By: Emma Rasmussen
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)- The Culture and Concepts Committee is bringing back one of its most popular events, its annual Drag Show.
Last year, the Cultures and Concepts Committee was unable to host the show due to Arkansas Legislation passed at the beginning of 2023 that limited where drag performances can be held in the state. However, after some clarification and administration support, the committee was given the green light to host the show this year.
Photo courtesy of Culture and Concepts Committee
The show will be held in the Union Verizon Ballroom on Friday night, April 5th. The two-hour show will feature local drag performers and a celebrity headliner. After the show, attendees will have an opportunity to meet and take photos with the headliner and other performers.
The annual Drag Show has been a staple of the Cultures and Concepts Committee for almost a decade. It started as a way to educate students about an underrepresented community in Northwest Arkansas and has been going on since before gay marriage was legalized in the United States.
Being as long-standing as it is, the Drag show has become more than just a show. Current Chair of the Committee Steele Engelmann said he looks forward to continuing the tradition passed down to him.
“Many chairs before me have planned this event in years past”, said Engelmann, “I am honored to be able to continue their legacy with this year’s show.”
This will be Engelmann’s second time planning the university drag show. His fond memories of his first time planning the show are what is helping encourage him in the planning of this year’s show.
“I have never forgotten the energy of the room that night as I stood on the stage introducing the MC”, said Engelmann. “Seeing students’ smiles and genuine joy at being there lit a fire within me to continue working as an event coordinator with University Programs for the rest of my time at the University of Arkansas.”
Photo courtesy of Culture and Concepts Committee
Engelmann has been planning this show since last spring. He said he is putting in the work to make up for there not being a show last year.
“I made it my goal to make this year’s show one you wouldn’t want to miss,” Engelmann said.
This year’s show will include more local talent, and a special auditorium layout to maximize attendees and increase engagement and accessibility for performers.
“Expect to see even campier acts and grander performances during this year’s show,” said Engelmann.
University Programs aims to host events that benefit the university community and promote cultural, social, and educational ideals. Engelmann said he believes that the Drag show embodies this mission.
“Uplifting the diverse communities that surround our campus through an inclusive and accessible medium is what inspires UP to do this event each year.”
The lineup for the event has yet to be announced, but the committee is hoping to release it soon.