Bailey Thompson | News Editor

Of all of the student-run traditions on Western’s campus, Triangle Alliance’s Annual Drag Show is one that many students consider to be one of the most memorable and enjoyable events to attend. Going on its 23rd year, the drag show provides a large group of students the opportunity to bond over lip-syncing, expressing themselves and challenging societal expectations.

Although auditioning before an audience can be intimidating to some, there are a number of benefits that can come from putting oneself out there and trying something new.

“It is definitely in your interest to step out of your comfort zone a tiny bit,” said Ianassa Donegan, senior education major and the makeup, costumes and props director for the drag show. “(The drag show) is not something that is a high-risk situation. We strive to create this community that’s really loving and really accepting.”

So, if students are considering auditioning, Donegan explained what they could expect of the audition process:

“We do a walk where we play a masculine-type song and then a feminine-type song and everyone — one by one — walks across the room in a way that’s comfortable for them to show their personality,” said Donegan. “Then we also have a lip-syncing portion.”

The last element of the audition process involves the choreographers teaching everyone a section of a dance number to gauge their ability to pick up steps. There is also a separate dance audition for those who are interested in being in the more advanced, technical dances.

After the auditions are over, Donegan explained how the creative team goes about casting the show.

“For the most part, everyone gets in and they get to participate in a level or time commitment that works for them,” Donegan said.

If a student has a more limited availability, they have the option to be in fewer dance numbers than others who have more time to dedicate. However, Donegan shared that anyone interested in taking on a named character role must anticipate being asked to attend more rehearsals than those in the ensemble.

“Our rehearsals are set up so that on the weekend we have a space reserved from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.” said Donegan. “Then, during the week, each choreographer has their own night, so if you’re in their songs then you’re going to be there on that night.”

One other element of the drag show that might be exciting to interested students is this year’s theme: Harry Potter.

“There’s going to be a lot of those characters that you recognize from Harry Potter — Harry, Hermione, Draco,” said Donegan. “But it is a drag show, and it is put on by Triangle Alliance, so it is going to be queer-oriented.”

At the end of the day, Donegan wanted students to know that anyone can be a part of the drag show, no matter how they identify.

“Drag show rehearsals is a time where you can be yourself, be with your friends, and have fun,” said Donegan. “It’s like a family, basically.”

For anyone interested, there are three audition times available: Jan. 18, 19 and 20, with the technical dance audition happening on the final day. The drag show team would also like for people to fill out a registration form on Orgsync if they have the ability to.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ianassa Donegan