Rise Up and Shout!

Rise Up And Shout! tells the story of four generations of creative gay voices in Los Angeles who unite to create a theatrical showcase for gay youth on September 9, 2006. In the process, a unique community is created made up of young and old, black and white, shy and loud -- including an 83 year-old priest and an 18 year old former prostitute and poet.

Rise Up And Shout! looks at this wide array of gay voices as they struggle through the creative process, through the generation gap left by the AIDS crisis, and through the politics and multifaceted culture that is the gay community in Los Angeles. Rise Up and Shout! follows the four generations of gays and lesbians over the course of a year, asking questions like what was it like to come out: in 1946 and in 2006? and also showcases the auditions, rehearsals and performances of gay voices as diverse as drag opera to lesbian hip hop.

The film's director, Brian Gleason, is a filmmaker and psychotherapist focusing primarily on at-risk youth living in the Los Angeles area. Rise Up And Shout! was inspired by Brian's relationships with Los Angeles area gay community leaders and his passion for working with youth.

Trailer...