Welcome to The Backstage Society!
This is where we plan, organize, and run Backstage Society Showcases, which are always male-excluding and closed to the public.
What is the Backstage Society?
The Backstage Society is an RWAC project that focuses on private, femme-exclusive events that held in someone’s home and closed to the public. Backstage Showcases typically feature between 8 and 12 performers, who are hand-selected by the hosts and RWAC organizers, to perform a private, intimate show for invited guests.
Who can be invited?
Anyone who is not cis-male presenting may attend Backstage Society events! Though this space began as exclusive to women, we have since broadened the attendee list to those identifying as trans and non-binary, as well as a range of other identities. While this may include some non-women participants, the focus of Backstage events remains on privacy, intimacy, and a space that is not centered on men. For this reason, we ask cis-men and male-identifying individuals to attend our other open events.
Who can host an event?
Anyone can host a Backstage Society Showcase! We typically hold one Backstage event per season- Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The only requirements are that you have a space big enough to host 40-60 people, don’t mind people coming to your home, and have the ability to budget around $100 for supplies and food. To host a future event, please use our contact form below, and include a brief description of your space!
What’s involved in hosting?
To host a Backstage Society Showcase, the first step is to reach out to us with a brief description of your space, and 3-4 dates in the seasonal range during which you’d like to host. For example, if you’d like to host in the winter time, please include 4 weekend dates between November and February.
Additionally, you will be asked to help create a list of featured performers, with the support of an RWAC representative. This can include yourself, your friends, or people you’ve never met! There is a huge number of incredible local performers in the Triangle who may be asked to perform! You’ll be asked to help plan the event by reaching out to performers on behalf of RWAC and confirm attendance.
Finally, you will be in charge of creating the menu and vibes for the evening! For Backstage Society events we typically ask that attendants on the guest list plan to bring a food item or a drink, in order to lighten the cost and burden on the host. It is up to you whether you’d like to pick a theme, plan for specific food items, or create custom mixed drinks for the event.
Interested in Hosting?
Just fill out the form below and you’ll hear from an RWAC representative in your email! We are always looking for hosts for our seasonal showcases.
Can I contribute in another way?
Yes! If you would like to perform, contribute food or drink, or request an invitation to an upcoming event, please use the form below to send your request. Performances are generally around 15 minutes or three pieces long, and can include musical performances, poetry readings, theater pieces, and more!
