Tech’s campus came alive with glitter, music and electrifying energy during the Spring Drag Show, a highly anticipated event hosted by the Student Center Programs Council (SCPC). This dazzling showcase of talent and self-expression has become a campus favorite, drawing students together for an unforgettable night of performances and celebration.
Held this year on Feb. 5, 2025, the event once again brought students, performers and community partners together for a night of vibrant performances, audience engagement and artistic flair. The drag show is quickly becoming one of SCPC’s marquee spring events, and this year’s iteration was the largest yet, featuring five professional queens, a student opener and plenty of surprises.
The Institute’s drag show has a relatively recent history, with the first event starting in 2023. Haley Merritt , second-year PSYC major and SCPC’s concerts chair, explained how the event has grown over time.
“This year, we expanded the lineup to five queens, up from three last year. We also partnered with the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the LGBTQIA Resource Center to broaden our audience and engage more of the student community,” Merritt shared.
The collaborative nature of the event, combined with SCPC’s dedication to crafting enjoyable student experiences, has allowed the drag show to evolve into a much-anticipated tradition.
The doors opened at 6:30 p.m., and attendees enjoyed a buffet and mingled before the show officially began at 7:00 p.m. The evening kicked off with a student opener who auditioned for the opportunity to perform. She sang Pink Pony Club, setting an engaging tone for the night.
Following the opener, the drag show unfolded in two halves, each featuring high-energy performances by the queens: Cake Pop (who also served as host), Danity Diamond, Coranova, Atina and Queen Essence Hall. Each queen performed two songs, dazzling the audience with their extravagant costumes and charismatic stage presence.
A unique highlight of the evening was an interactive segment during intermission, where audience members were invited on stage to create a dance routine with Cake Pop. In a delightful twist, Cake Pop incorporated the audience-created choreography into her next performance, much to the crowd’s excitement.
“It was amazing to see how much fun the audience had engaging with the queens. Their energy really elevated the performances,” Merritt noted.
Beyond the glitter and glamour, the drag show holds a more profound significance. Merritt emphasized the importance of providing students with opportunities to experience art and culture, particularly at a technically oriented institution like Tech.
“Events like these are a break from the stress of academics. They’re a way for students to engage with each other, celebrate art, and just have fun,” she explained. “Being a STEM school, we don’t always have as many artistic outlets, so events like the drag show are incredibly valuable.”
The inclusivity of the event also stood out. Merritt described the drag show as a space for “anyone and everyone” to come together, regardless of background or prior experience with drag culture.
For Merritt, one of the most memorable moments was seeing students light up when their impromptu dance was incorporated into a professional performance. “It was a perfect example of how the queens interact with and celebrate their audience,” she said.
Looking ahead, SCPC hopes to continue expanding the event. “We’d love to enhance the production side, with more advanced lighting and other technical elements, to take the show to the next level,” said Merritt.
The Annual Drag Show is more than just a performance — it’s a celebration of self-expression, creativity and community. With its growing popularity and commitment to inclusivity, this event is quickly becoming a cherished tradition at Tech, leaving students eagerly awaiting what next year’s show will bring.
Whether it’s the infectious energy of the queens, the interactive audience moments or the welcoming atmosphere, the Spring Drag Show is a night that stays with attendees long after the curtains close.