"Becoming a Man" in Anchorage

by E. Ross

"I was born female.

I came out a lesbian.

Then I came out transgender.

Now, with legal changes and hormones, I live my life as a man.

I identify (pretty much) as a straight man.

But, mostly, people read me as a gay man.

That's female, male, lesbian, gay, straight (but not narrow), and trans. 

I live all of those facets of my identity, and make art about them."

~ From the Desk of Scott Turner Schofield

Scott Turner Schofield, the first openly trans artist to be commissioned by the National Performance Network, is in Anchorage this week to perform "Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps" at Out North. 

"Becoming a Man" presents true stories of Schofield's personal transformation, including an army recruitment office where he tries to enlist and then 'tells', and a confrontation with his biological father.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Invited into the world of a childhood fort, the audience picks which of the 127 stories they want to hear. The stories focus on Schofield's transition from female to male, exploring his origins, childhood and young adult life as a transgender person. Sometimes funny, sometimes shockingly honesty, these scenes last from 30 seconds to five minutes, featuring multi-media storytelling, aerial acrobatics and a decoder ring.

"Becoming a Man" is rated for Mature Audiences due to nudity, language and sexuality.

"There is full nudity, and it is the most un-controversial aspect of the show, though of course nobody will admit that until after they've seen it," writes Schofield from his home in Atlanta, Georgia. "It's a matter-of-fact primer on transgender surgeries done with lipstick and a trans body that is (gasp!) comfortable with itself."

Contradictions and Comedy

Schofield has been the featured performer for events such as Unity Week, National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Rememberance, Pride and even Women's History Month. His recently published book, Two Truths and a Lie, combines all three of his autobiographical plays.

Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls called him, "A provocative and compelling storyteller. [Schofield] helps us to look at gender in a new way, face our prejudices, and have fun while doing it."

During a one week residency in Anchorage, Schofield will appear on radio shows, guest lecture a Women's Studies class, and co-present theater workshops with director Steve Bailey.

The radio schedule includes Thursday 8:30 am on 90.3 KNBA with host Danny Preston, Friday 1 p.m. on 91.1 KSKA's Stagetalk with host Mark Muro, and Friday 3 pm on 88.1 KRUA with host Caroline Willis.

Established in 1985 as Out North, VSA arts of Alaska provides a forum for underrepresented artists, especially artists with disabilities, artists of color, gay/lesbian/bi/trans artists, and social activist artists.

"Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps" plays Thursday March 27 through Saturday March 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday March 30 at 4 p.m. at Out North, 3800 DeBarr Road. Tickets are $19 online and $20 at the door. Student rush tickets are $10 at the door with student ID.

Watch the trailer and visit Underground Transit for more on Scott Turner Schofield.