Fitchburg State Drag Show
{Sara Arnold}
EVERY YEAR, Fitchburg State University hosts a drag show to raise funds for student scholarships, and 2025 was no exception. Though it was originally scheduled for March 26, the event took place on April 3rd after being rescheduled due to weather conditions. Still, students and the public are buzzing about the event.
The “Defying DRAGity” show took place at the Athletics and Recreation Center, located at 130 North Street in Fitchburg.This year’s theme was “Wicked,” inspired by the musical, not the behavior. Mostly, anyway.
The event marked the 18th annual benefit hosted by Fitchburg State’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), making it New England’s largest and oldest drag show. The program is intended for adults over 18, although kids who love drag shows must stay home with a babysitter.
As in previous years, tickets were priced at $5 for students, $10 for the general public, and groups could reserve tables for 10 people at $150. Tickets were available for purchase online, and the same setup is expected for next year. If you’re looking to book a table, act fast—seats are limited!
This year’s program featured dancing and cabaret-style performances by seven stage performers, including Leominster’s own Lady Sabrina, Mizery McRae, Victoria Obvious, Abby Cummings, Destiny Boston, and newcomer Ariel Monro. Raquel Blake shined as the Mistress of Ceremonies, and DJ Scotty P provided the music for the evening. Muther Divine was also in attendance. The highly anticipated Couples Drag Race, with students from the university, crowned a Drag Queen and a Drag King. The show was sold out.
Shane Franzen, the GSA advisor, has overseen the development of the show since its inception 18 years ago. “This drag show is an important part of LGBTQ+ life at Fitchburg State and the surrounding communities,” Franzen shared. “The students of GSA work tirelessly for months to put the show together. It’s a privilege to be their advisor, and it’s an honor to watch them grow and flourish as active members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Gay Straight Alliance, which has put on the show since its inception, is for people of any and all sexual orientations and genders who are searching for a fully inclusive and supportive environment. It is a place where people can feel safe, welcomed, and be themselves, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. GSA meets on the Fitchburg State campus weekly on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Hammond S08.
For more information about the GSA or the annual drag show, you can reach out via email at mmessin8@student.fitchburgstate.edu or call 339-987-1449. Students interested in volunteering for the drag show or other GSA events are welcome to join; the GSA is an accredited club at Fitchburg State, and everyone is invited.
According to another publication, the theme was also “The Dragged Up Dolls: Decade of Drag Drag Show.” In fact, multiple publications have called it something different, showing that the drag show has much to enjoy and watch the performers.
Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s show!