DIVERSIONARY THEATRE PRODUCTIONS INC

38 Years of Groundbreaking Theatre & Arts EducationThe mission of Diversionary Theatre is to provide an inspiring and thought-provoking theatrical platform to explore complex and diverse LGBTQIA+ stories, which influence the larger cultural discussion. Our vision is to foster and amplify the next generation of LGBTQIA+ voices by providing live entertainment in a dynamic, inclusive, and provocative environment that celebrates and preserves our unique culture.Diversionary Theatre (Diversionary) is the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ theatre in the country, founded in 1986 during the darkest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis in order to bring to light important social issues that impact the quality of life of LGBT people. Diversionary has been a beacon for a community searching for a platform to be heard for over three decades. The rapidly evolving national debate over LGBT rights, marriage equality, adoption rights, discrimination, and bullying all speak to the need for our mission, and indeed, Diversionary has been instrumental in fostering the conversation over these issues in San Diego.Diversionary is a rare, yet essential part of the American cultural landscape, and as the only LGBTQIA+ theatre in San Diego, a vital part of the communitys arts ecology. Since its inception Diversionary has produced over 150 World, West Coast, and San Diego premieres and revivals, as well as a host of arts education programs sowing cultural tolerance and a theatre-going audience of the future.Our Arts Education Program is focused on providing cross-cultural understanding around LGBT themes and providing resources for participants to gain a better understanding of themselves and the broader world in which they live. While we are a small theatre organization, we are proud of the diversity of what we are able to offer. Our education program provides arts education activities that are integrated throughout Diversionarys mainstage productions, and also provides stand-alone programming in our historic site in University Heights and in classrooms at participating schools across San Diego County.Awards and Accomplishments-WINNER of multiple San Diego Critics Circle Awards:-2019 Outstanding Lead Performance in a play for The Hour of Great Mercy-2019 Outstanding Lead Performance in a musical for Hedwig and The Angry Inch-2019 Actor of the Year, Michael Louis Cusimano and Cashae Monya-2018 Outstanding Lead Performance for Wrekless Watson for Cardboard Piano-2017 Outstanding New Play for Ballast by Georgette Kelly-2017 Outstanding Solo Performance for Shana Wride in 2.5 Minute Ride-2017 Outstanding Featured Performance for Annie Hinton in Well-2016 Outstanding Actor in a Musical for Justin Huertas in Lizard Boy The Musical-2016 Outstanding Score for a Musical for The Boy Who Danced On Air-2016 Recipient of the prestigious 2016 Don Braunagal Award for Outstanding Work -Named the #1 Reason San Diego Theatre Rocks by City Beat Magazine for 2017.-Diversionary is an economic anchor in University Heights and its resident businesses, attracting over 10,000 patrons annually to the neighborhood.-Diversionary reaches over 2,000 public school students annually, through its Student Matinee Series serving San Diego Middle High Schools and after-school program serving San Diego Elementary schools, and D-Tours free touring production which travels to school campuses and community centers accross San Diego County.-Diversionarys unique Teen-Versionary program brings together a diverse group of LGBTQ+A students to work together to produce a new show featuring important social themes.- Diversionarys Stonewall Salon is San Diegos only performing arts program specifically serving the elderly LGBTQIA+ community, a segment of our population in need of social programs as they rarely have extended family or children.