Brady Van Patten is a queer Chicago-based physical theatre performer and creator. Presently a Master of Fine Arts graduate student at the University of Iowa with a choreographic emphasis.  Existing at the intersection of theatre and dance Van Patten as a creator, seeks to continuously celebrate queer stories in ways that exist and challenge heteronormative political and social constraints by celebrating queer spirit. Van Patten's recent works and performances include The Witching Hour Festival at the Englert Theatre, directed by Jennifer Kayle,  co-creator of “One Giant Leap”, an evening-length clown show through the University of Iowa’s Department of Theatre and currently assisting with creative movement for the department’s production of “Men on Boats". He has been invited as a guest performer of his original work with The Neo-Futurist Theater Company in The Infinite Wrench Pride Show.

Reetta Pekkanen (poet; Finland) has published the collections Pieniä kovia nuppuja [Small Hard Buds] (2014), Kärhi [Tendril] (2019), Salakuljetuksia [Smugglings] (2021) and Katkaistut tulppaanit [Cut Tulips] (2023). Her poetry focuses on themes of personal and environmental loss, non-human perspectives, and natural semiotics. Among her awards are the Kalevi Jäntti Prize, the Katri Vala Prize and the Silja Hiidenheimo Memorial Stipend; she is a member of the poetry publishing cooperative Poesia. Her participation was made possible by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.