Gay Games Seeks Talent

For those who have dreamed of performing to a packed stadium in front of a live television audience, the Gay Games opening and closing ceremonies might be that break-out opportunity of a lifetime.

Chicago Games, Inc., the organizers of the 2006 Gay Games VII Sports & Cultural Festival, issued a call for talented individuals across a spectrum of performance categories for participation in the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2006 Gay Games. Gay Games VII will take place July 15-22, 2006. The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 15, at the 60,000 seat Soldier Field and the closing ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 22, at the 40,000 seat Wrigley Field. Both ceremonies will be produced by Chicago-based Jam Productions, Ltd, and will be carried live by the Q Television Network throughout the USA with international live and taped feeds.

The global search for talent is on and the doors are open to enthusiastic and talented individuals interested in participating in the spectacular field performances being planned for these ceremonies.  "If you've ever wanted to perform before tens of thousands of people in a huge stadium, this is a powerful opportunity," said Kile Ozier, Ceremonies Director. "The Gay Games is a rare chance for the world to experience internationally famous entertainers along with an entire spectrum of athletes, artists and performers in an environment focused on societal change through sport and culture. We are seeking a diverse and highly talented pool of artists from which to draw performances that people will remember for a lifetime."

Ozier, who delivered the Gay Games 1994 opening and closing ceremonies in New York, is known for the creation of compelling spectacle in civic arenas, stadiums and theme parks. He is gathering an accomplished corps of choreographers and dance community icons to collaborate with him in the creation of powerful field performance for the 2006 ceremonies.

Already on board are Joel Hall, creator and director of the legendary Joel Hall Dancers, and Kevin Iega Jeff, founder of the Deeply Rooted Dance Company; both of Chicago.  Broadway choreographer and former Radio City Rockette Michele Lynch has joined the team. Lynch brings worldwide experience choreographing Broadway touring productions and was a part of the crew for the 1994 Gay Games.

All types of artists are asked to participate in this call. The primary focus during the first round of review will be on talented dancers, gymnasts, aerialists and performers of movement.  All artists should submit their CV and demo disc (CD or DVD) to Kile Ozier, Ceremonies Director, Chicago Games, Inc., 4753 N. Broadway, Suite 602, Chicago, IL  60640 USA. Please, no phone calls, emails or faxed documents. Submitted materials will not be returned. Artists who may have submitted unsolicited materials previously should resubmit their materials in the identified format.

For information about the Federation of Gay Games, go to www.gaygames.org. Gay Games VII takes place in Chicago from July 15-22, 2006. For information about the Chicago Gay Games, including details about how to register, go to www.GayGamesChicago.org.