Meet Flynn, one of the incredible Summer Work Placements for our Production team!
Flynn (he/him) brings with him a passion for theatre, dumplings, and Beyoncé, and will be supporting the production of our major events like the Victoria's Pride Street Party.
Q: What were you doing before Midsumma?
Just this year I finished my last semester at Melbourne Uni studying a Master of Arts and Cultural Management. As part of that degree I actually wrote a thesis on none other than Midsumma itself! This project reflected not only my love for queer arts, but also the questions I’d been mulling over about how we as arts workers can meaningfully support these vital LGBTQIA+ ecosystems.
When I’m not at Midsumma you can catch me front of house managing at the Malthouse, or treading the boards in a community theatre show!
Q: Best festival experience?
This year it’s definitely been at Melbourne International Comedy Festival when I caught Reuben Kaye’s show ‘The Butch is Back’. It was actually my first time seeing this supernova live (I know I know, gay card revoked etc.)
Q: What drew you to working in the arts industry?
It’s truly a tale as old as time, but I fell in love with theatre while doing shows at highschool. That unique space of collaboration, freedom of expression, and pure excitement was like nothing I’d experienced before. I was totally addicted, and have kept at it ever since!
It wasn’t until I started taking Screen and Cultural Studies classes at uni that I realised it wasn’t just the performing that fascinated me; I was also really inspired by the critical, analytical side of the arts too. I loved learning about how different meanings are created and altered at every stage of a story’s production, distribution and reception. As part of that course I also underwent the deeply challenging ordeal of seeing a whole bunch of the most incredible films ever made. These creative experiences have allowed me to explore my identity, understand different perspectives, and create connections in a way that nothing else has.
So I guess the thought of having a job where I could facilitate these encounters for other people was just too exciting to pass up. (And selfishly I get to be around this fabulous thing that I love the most).
Q: What is your favourite song and why?
Can I be naughty and choose three? Lately Beyoncé’s trio of ‘Cozy’ into ‘Alien Superstar’ into ‘Cuff It’ is just about all I listen to. It’s relentlessly incredible. Plus they’re all back to back so that’s technically one! Right?
Q: What is the future of queer arts and culture?
Sorry to be a downer for a minute but: I feel that there’s a chance we’re entering an era where queer arts might only receive funding from government and sponsors if we remain ‘apolitical’. AKA largely inoffensive to the restrictive status quos surrounding gender norms, and family structures. I’m also conscious of prevalent transphobia in the Western mainstream. If this discourse is further legitimised queer arts might face increased controversy when telling our stories. This is especially troubling for narratives about trans experiences.
As artists and arts workers telling queer stories, we can’t afford to lose sight of the unique community connections and subversive politics that sustain us as queer people living in a heteronormative society.
Q: What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?
If I'm feeling out and about it’s probably: dumplings in Chinatown, laughing or crying (or both) at some fabulous show, and maybe a dance at Sircuit on the way home. If I’m in hermit mode it’s more like: tending to my veggie garden, lots of peppermint tea, and a quick five hour game of dnd with my besties.
Learn more about Flynn on LinkedIn.
