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I AM

@iam.danceplay

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❤️‍🔥a trans punk dance-play honoring the magic + trials that make up trans lives.
🧠created by @reigndrop333
⚡️working on the next phase…

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Many of you may not know, but this story is actually inspired by my family’s history in Chicago! My Uncle Billy lived on the North Side of Chicago working in the late 80s. One night on the way home, he was taken from us too early. I never got the chance to meet him, but my mom has shared stories of how special he made her feel as a young person and how connected they were. In 2021, I came out as trans. I felt this internal nudge to learn more about him and could feel something deeper was there, so I asked my family about him. He is the only other person in my family that was out as queer. We shared the passion of drumming and I still have his snare and sticks that were gifted to me by his brother, my grandpa. I’m so grateful I heard that call from my Uncle Billy when I was figuring out what being gay was all about. I’m so honored to let him live on through this show, and hope you love our Billy (@wilde.bananas) just as I love my uncle.
xo
reign
___
Our Billy - @wilde.bananas
❤️
__
Photo by @kor_mp4 by @iam.danceplay

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3 months ago

life’s been so busy and my heart has been so full and a large part of that is the culmination of @iam.danceplay ‘s first full length presentation!! 💛 i’m so proud of this show and the entire TEAM that made it all possible. yesterday was the 38th anniversary of my uncle billy’s passing and to see my mom and nana who knew him and were moved by my interpretation and storytelling was just the cherry on top of many years of work. this has been a huge milestone for me as a working artist and damn it i’m still beaming!!! you haven’t seen the last of us by @iam.danceplay

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9 days ago

THANK YOU to everyone who came out and celebrated I AM: A TRANS PUNK DANCE-PLAY 🤘🏼❤️‍🔥⚡️ Uncle Billy would be proud. Keep following our page and follow the story as it continues to unfold. This is just the beginning! 🏁 by @iam.danceplay

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19 days ago

Last night we had a phenomenal OPENING NIGHT! Huge thank you to everyone who came last night. We have TWO fab shows for you today! Get your tickets to the ⚡️ 3pm + 7:30 pm 💛

Photo by @ubx3photography by @iam.danceplay

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20 days ago

I AM: A TRANS PUNK DANCE PLAY
🤘 September 25-26, 2026 🤘

To my wonderful cast and crew,

This is the first time I’ve written a play and had it produced. I did theatre for almost my entire childhood and took a break to study and focus on film. When Reign asked me to write this story of theirs, I was so moved and excited to make it happen. This official return to theatre for me has been an incredible journey and I’m lucky to have gone through it with you all. Honored is an understatement. You’re all so amazing at what you do and together we have created something so special! Much love and light forever and always 💕

& TO MY CHICAGO FOLK:
Tickets are still on sale!!! We especially want people at our matinee 9/26 at 3pm so use discount code ILOVEAQUEEN to take $10 off! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SHOW!!! you can find link for tix in the website in my bio!

💗💗💗

Photo 1: @kor_mp4
Photos 2-5: @ubx3photography by @iam.danceplay

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21 days ago

CHEESIN’ because it’s SHOW DAY 🤩 Get your tickets before it’s too late! Link you know where ❤️‍🔥

🪩 September 25-26
💿 @danztheatre by @iam.danceplay

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21 days ago

I know what you’re doing this Saturday ⚡️ come to our show and then go hangout in ever so cutie Andersonville! Tickets to our matinee are $10 off with code ILOVEAQUEEN 🪩💛🤩 by @iam.danceplay

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22 days ago

come experience the ups and downs, the joy and grief and the love that holds it together. this weekend is your only chance to see the show! can’t make it? you can still donate by sending a Venmo to dropchop333 ⚡️

photos by @ubx3photography by @iam.danceplay

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22 days ago

90s punk music inspiring the script and movement, what more could you ask for? I AM: a trans punk dance play premieres FRIDAY 9/25 @ 7:30p, grab your tickets! by @iam.danceplay

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23 days ago

World premiere FRIDAY at @danztheatre ❤️‍🔥 A dance-theatre story showcasing the power of building community, I AM brings people together. I AM explores how transgender people see the world and how the world sees us, starring friendly characters and honoring the lives of our trans elders. This narrative-driven experimental movement production follows Billy, a trans lawyer aiding his clients and friends as their guiding light in this dark world. I AM demonstrates that hardships are easier when faced together, and we recognize that anyone can have the light within. Life doesn’t always have to be serious, but we have to be serious about loving each other.
🤘🏽⚡️☠️
STARRING
Jean Wildest (he/they) as Billy
Cris Moreno (they/them) as Quinn
Amara Rose (she/they) as August
Daegen Michelle (she/her) as Jean Schwartz
Amy Delgado-Swanson (she/they) as Esperanza
Audrey Hartnett (she/they) as Rose

& ENSEMBLE
A’Keisha Lee (she/her)
Rene (he/him)
Rodney! (they/them)
Virginia VanDerPost (they/them)

Created, Choreographed, and Produced by Reign Drop (they/he)
Directed, Sound Design, and Intimacy Coordination by Ray VanDerPost (they/them)
Written and Co-Produced by Moon Abbott (they/he)
Assistant Choreography by Rodney! (they/them)
Lighting Design and Stage Management by Robyn Graves (they/them)
Costuming by Audrey Hartnett (she/they)
Associate Produced by Moore Kelly (he/they)
Poster by Sydney Kamuda (they/them) by @iam.danceplay

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23 days ago

a snapshot of many hours pouring into these characters and movements. premiering this weekend, @iam.danceplay’s first draft of the full-length show comes to life.

i wanna dedicate this show to my Uncle Billy. he has motivated me in this process and kept me going when things got hard.

all the work is worth it to see this community come together and support each other’s queer and trans selves. i feel like i’ve been really privileged over the past few years to build community with so many trans dancers. and while me and my friends are lucky, i know this isn’t the norm. and that’s why this is so special to me.

when you see this show, i hope you know you’re enough. you are trans enough. you are queer enough. you are talented enough. you are kind enough. you. are. enough. at least that what it’s taught me so far.

i would absolutely be honored if you supported this show by buying a ticket, making a donation, or sharing with a friend. paying trans people for their bad assery?!? ummmm, hell yeah! i can’t let this post go on without a major shoutout to THE TEAM ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 thanks you guys. let’s do this shit.

get your tickets
⚡️ spetmeber 25th @ 7:30, 26th @ 3 + 7:30
⚡️ $25 (dm for a discount code)
⚡️ @danztheatre

supported by @chicagodcase , @loganuchicago , @thodosdancechicago , and our individual donors. by @iam.danceplay

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24 days ago

The first full-length premiere of I AM is THIS WEEK ‼️ To celebrate show week, here’s a discount code to save $5 on your ticket! ⚡️ See you there?

🏳️‍⚧️September 25-26
🔮@danztheatre by @iam.danceplay

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25 days ago