By Jessica Zagacki
On Thursday, Oct.12, 2017, Hofstra University will host its 10th Annual Drag Show in Monroe Lecture Hall at 8 p.m. This event will be put together by the tireless efforts of the Pride Network at Hofstra and will include unforgettable performances from both professional drag queens and kings to student performers alike.
So who is performing? “A fan-favorite RuPaul queen, a returning performer, and a new drag king,” said Montana Cushmeyer, one of the historians for the Pride Network.
In addition to these special guests, there will be several student performers. For those of you wondering how exactly you can get involved in potentially performing in the show, you should reach out to the Pride Network. “Any Hofstra student can submit a 30 second to one minute clip of their act and we are looking to see students express themselves and show us what they can do,” said Anthony Minerva, secretary for the Pride Network. Those interested in performing in the drag show should submit their audition videos to the Pride Network by Oct. 1.
Additionally, there are so many other ways to be involved in the drag show, such as being a volunteer. “There is no definitive limit to volunteers; we need volunteers for various purposes, from tabling, to being an usher, to helping with things that come up at the last minute,” Minerva said.
An immense amount of preparation and planning goes into running an event as big and popular as this one. “The executive board along with our advisors in Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion put together and organize the drag show. A tremendous amount of work from every member of the executive board goes into this between setting up contracts to organizing volunteers, to all the minor details that go into making this night memorable,” Minerva said.
For the past three years the drag show has sold out, and this year should be no exception. It has quickly grown into one of Hofstra’s most successful and popular annual events because it means so much to the Hofstra community.
“The drag show brings together LGBTQ+ students and their allies for a fun night where students and performers can openly express and celebrate their identities. This event provides Hofstra with a taste of drag culture and provides representation for queer students,” said Mackenzie Carroll, the other historian for the Pride Network.
Not only is the drag show a fun event for the Hofstra community, but when you purchase a ticket, you are also supporting a great cause. Half of the ticket sales will be going to the Transgender Resource Center of Long Island. “Purchasing a ticket is not only a way to support a local organization, but to support the performers themselves and also a once in a life time opportunity to experience an art form that many LGBTQIA+ students hold very dear to their hearts,” Minerva said.
