Drag Shows 101
Faux Rocious
What to Expect at Your First Wiggins Productions Show
By Jimmy Wiggins, Photo by Cody Angus/TBayAlive
Okay, so you’ve made the big step in your life and decided to finally check out a drag show for the first time. Condragulations! Now, you might be wondering where to start. You’ve heard great things, but it’s your first time attending this kind of event and you have tonnes of questions. Don’t worry, we got you. It should be noted that while there are several options for drag events in Thunder Bay, here we’ll be talking exclusively about Wiggins Productions (WP) drag shows at Black Pirates Pub. It’s our home turf and where we tend to shine the brightest with the most performers.
Tickets
There are several options for tickets. Advanced tickets guarantee your entry at the best price. We offer early bird tickets and advanced tickets leading up to the show. If you’re the last-minute type, you can always get them at the door the night of the show. Pro tip: if you join our drag newsletter you’ll find out as soon as early bird tickets go on sale. Check out @wigginsproductions on Instagram to sign up. It’s free!
What to wear
Be as creative, casual, couture, or comfortable as you want. Don’t overthink or stress out about it.
Arrival
Doors open for a BPP show at 9 pm, with the show starting at 10 pm. Occasionally we may start a little after (drag time) but we try to stay on schedule as best we can. At the door you’ll be greeted by our very own Miss Anna Fierce. She’ll scan your ticket or take your money, and give you a wristband for the night. Once you have your wristband you can hit up the bar for a drink, grab a seat, or plant yourself by the stage until the show starts.
Etiquette
Before the show starts, our MC will go over our “Haus Rules.” These rules are in place to keep the performers and audience safe and allow the show to run smoothly. The number one rule is always “do not touch any of the performers, or anyone else in the room, without express consent.” No matter how enticing it may be, going up to a queen or king and touching their hair, makeup, padding, or any other part of their body is a huge no. Consent is a big deal at a drag show. Never touch anyone, in drag or out, without consent.
Tipping
At WP shows, performers are paid a booking fee. If you’d like to show your favourite queens and kings how much you appreciate their hard work, a cash tip is always welcomed but it is by no means mandatory. To tip, just go up to the stage, place the money in your hand, and extend your arm towards the performer. They’ll come to you as soon as they can. The standard is $5, $10, and $20 bills; $50 will have them talking about you backstage, and $100 will have them talking about you the next day at brunch.
On your way home for the night, you can scan the QR code on your wristband and tell us what you thought of the show. This will help us know how we can make the next show better. In exchange for your feedback, you’ll be entered into a draw for free tickets to the next show.
Catch the Night of 1000 Lady Gagas Drag Show March 29 at Black Pirates Pub. For more details follow @wigginsproductions @tbshows and @tbaydrag.