On Thursday, April 18, the Drury Allies will be teaming up with Alpha Psi Omega to host their annual Drag Show. The event will be held at Willhoit Theatre (in Breech Hall) on Drury’s campus and will begin at 8:00 p.m.

This show is unique from other drag shows in the Springfield community in that it is put on entirely by Drury students. Last minute entries can be submitted by April 12, and the full lineup for the show will be announced on April 15; it will no doubt be full of talented performers.

For the uninitiated into this unique presentation of royalty, drag shows usually consist of individuals performing in front of an audience either portraying hyper-feminine qualities (drag queens) or hyper-masculine qualities (drag kings).

An individual’s own gender identity and everyday choice of self-expression has no bearing on the kind of performance they can put on. Drag gives anyone and everyone the freedom to express themselves in a way not granted by other kinds of performance arts or everyday life.

For this year’s show, there are a number of Drury students performing, as well as several other performers coming in from the surrounding Springfield area. Alpha Psi Omega (Drury’s theatre honor society) is in charge of the production and behind-the-scenes elements of the show, while the Drury Allies are in charge of the talent acquisition and performances.

Drury student Michael Havens is in charge of organizing and promoting the show. He says that events like this one are important for LGBTQ+ individuals to have unique ways to express themselves.

“Springfield and especially Drury holds a significant amount of talent, and I am so excited for the audience to be blown away,” explained Havens.

Another Drury student, Amalia Powell-Smith, is also assisting with the show. As Vice-President for Alpha Psi Omega, her role will be to work alongside their other officers to design and operate the lighting during the production.

Other members of Alpha Psi Omega will also be backstage to help the Queens and Kings with their costumes and makeup.

“It’s a very fun opportunity for us to work with different members of the community, and we are very excited for what this year has in store,” said Powell-Smith.

Havens also agrees that working with the community is rewarding due to the dynamic nature of the performances and the sheer number of unique and creative ways that individuals can express themselves.

Performers will get the chance to design every part of their act, from makeup and costume to the song and dance they will be performing. There are also opportunities for students with talents in makeup application to assist in this night of performances.

Clear your schedule for the night of April 18, 2019 and come support Drury organizations and the local LGBTQ+ community of Springfield. This night is sure to be one that you will remember for the rest of your time at Drury and for years to come.

Article written by Mason Coble.