About Behind the Curtain
An inspiring documentary about grit, perseverance, vision, and the redemptive power of art, Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall tells the story of a performer and YouTube sensation who has made waves on American Idol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Broadway. The film takes a deep look at Todrick Hall’s life — from small-town Texas to big-time show business — and his experiences as he launches his most ambitious, and personal, project yet: the full-scale original musical, Straight Outta Oz.
- Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Documentary
- Length: 1 hr 40 min
- Available On: DVD (register here for a free copy)
About Youth in Motion
Youth In Motion is the educational arm and youth outreach program of Frameline, San Francisco’s International LGBTQ+ Film Festival – the longest-running, largest, and most widely recognized LGBTQ+ film exhibition event in the world. Since 2008, Youth in Motion has provided free LGBTQ+ films and curriculum guides to Genders & Sexualities Alliances (formerly known as Gay-Straight Alliances) and educators in schools nationwide. Youth in Motion now supports more than 28,000 students in over 1,400 schools in all 50 states!
About the EduGuide
The It Gets Better Project’s education director was a guide advisor and contributing author on the film’s “Intersecting Identities & Representation: Lesson Plans and Discussion Guide” created by Youth in Motion. You can download the guide today for free by clicking the large white button at the top of this page.
The guide contains conversation prompts and suggested activities for student groups and educators as they examine and address topics raised in Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall. Key themes for which lesson plans are also provided include what it means to hold intersecting identities and the impact of representation in media and art. Discussion questions also cover aspects of Todrick’s life, including his relationships, creating communities, and defining and embracing who you are. Lastly, a segment for educators and parents focuses on ways to leverage the film for professional development to better support LGBTQ+ youth.
And that’s not all: don’t miss the guide’s special It Gets Better-themed discussion activity on page 19.
Bonus Material
Check out Todrick’s viral It Gets Better video available below and on the It Gets Better Project’s YouTube channel. It has 3.3 million views and counting!
To learn more about the educational materials and opportunities the It Gets Better Project currently provides, please visit itgetsbetter.org/edu.