'AS LIVE' PRODUCTION: Research for Drag Act Script Intro

After the first rehearsal, we realised the drag act introduction wasn’t big and bold enough. At the time we didn’t know who the drag was going to be but now we do, I can make a better introduction.

Initially, I was unsure on how to write the introduction. It’s difficult to write something with a lot of enthusiasm but hopefully the build up and conversation will flow during the rehearsals and TX day.

RuPaul’s Drag Race has started a new series on Comedy Central so I thought I’d look into the introduction to that show to see how big and bold it is.

RuPaul’s Drag Race intro:
- titles in build up, e.g. THE. TIME. HAS. COME
- dramatic music
- voice over “charisma, talent, nerve…there’s only one pace to go”



I like the idea of putting titles in, they can go on the plasma on set and can be punched full screen for the screen. I think the directors like the idea of having a drum roll to build the tension but we’ll see what it sounds like. 

The dialogue to introduce the drag act should be big and spaced out to build the tension.

Reflection
I have attempted this on our script by dragging out the introduction a bit longer and getting a bit more conversation between the presenters:

Drag intro - Steal the Style script

After researching into the introduction to RuPaul's Drag Race, I thought it would be beneficial to my knowledge of drag queens to research more into RuPaul's show. As it has just started it's new episodes it's very much in the eye of the public at the moment and it's modern, along with our show, therefore, it may give me ideas for the drag performance and interview for the show.

RuPaul is the host of an American reality competition. The show follows RuPaul in the search for 'America's next drag superstar'. RuPaul plays the role of the host, mentor and head judge for the series, as contestants are given different challenges each week. The show has completed ten seasons and inspired the spin-off shows RuPaul's Drag U and RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars. The show has become the highest rated television programme on its broadcaster, Logo TV and now airs internationally.

Steal the Style's aim is to help people dress differently to stand out from the crowd, to step away from the mainstream style that every young person follows. A drag queen's fashion is definitely not mainstream, and I found an article online with RuPaul and his answer to mainstream fashion:

"'Drag Race' is popular because at its core it is the story of the tenacity of the human spirit. We get to see these kids who have been pushed aside by society, who've made a way for themselves to be seen and to be great. And watching them thrive throughout these challenges is captivating, especially knowing their stories. And I know their stories because it's my story. It really is the story of really everyone who thinks outside the box." - RuPaul (Dawson; Valiant, 2016)

The story behind the drag queen is the main reason for this segment, we want to explore their story as to how they got into drag, e.g. making their own clothes, as well as the actual fashion.

"I don't think the show could ever go mainstream because drag is the antithesis of the matrix. You know, the matrix says, 'Pick an identity and stick with it. Because I want to sell you some beer and shampoo and I need you to stick with what you are so I'll know how to market it to you.' Drag is the opposite. Drag says, 'Identity is a joke.'" - RuPaul (Dawson; Valiant, 2016)

This is the reason we want to include the drag act in the show, it's completely the opposite to mainstream fashion, we want to go out with a bang and the audience will not expect anything like this. Casting for this was very important, we need someone who supports the idea of going against mainstream fashion and who has a big and bold sense of style - something completely different.

Reflection:

- The drag needs to be confident in their fashion, and know that they will be performing in front of people who have no idea what is coming. 

- They need to own the catwalk and be proud of the performance as a minute is a long time to perform for.

- They need to be showing off an amazing outfit as we are mainly about the style rather than the whole interview going on the story.

- We need someone who expresses drag throughout everything they do - the drag we've chosen suits this idea as he incorporates drag into his school work so he is always doing something with it / improving his look.

References: 

- RuPaul's Drag Race clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WydYediCrcQ

- Dawson, D & Valiente, A. (2016). RuPaul on Why He and 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Can Never Go Mainstream. Available: https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/rupaul-rupauls-drag-race-mainstream/story?id=39075322. Last accessed 15th March 2018.

Images:

- https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/rupaul-rupauls-drag-race-mainstream/story?id=39075322.