To say that drag isn’t for children is as broad as to say that art isn’t for children. Drag, as defined by the Advocates for Trans Equality, is “entertainment where people dress up and perform, often in highly stylized ways.” Like all art, drag explores a variety of genres that can appeal to all types of people – just with more glitter. An artist can, and many do, fill an entire museum with their portfolio of work, and still have pieces left over. Drag’s historic legacy has earned it the respect we give to other artists like Paul Klee, a world-renowned visual artist who branched out into children’s puppet theater. Audiences of all ages celebrate many classically admired works of human expression. So while some drag acts might be best suited for a nightclub, Pittsburgh performers are eager to prove that the scene has the range for any audience.
Actors, entertainers, and comedians are told to play to the room – but often drag performers are limited to bar shows. Local drag king Land Shark describes his connection with performing for family-friendly productions, “Drag is a love letter to childhood. It is healing the part of you that wants to dress up in big clothes and dance in the middle of the room. It’s the imagination we all have, that so many of us lose hold of as we get older. Drag is proof that fun and imagination can continue throughout your life.”
Land Shark is one of many drag artists featuring at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination on September 21st for a celebration of drag for all ages. Imagine that!
Titled “Outside In”, the production follows each performer playing an emotion in drag. Tickets come with a bag of props, face painting, and guest performances from Arcade Comedy Theater’s children’s oriented improv troupe, Penny Arcade, to teach interactive games revolving around our emotional literacy. This unique experience pairs education and joy with drag queen story time, but is expanded by a colorful cast showcasing many special skill sets.
“This world is hard to navigate, even as adults, and this team wanted to provide joy, as well as the rest of the emotions, in a safe space for youth to express themselves,” explained Morrigana Regina, a creative producer for the event.
Building community without barriers is the dream behind this show. The team plans to build seasonal opportunities for all audiences to connect with the art form. Drag is too joyful to be restricted. This show, and recurring themed productions, seeks to increase the reach of accessible art to all those who have been historically excluded from the celebration. It not only allows younger audiences to introduce themselves to drag, but also offers a sober third place for folks of any age. This event welcomes everyone, from full families to Disney adults! When it comes to drag, but especially in this particular production, there is truly something for everyone to engage with.
The show’s cast and crew are reaching out for the support of the local community to protect children’s drag events. Breaking into an entertainment field where drag has become politicized has not come without its challenges. Pressure is continually applied to performers and producers to limit their events to 21+ venues or to cancel them altogether. This gatekeeping is harmful to this city’s incredibly talented performers, but more importantly, it’s damaging to the young adults being denied community bonding opportunities. Proudly promoting this show today, can help maintain these offerings for future youth tomorrow.
Many drag performers are experienced with performing children’s shows, and the creative minds behind this particular drag project also come from professional backgrounds in childcare and social work. This production brings together multifaceted artists and non-profit organizations from all over Pittsburgh and the nation, with the shared goal of breaking the negative stereotypes surrounding drag. This theatrical experience embraces all of the beautiful, relatable, and universal parts of drag culture.
Along with Penny Arcade and the Center for Imagination, this production is thrilled to collaborate with Proud Haven, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit with an aligning mission to provide resources for queer-identifying youth. Not only will there be tabling available, but they will be teaching crafting – one of the many bonding initiatives offered. The QMNTY Center, powered by Proud Haven and Trans YOUniting, supplies everything from toiletries to gender-affirming clothes, and most significantly, it provides a safe space for adolescents to be themselves authentically.
“It’s imperative to continue to support social spaces for young TLGBQIA folks in Pittsburgh to encourage face-to-face socialization, networking, and helping them build social-emotional learning skills to help them flourish as they become adults in our community,” said Lyndsey Sickler, the Co-Director of QMNTY center as Proud Haven’s Executive Director.
Pittsburgh is ready and more than deserving of opportunities for artists of all ages to learn together. This show is created by the community and with our unique, yinzer community in mind. Social events offering this type of kinship are imperative for everyone, especially our youth. When safe spaces are provided, young adults can express their true feelings around a community of their peers without judgment. Whether or not this is your first show or your hundredth, our cast and crew are dedicated to bringing you the exceptional, sparkling experience that drag naturally procures.
Come out in loud and proud support for all ages drag. This imaginative festival is a great way to reconnect with your emotional side and your favorite local artists – of all forms. Come as you are and dress how you feel. The cast and crew is feeling lots of emotions, but mostly joyful and anxious to get the show started with you this September 21st!