About Mass for Shut-Outs
Mass for Shut-Outs is a multidisciplinary performance that plays with the shape of a Catholic mass to ask new questions, challenge old stories, and dismantle the gatekeepers’ fortress. Written and performed by Tanya Davis, with musical support from Carlie Howell, Mass for Shut-Outs is a rousing and poetic take on Sunday service, with orature, music, and opportunities for play and communion.
It features verse dressed as prayer, monologue mimicking homily, joyful singalong, and sombre reflection. It is designed for those of us on the spiritual fringes, who also seek meaning and connection, even while being historically shut out of—or disinterested in—traditional communities of faith, their liturgy, and their institutions.
Mass for Shut-Outs is a shout out to anyone grappling with the complexity of faith, the inconsistency of awe, and the politics of organized religion. It is for atheists seeking connection, agnostics asking questions, and believers kindly curious about other people’s gods.
Watch a preview!
Know Before You Go!
PLAIN LANGUAGE DESCRIPTION: A poetic take on Sunday service, exploring enduring questions through a queer, critical, and comedic lens.
AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE: Audiences will be prompted to sing and recite along. They will also be invited to stand at times, but there is no pressure to participate, which is communicated throughout the show. Audiences unable to stand or who would prefer not to stand will have a front section where sightlines will not be impeded by standing audience members.
AGE RATING: 18A (Click below for more information.)
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Discussed/Suggested Content: Colonization and Residential Schools, Homophobia/Transphobia, Catholic practices, Queer joy
Depicted Content: There are two characters. One is dress like she’s going to a party and stands at a kind of pulpit, the other is dressed like a sexy organ player, which they are.
VENUE ACCESS NOTES: Mass for Shut-Outs will take place downtown (102 Avenue and 123 Street) at Robertson-Wesley United Church. There are two entrances to the church. Both doors are on the 123 Street facing side. One door is up a set of stairs that leads directly to the main chapel (our performance venue) and a second door is about 30-40 feet north of the main door that is stepless. Both doors will be monitored and will have access to the performance space. The venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible washrooms. ASL interpretation will be available Friday, July 10.
Cast and Creative Team!
Tanya Davis Creator & Performer
Carlie Howell Musical Support
Jordan Beaulieu Art/Graphic Design
Lindsay Connolly Administration
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Tanya Davis is a writer and performer based in rural Epekwitk / Prince Edward Island. Since 2006, she has been releasing music and poetry and presenting unique multidisciplinary work. The success of How to be Alone, a collaboration with filmmaker Andrea Dorfman, gained her fans from around the world and led to a follow-up short produced by the National Film Board. Tanya has performed at festivals in Europe, Mexico, and Australia, and she recently represented Canada at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. With an ever-growing collection of works, a passion for expression, and a penchant for change, she continues to expand as an artist and creator. In 2025, she presented her latest solo show, Seeker, and was playwright-in-residence at Victoria Playhouse (PEI). Tanya was named PEI’s 2024 Artist of the Year and served as the province’s Poet Laureate from 2023 – 2026. She collaborates frequently across artistic genres, creating for the page, the stage, the stereo, and the screen.