S. Bear Bergman is a writer, a theater artist, an instigator, a gender-jammer, and a good example of what happens when you overeducate a contrarian. Ze is also the author of Butch Is a Noun (Suspect Thoughts Press, 2006), The Nearest Exit May be Behind You (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2009). Bear is also the creator and performer of three award-winning solo performances, a frequent contributor to anthologies on all manner of topics and co-editor (with the fabulous Kate Bornstein) of the forthcoming Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation (Seal Press, 2010).

"Ex Post Papa", Bear's first touring solo performance, had its premiere in April of 2002, and has since traveled all over the US, including stops at the National Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival 2002 (where "Ex Post Papa" won the award for Best Socio-Political Play), and the National Transgender Theater Festival 2003, where "Ex Post Papa" was a curated production. "Clearly Marked", Bear's next show, had its world premiere at the 2004 National Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival, where it won Best Socio-Political Play and Best of the Festival before beginning its North American tour. Hir most recent piece, "Monday Night in Westerbork", also premiered at the National Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival, and commanded the Most Promising New Work Award, making Bear the only artist ever to win judges' awards at three Festivals. On the stage, "Clearly Marked" and "Monday Night in Westerbork" are still touring the country, inspiring and enlightening audiences across the US and Canada.

Bear is also a frequent lecturer and at colleges and universities regarding issues relating to gender and sexuality, and has advised the staff of numerous institutions on their policies regarding transgendered and transsexual students. An observant Jew, Bear also speaks extensively about how hir religious and cultural lives have shaped one another, and the intersection of identities, especially as it relates to being both Jewish and queer.

A longtime activist on behalf of anyone who wants to learn and be different at the same time (particularly queer/trans youth and students), Bear continues to tour and lecture about topics close to hir heart, pausing frequently to encourage and admire youth activists. Less recently, ze was also one of the five original founders of the first Gay/Straight Alliances, a frequent lecturer at high schools and colleges on the subject of making schools safe for GLBT students, and a founding commission member of what is now called the Massachusetts Safe Schools Project. 

Bear was educated at Concord Academy, Hampshire College - where ze studied solo performance with Peggy Shaw of Split Britches Theater - and at the University Of Massachusetts. Ze currently resides Toronto, Ontario where ze has set up housekeeping with hir husband j wallace, son Stanley, and their dog Levi Jane and pays frequent visits to a small, treasured group of intimate friends and lovers.

Bear's work is/has been supported by sponsorship from The Fund For Women Artists, the UMass Arts Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Millay Colony, and the generosity of private donors.

Click to download Bear's CV (updated semi-annually)

Click to download a print-ready version of Bear's headshot (34.5MB TIF, 2832 x 4256 pixels)

Click to download one of Bear's alternative headshots (696KB JPG, 1416 x 2128 pixels)