Rhys Whitham (they/them) is a theatre artist, writer, Drag king (Willy Shakes), and Trans/Gender Studies researcher. They are a graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts, and have since completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) at Yorkville University, are currently completing a Masters in Gender, Feminist and Women's Studies at York University, and will begin their PhD at York in the fall. Rhys is interested in combining performance ethnography with Trans/Gender theory to explore forms of solidarity through anticapitalist and abolitionist community practice. Rhys (as Willy Shakes) produces the drag/cabaret showcase Boogie With the Bard, and has previously worked as the Access Coordinator for In My Own Little Corner (2024). Their acting credits include White Ribbon’s Campaign on gender-based violence Short Life Stories (2023) NeverWonder (2023), and Harbor (2019). Follow @willythoushaketh for to find where to find Rhys next!