The Voices of Oregon Burlesque project was conceived and created by theatrical costumer and tailor, Laurie Kurutz, who is now Professor Emerita of Costume Technology at The Oregon Center for the Arts: Theatre @ Southern Oregon University in Ashland.
By delving into the hidden history of this often overlooked and marginalized American art form, Laurie began to appreciate the deeper meanings behind the sequins and feathers of Burlesque performance. This art form often gives a voice to traditionally overlooked LGBTQ+ populations and multi-cultural communities. In choosing her interview subjects, she sought to represent that diversity across the state in Burlesque communities large and small, with performers known both internationally and locally. She sought to represent perhaps not the most famous, but instead to highlight people of all ages, sizes, gender identities, backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and physical abilities.
