A new 2-Year Development Program designed to support the development of new Queer work. The participanting artist(s) will present a staged reading or workshop presentation in year 1. The participating artist(s) will be guaranteed a spot in either the Emerging or Open Stage in year 2, to present a staged performance.

This program was piloted in 2025, with Someone Is Lying presented as a workshop presentation, and now a staged presentation in 2026.

VOTE i FESTIVAL AWARDS

TICKETS

DESCRIPTION:

For the last three years, Jessie Walker has performed as a satirized version of the American dream in their solo play "The America Show!" Now, their country has declared that they are no longer a person... what's a queer little expat to do?

Through their unique comedic lens, Jessie looks back on their life as a queer child in the US and as a queer adult in Canada, exploring the ways borders exist between places and between people. Utilizing maps, fishing stories, and an unhealthy attachment to the YMCA, Jessie attempts to answer the question: how do you move forward when home leaves you behind?

WHAT TO EXPECT: Folks can expect conversations around topics like queerness, immigration, and family, bold characters, Americana, self-deprecating jokes, and an over-the-top soundtrack!

TEAM:

Jessie Walker

Writer & Performer

Gina Woodward

Stage Manager

Annie Valentina

Dramaturgy

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY:

We are extremely thankful to be debuting this first iteration of Fortunate Child at OutFest 2026, a big thank you to Page1, Isaac Mule, and Annie Valentina for their support.