Stand Out (2022)

James, dedicated husband and father of two, has been proud to answer "actor" whenever asked about his vocation all of his professional life. It only recently became necessary for him to start adding "struggling" in front of it. After a brief stint on a soap and still waiting for the final third of the funding for an independent film he's been cast in, James's career prospects are beginning to keep him awake at night. So, in a desperate and final bid to provide for his family as an actor, James accepts the only available position - as a lip syncing drag queen at a failing night club (called "Stella's") in the city. Terrified of upsetting his family, James accepts the job, but in secret. At Stella's, an array of colorful characters barely tolerate "the new guy" as they all prepare for the spotlight. James, after being outed as a heterosexual, struggling actor merely pretending to be a Queen, is ostracized by his fellow performers as an impostor. With dictator Stella, owner and manager of the club, at the helm and a seemingly endless series of backstage feuds, power struggles and routine sabotage, James has his hands full. And when his wife unexpectedly shows up and catches him red-handed in drag, James has to not only fight for his marriage, but also appease the authorities who have questions regarding James' possible involvement in the recent death of a colleague.