QWAA
QWAA is WAA’s affinity group for queer identities.
OVERVIEW & MISSION
QWAA — Queer WAA — is WAA’s affinity group for queer identities.
QWAA Co-Chairs hosting the affinity session at the 2021 WAA conference
PROGRAM HISTORY
QWAA, established in 2021, is one of WAA’s newest affinity groups. QWAA hosted its first affinity session virtually during the 2021 hybrid conference in Portland, offering WAA’s LGBTQIA+ community an open and equitable space for connection and space to discuss individual and collective experiences in the performing arts sector.
The QWAA committee also provided input on 2021 conference programming; Centering Queer Work, A Critical Look brought together a panel of queer artists and arts leaders to share their perspectives on creating sustainable careers beyond the opportunities typically available during Pride month.
Centering Queer Work panel at WAA 2021
Centering Queer Work panel at WAA 2021
MEET THE QWAA CO-CHAIRS
QWAA is co-chaired by WAA board members Joseph Copley and David Mack.
Joseph Copley (he/him)
Associate Director of Artistic Planning — ODC/Dance | WAA Board Director
Joseph comes from a performing arts background, having danced professionally with Oakland Ballet, Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, Amy Seiwert’s Imagery, Dance Through Time, Robert Moses’ KIN, Madison Ballet, San Francisco Opera Ballet, and on and on.
"Blessed with both stage presence and striking technique, he whipped off cabrioles, tour jetés, tours en l’air and a coupé jeté menège with no break. His entrechat quatres and brisé volés were embroidered with épaulement. Even when he was just standing, his back to the audience, his powers of expression were impressive." (Dance Magazine)
"A Greek God." (New York Times)
After a career-ending injury, Joseph received a Next Generation Arts Leadership Grant to attend business school at City College of San Francisco. Hired as Company Manager at ODC/Dance in 2013, he is now the Associate Director of Artistic Planning, and oversees programming ODC’s 52 weeks of artistic activities.
Outside of ODC, Joseph is the president of the board of directors for the Isadora Duncan Dance Awards & Dance Through Time, sits on the Entertainment Committee of the BatterySF, is a member of the Dance/USA Dance Managers’ Council, and is on the advisory committee for Mark Foehringer Dance Project. He is a panelist for the San Francisco Arts Commission, is an alumni of Leadership SF, volunteers for political causes, and produces events at San Francisco street fairs, night clubs, and festivals.
During COVID, Joseph has transitioned his skills to become a sought after designer, producer, and host for virtual events in the cultural sector.
David Mack (he/him)
Executive Director — Joe Goode Performance Group | WAA Board Director
David has managed some of California's most innovative dance, opera and theatre companies for over a decade, including: The Industry, Joe Goode Performance Group and Watts Village Theater Company. Additionally, he has consulted for a variety of performing arts organizations, including: Center Theatre Group, L.A. Dance Project, DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion, and Ate9 Dance Company.
As a volunteer, Mack has served on the boards of several arts organizations, including: the Dance Resource Center, LA County Department of Arts and Culture Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative Advisory Committee, and Theatre Producers of Southern California.
In addition to being a WAA board member, Mack also serves on ArtEquity’s National 2021 BIPOC Leadership Circle.
He is also the Founder and Strategic Executive Officer of Artist Magnet, a social network for theatre people (which includes Theatre Magnet, a consulting firm for emerging arts administrators, and the Artist Magnet Justice Alliance, an advocacy, professional development and fiscal receivership firm for emerging arts ensembles)