Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

This year, get excited for the 24th Annual Drag Show at Western. An interview with Skyler Scott, the Choreographer Liaison, provided some exciting information regarding the upcoming performances.

Currently, those in the drag show are rehearsing as often as they can. Those organizing the event have provided daily rehearsals so students can come whenever they are available. They have learned over half the dances in the show, which they do on weekends, so that during the week the cast and crew can practice.

There are around 60 dancers in the production with six choreographers: Hannah Hazelwood, Grace Salud, Mandy Storm, Marika Hatos, Emma Rae and Rory Krehbiel — all of whom are Western alumni. The dances are very exciting and fun; Scott mentioned how several of the dancers watching may ask to join in a dance because they are so into it.

Nicole Gebbie is the script writer as well as the director, but Scott describes the process as more of an integrated team focus. There are six members of their leadership that are working together to create this production. Scott called it a “group effort.” Sam Shoemaker is the TA Liaison, Gwendolyn Baker is the Dancer Liaison, Jeannie Edney is in charge of costumes and makeup and Carina Ramirez is the Props Designer.

The theme of this year’s show is — wait for it — space. 

“We really like to keep the creative side as a surprise for when people come to see the show,” Scott said. So for those who are curious about what the space theme really entails, they will just have to attend the show.

Show times are Tuesday to Thursday, Apr. 7 to 9, during the evening — the official times have not been released yet. This is the first Drag Show at Western that will be running for  three days rather than two, as it is growing in size and has a higher demand within the community. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale soon.

While Scott couldn’t tell me too much about what to expect with the show, they did say, “it’s going to be a tour of the LGBT community.” 

“One of the things we’re trying to do with the show is show a bunch of different parts of the LGBT community, and not just different LGBT identities, but other identities within the LGBT community … representation of a bunch of different body types and identities, that intersectionality is really important, and I love that we get to showcase that in the Drag Show,” Scott said in regard to the importance of representation.

Those interested should keep a look out for posters around campus, as well as check https://calendar.wou.edu/ for any updates on the specifics for the 24th Annual Western Drag Show.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu