Sept. 9, 2011: The first annual show
Organized by FAU’s GSA to kick off the school year, the first annual show took place in the Student Union’s Majestic Palm Room. Nicole Saphire and Brielle Saphire hosted. Ariel Rimm performed.
2012: A new room and a new host
The show moved into the Live Oak Room, and Rimm began hosting.
Sept. 19, 2014: An auditorium debut
After its years in the Live Oak Room, the show moved into the Barry Kaye Auditorium for the first time.
2015: The FAU Drag Show name
The event officially took the name “FAU Drag Show.”
2020: A virtual show
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the show aired live online for students and the community.
2021–2024: A returning cast
The cast remained unchanged: Rianna Petrone, Velvet LeNore, Kat Wilderness, TP Lords and Ariel Rimm.
October 2023: “Owl Manor”
The event was renamed “Owl Manor” amid Florida’s political climate. The Oct. 13 show was limited to students ages 18 and older.
October 2024: Another show
Owl Manor was scheduled for Oct. 25 at the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium, open to FAU students, faculty and staff ages 18 and older.
Fall 2025: The first missed year
For the first time in 14 years, the annual show did not happen.
December 2025: The absence becomes public
In a Dec. 20 OutFAU story, longtime host Ariel Rimm described unsuccessful attempts to reach the campus team that had managed the event.
2026: A return agreement
OutFAU reached an agreement with the university to bring back the show, with funding from SPJ Florida.
FAU Drag Show Fun Facts
Every show: Rianna Petrone is the only cast member besides Ariel Rimm to have performed in every show.
Past performers: Cast members over the years have included Daisy Deadpetals, Roxxxy Andrews, Aja, Nicky Monet, Tayanna Love, Elisha Jones and Rylie Holden.
Drag kings: The show has included a drag king in two different years.
Beyond Boca Raton: FAU’s Jupiter, Davie and Fort Lauderdale campuses have also hosted drag programming, including shows, drag bingo, lavender graduations, the Prism Ball, and live makeup and drag tutorials.
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