Tyler Tousley | Opinions Editor
Nov. 15, 2016; 7 a.m.

On Nov. 16, Lindenwood’s Gay/Straight Alliance is hosting its fourth campus drag show. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Emerson Black Box Theater inside of the J. Scheidegger Center and the first 150 people to arrive will receive a free T-shirt.

Showcasing the performances of over 10 students in 21 acts, the event is the alliance’s biggest event each semester. This semester, the theme will be nostalgia.

“You’re going to see a lot of crazy, funny numbers. There’s going to be a lot of dancing like you’ve never seen before at our drag show and a lot of old music from our childhood that will make you go, ‘Oh yeah!’” said the group’s vice president, Kelsey Smith.

There used to be an audition process, but “if [people came] they were going to be performing,” said Simmons.

Now, those who wish to join in, present song selections to a committee at the first rehearsal. If they bring in more than two, the committee helps to narrow down the choices to account for the amount of performers involved as well as time constraints, according to Simmons.

Group numbers are decided on at a group meeting with the organizers and performers, and the majority of rehearsals are spent perfecting them, said Simmons.

Though the songs are lip-synced rather then performed live, workshops are introduced during rehearsals to help improve performers’ stage presence, walk and ability to command attention, according to Houston and Simmons.

The group is working in conjunction with PRIDE St. Charles, and all of the money raised will go to the non-profit. There is no admission cost, so tips are encouraged to raise money.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”Kelsey Smith” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”34″]“We’re going to be stronger and we’re always going to be together.”[/perfectpullquote]

“I think something that we haven’t made very known previously is that tips are welcome,” explained Brooke Parker, one of the students performing in the show. “I feel like we could make a lot more money off what we’ve actually done before.”

The show will consist of both group and individual numbers from the student performers.

“I think we have some group numbers that are going to be show-stopping,” said Parker.

One number in particular has deeper meaning to the cast.

“We’re doing a dedication number to some of the victims of Pulse, and I think that we’re just trying to show that our community is not going to be ripped apart,” said Smith. “We’re going to be stronger and we’re always going to be together.”

With months of preparation, Smith feels this show will be coordinated better than the previous ones. For more information on the event, visit the 2016 Fall Drag Show Facebook page.