VicBears is very proud to present "Man Boobs", the first of what we hope to be many projects to be made under the banner of "The ARTicle II initiative" - a trial project created to provide the Bear Community opportunities for expression and representation through the visual and performing arts.

Man Boobs is a one-act story of two men about to embark on a night of passion until issues of obesity and self-esteem overpower their sexual and emotional connection. After coming home from their fourth date, Marty (Raymond Lee) invites himself up to Spence's (Phil Webster) apartment for a nightcap. Following various attempts by Marty to get Spence into bed, Spence keeps on stalling. Will Marty be able to get Spence's clothes peeled off, or will he unintentionally get Spence to reveal something far more intimate than his naked body?

Man Boobs is an official Midsumma 2012 Event.  Proudly supported by the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men's Health Centre and is a fundraiser for VicBears Charities..

Location:

Kerynia Cafe 354 Smith Street Collingwood.

Exclusive VicBears Members Preview: Friday January 13 - 7PM

Tickets:

If you are a VicBears member, you deserve to be rewarded!
That's why we are inviting our members to see Man Boobs before anyone else.

For $25.00 you get:
* Admission to Man Boobs & Program.
* Catered supper before the show including wine, beer, champagne and espresso coffee.
* Q&A session following the show with the writer J. Julian Christopher (NYC), cast and crew.
* A warm fuzzy feeling for supporting the local artists and VicBears Charities.

Get in quickly. Strictly limited places available.  To order your exclusive VicBears preview tickets,
phone Phil on 0411 334 179

Midsumma Season: 19 - 21 January

Thursday January 19 2012- (8PM)
Friday January 20 2012- Evening (8PM)
January 21 - Matinee (4PM) & Evening (8PM)

(Please arrive 15 minutes early.     No admittance after commencement of show)

Ticket Prices:

Full: $23.00 (+B/F)
Concession: $19.00 (+B/F)
VicBears Members $17.00 (+B/F)
Tickets are strictly limited.

Buy your Midsumma Season tickets from the Midsumma booking office HERE

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About the ARTicle II Initiative.

1. What is the ARTicle II initiative?

"The ARTicle II Initiative" is a trial project co-ordinated by VicBears Inc for the purpose of providing resources and support to artists in producing and presenting pieces featuring narratives, themes and images related to “Bears” and “The Bear Community” for display to the general, wider GBLTIQ and Bear Communities.

2. Why call it ARTicle II?

ARTicle II takes its name from the second article of the VicBears' Mission Statement:

 “To promote an awareness and an attitude of acceptance within the GLBTI community and the general community to our lifestyles and our contributions to the community.”

The ARTicle II Initiative is a strategy to achieve these outcomes through the creative arts.

3. What are the key values of this initiative?

Representation: To create images, narratives and themes which are under-represented in Victoria, Australia's current cultural landscape and to provide a platform in which they may be shared and celebrated.

and

Voice: To encourage Bear (as defined by our mission statement) artists opportunities to share their own stories and ideas in their own voices

4. Who is in charge of this project?

ARTicle II is overseen by the Arts Coordinator, who reports directly to the VicBears Committee of Management.

5. How can I get involved?

All people participating in the initiative must be fully-paid and current VicBears Members.

VicBears will advertise via its website and social media when opportunities to participate including cast, extra or technical roles arise. To be added to the ARTicle II mailing list, please email arts@vicbears.org.au

6. Is ARTicle II an arts grant or a loan?

Both and Neither. Much like any other VicBears organised event, approved projects will be subject to an action plan and a budget. Large pre-approved expenses can be paid from the club's treasury. Smaller or unexpected expenses incurred may be claimed back with receipts.

7. Who owns ARTicle II events?

Creative ownership remains squarely with the original artist and/or copywrite holder.

ARTicle II events are branded as “VicBears ARTicle II” events with all fiscal proceeds generated to be directed back towards the club's treasury so it may be invested towards future ARTicle II projects or towards a mutually agreed upon charity. Directors and actors may be eligible for remuneration on a “profit-share” basis.

8. What resources are available?

Under the initiative, VicBears may be able to provide both financial and non-financial resources. Including but not limited to:

Financially: Venue Hire, Lighting Hire, Chair Hire, Registration Fees, Royalties, Costumes, Props, Sets, Marketing/Advertising.

Access to other VicBears resources – assistance in graphics and design, advertising on the VicBears website, newsletter and social media, access to VicBears' press resources, assistance in casting and finding rehearsal/studio space.

All applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

9.Who can I contact about ARTicle II?

Please send all enquiries to our Arts Co-Ordinator, Jack Chapman at arts@vicbears.org.au

10. I have an idea for a production, what can I do?

Please contact Rob Camm, VicBears President or a VicBears committee member and discuss your project. After recieving tentative approval,  you will need to submit a proposal including a working draft/statement of intention, comprehensive action plan and budget.