Drag show to aid student groups

Sometimes a costume mask is more than a mask.\n"We all wear masks everywhere we go," said senior Jason Jones, president of OUT. "But behind the masks, we are all people. We should celebrate our uniqueness, but realize what we all have in common."\nCelebrating that uniqueness and wearing masks are two things OUT and the University Players hope to do at the Drag Extravaganza and Masquerade Ball. \nJones said this year OUT is teaming up with the undergraduate theater group to combine its drag extravaganza with the University Players' masquerade ball. \n"In essence, this is a fund-raiser for University Players, as well as OUT," Jones said.\nThis extravaganza will begin at 9 p.m. today in Alumni Hall of the Indiana Memorial Union. Although admission is free, there is a $3 suggested donation. Proceeds will help fund OUT and University Players' programs.\nJunior Katrina Howe, fund-raising director for University Players, said the funds help produce shows and hold workshops. \n"In order to do that we need enthusiastic students who are willing to help out," Howe said.\nOUT's annual Miss Gay IU 2001, which is its biggest fund-raiser, will benefit from the extravaganza, Jones said. \n"We use these funds to provide GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Union) programming and events throughout the year," Jones said.\nBesides the masquerade ball, the extravaganza will be having a "drag show interspersed with dancing," Jones said. "Various designers and sometimes themselves (the drag queens) design their costumes and clothes for this. Anything and everything is imaginable."\nOUT secretary Laura Smith said more than one drag show will occur. \n"There will be six drag queens," Smith said. "And for the first time in a while there will be drag queens this year performing."\nSmith said the drag shows will encompass skits and musical types of performances, such as lip synching.\nOn top of the drag shows, there will also be a DJ for dancing and entertainment. On hand, Jones said, will be DJ Darrien X from South Beach, Fla., who will be providing the music for this extravaganza.\nOverall, Jones said he hopes they will have several hundred crazy people there for all the hard work, time and effort everyone has put in.\n"It has taken a lot of planning, but it's worth it," Howe said. "It is going to be a fabulous event. Hopefully, we can bring more awareness to the organization through this event." \nJones said he agreed with Howe in expecting the show to be a success.\n"It is just a night of fun and good times," said Jones. "We hope people realize that IU is a welcoming community for all types of people, and that people will have fun tonight."\nFor more information about the Drag Extravaganza and Masquerade Ball contact OUT on the Web site, www.indiana.edu/~out.