- Stage & Cinema
- Stage Whisper Podcast
- TDF Stages
- Theater Reviews From My Seat
- Theatre Beyond Broadway
- Thesis on Joan Podcast
- Thinking Theater NYC
- Time Out NY
- Young-Howze Theatre Journal
Past Years
Over the years, Queerly has been honored to feature some truly incredible shows and artists.
Queerly 2025 featured…
- Beneath The Surface written by Bailey C Lewis
- Boy Meets Girl (or The Trials & Tribulations of a Queer Man Living Under A Curse) written by Chetan Rao / Nalini Sharma and produced by Boundless Theater
- Disney Single: A One-Person Show About Love written and performed by Calvin S Cato
- Clay Mommy written by Aviva Pearl Creation
- Disko Boy written by Sheila Klein and Masha Mikulinsky and produced by Amuse Bouche Company
- Drag History Hour produced by Bertha Vanayshun
- Femme In Yellow Tombola: mystical queer italian bingo written and performed by Summer Minerva
- Frigid Nighcap
- Gay Cowboys written by Ciara Hannon and produced by 11th Hour Productions
- The Gay Social Network – A One Woman Show written by Seerat Jhajj
- Glitter Uprising: A Deliciously Disobedient Queer Revue produced by Holli Hemlock
- GxDLY curated by Daddy Doyenne and produced by The Kinky Kafe LLC
- Haus of Dy-lan written and performed by Dylan Adler
- Loud & With Feeling written by Spencer Joshua Vigil
- Mary & The Shelleys produced by Alex Moon
- Paper Kraine: Do You Queer What I Queer?
- Poster Boys written by Leo Layla Díaz
- Reality Check written by Sayali Gove
- Spanglish Affair Open Mic produced by Something from Abroad

Queerly 2024 featured…
- As You Will produced by Conor Mullen
- Asexuality! The Solo Musical by Rebecca McGlynn
- A Bit Too Much Hair produced by Butch Mermaid Productions, written by Ania Upstill and William Duignan
- Calico by Kai Xing Mun
- A Drag is Born by Edu Díaz
- Flayed by Josiah Blount
- Give Me The MacArthur Genius Grant by Tarek Ziad
- The Goblin Woman by Mackenzie Krestul
- The Ho Must Go On by Phillipe Andre Coquet
- Hottie Bop
- If I Did, You Deserved It by Jess Lauricello
- Ladies at a Gay Girls’ Bar, 1938-1969 by Maggie Cee
- Paper Kraine
- Pearl Necklace: A Gay Sexcapade by Jamie Brickhouse
- RADICAL: BLACK QUEER PLEASURE produced and created by Queerly Femmetastic
- Shake the Disease by Leif Larson
- Virtue and Grace by Isabella Van Houzen
- Woo and Aah: Homecoming by Nazlah Black and Rachel Weekley

Queerly 2023 featured…
- Affirm THIS! A Fundraiser for Trans Liberation in collaboration with What Will the Neighbors Say?
- Anna May Wong: PERSONA by Kai Xing Mun
- As You Will
- At Birth by Ty Autry
- BECOMING AUSTIN NATION: From Crack to PhD – One Drag Queen’s Story by Austin Nation
- Drag Story Hour
- Funny Women of a Certain Age curated and hosted by Carole Montgomery
- Love, Chicken by Maddox Pennington
- Paper Kraine: Do You Queer What I Queer
- The Parentheses by Marissa Fleming
- A Probably Disastrous Experiment by Rachel Weekley
- The Ramón Show: Spiritual Cheerleading 101
- The Real Black Swann Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen by Les Kurkendaal Barrett
- Spent. by mik berry
- Transhumance by Ania Upstill
- Two Foreskins Walk into a Bar by Chris Thompson
- walkOver by Elena Freck
- Welcome to my UNAverse by Una Osato

Queerly 2022 featured…
- As Sylvia by Summer Minerva
- As You Will
- Big Gay Love Story, the Musical by Allison St. Rock
- Books and Burlesque: An evening of Lore and Allure presented by Fortune Cookie & Rosie Tulips
- Come What May: An Evening with Lena Horné
- Driver’s Seat by Ellie Brelis
- Funny Never Gets Old curated by Carole Montgomery
- High Amongst the Stars a performance by The Space Station
- Jackson Sturkey & The Big Turn On by Jackson Sturkey
- Josiah by Cassel Miles
- KINGS by Sam Kaseta aka Sam Bam Thank You Ma’am
- Man Up: A Show for Women by Maggie Metnick
- The Messy Show produced by Quinten Lamar
- Paper Kraine Presents: Do You Queer What I Queer
- Pocket Curiosities (Not A Pirate Show) by Rachel Weekley
- Spektorology produced by Marie Anello, Chevy Lace, and Killer Queen Opera
- Thank You For Coming Out produced by Dubbs Weinblatt and JessAnn Smith

Queerly 2020 (virtually) featured…
- The Reparations Show produced by Kevin R. Free
- ‘TASHA produced by Yusef Miller
- Desperately Seeking the Exit produced by Peter Michael Marino
- Within My Heart My Secret Lies – Excerpt from “Sissy” produced by DANA Movement Ensemble
- 1953: The Race for the Summit produced by Om Raj Raut
- Big Gay Love Story, The Musical by Allison St. Rock
- It’s Not Me, It’s You: A Paradise Lost Reimagining produced by Amancay CT Kugler
- Coming Out: A New Musical by Allison St. Rock
- The Gay Card produced by Logan Martin-Arcand
- Before We Can Make a Final Decision produced by Jonathan Edmondson
- Backup Plan produced by David Beck
- Veronica Garza – Excerpt from “I Tried” produced by Veronica Garza
- BORDERS produced by Maera Hagage and Dirty Laundry Theatre
- This Feeling produced by Invisible Disco Productions
- Performance Check produced by Conor Mullen, Tess Henry, and Jimmy Lovett
- Infemous produced by Fringe MTL
- Blessed Oil and Brown Liquor produced by Germono Toussaint
- God Loves Ya & I’m Tryin’ produced by Ron Stroman
- Improvised Buffy produced by Emily Godfrey, Matthew Woods, and Justin Harris



