Heading to a drag show?
There are a lot of unwritten rules about how the audience is supposed to interact with the performers at a drag show, so being a first time attendee can be intimidating.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the most important parts of proper drag etiquette. From tipping your queens to checking out local performers, we’ve got you covered.
Check out your guide to attending a drag show below.
It’s customary to tip at a drag show, as the drag performers make most of their money through tips. If you find yourself having fun, clapping, or cheering, you should probably cough up a little cash. Whether it’s $5 or $20, a little tip goes a long way, plus you’ll probably get to engage in a quirky interaction with the performer. There are a few rules to be aware of when tipping, which include, but are not limited to:
- Place the money in your hand and extend your arm toward the Queen. Do not put the cash in your mouth, between your teeth, on your chest, or in the Queen’s clothes unless you are directed to do so by the performer.
- Never step into the performance area in order to tip.
- Don’t clutch your money or make a performer “work for it”
Drag performers are people, so treat them with the same respect you would want to be treated with. Don’t touch a performer unless you are specifically given permission; just because they take to the stage dressed with padding, doesn’t give anyone the right to invade someone’s personal space.
Feel free to get consumed by the show, while maintaining a balance of staying respectful. If a performer does a trick you enjoy, it’s perfectly acceptable to hoot, holler, cheer, clap, dance, and even let out a quick “yas,” but make sure not to be too obnoxious about it and allow the performers to keep the spotlight.
While it’s easy to be familiar with the Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race, there are tons of local performers that are pushing the limits and exploring new avenues of drag. Over the next few weeks, there are plenty of performances across the city from local artists like Priyanka Love, Tynomi Banks, Ivory Towers, Sapphire Titha Reign, Helena Poison, Devine Darlin, and more!
Shy attendees beware: the people closest to the stage frequently become a part of the show. If you aren’t prepared to speak to the host, stay away from the front row, as performers often engage with the people closest to them, whether they ask if it’s they’re first time, dance with them, or read them to filth (which means you’ll be cleverly and ruthlessly insulted by a performer).
You should never assume someone’s gender at a drag show, whether it’s a performer or a fellow attendee. It’s important to help create a safe space at a drag show, so ensure you’re always being inclusive when prescribing someone’s pronouns.
Never walk in front of the stage in the middle of a performance, or you will get called out. Also, if you’re looking for the easiest way to get kicked out of a drag show, step on stage uninvited. Fair warning, if you do that, the emcee will definitely rip you to shreds with their insults. Fans should never take to the stage unless a performer pulls them up for a bit.
Drag shows are vibrant, colourful, and full of energy, so be ready to have a little fun. You might be teased, imitated, or pulled on stage, so make sure you’re prepared to leave your ego at the door and have some drag-filled fun!
Lead photo courtesy of Chelsea Brimstin.
