CALL FOR CONTESTANTS

Encouraged by over three decades of community tradition, we boldly look towards the next chapters of Runway as it continues to celebrate and include all facets of our community, welcoming Mx GAPA, Miss GAPA and Mister GAPA titleholders into new generations of GAPA Royalty.

Lotus Party (he/she/they) grew up in the South Bay as a child of their maternal grandparents. They discovered their queer identity at a young age but could not express themselves while living among conservative relatives. While attending University of California Davis for their Business undergrad, they stumbled upon the club scene, performing arts, and thereby drag. Now they utilize their drag, inspired by fantasy/anime/sci-fi/horror, to create alternative art and varying degrees of entertainment.

Kiki Krunch (she/her) is your divine Filipina trans woman drag performer. She honors her ancestors and goddesses she serves by passionately advocating for comprehensive healthcare for people living with HIV and trans people. She believes that LGBT rights should be universal as they are basic human rights. Gay liberation is only achieved when any member of our community across the globe is free to love who they want to love.

Information for contestants

Though GAPA Runway is structured as a competition for entertainment purposes, the focus of the production is on community building and friendship. Many Runway alumni get very close through the rehearsal process and stay in touch for years after participating in the show together. Runway has also been the platform upon which many Bay Area performers have launched their careers.

Should I apply?

Yes! No performance experience is needed to participate in GAPA Runway. We welcome a diversity of experience levels and gender presentations.

What is a typical contestant like?

GAPA Runway has seen a variety of performers and personalities grace the stage, from community laypeople to seasoned drag artists. Runway is a production committed to showcasing the entire range of artistry, humanity, and excellence across the queer and transgender Asian Pacific Islander (QTAPI) community. If you feel comfortable doing public speaking and can think of a skill/talent you might want to showcase on stage, you should apply!

In 2023, we especially encourage masculine-presenting people of all genders to apply.

Run of show

1. Opening number - the two reigning titleholders and all contestants perform a choreographed number.

2. Talent/Fantasy - each contestant does a 2-minute solo performance showcasing a talent/skill of their choice. In the past, contestants have done lip-syncing, dancing, storytelling, singing, roller skating, pole dancing, and more. Though props are allowed on stage, no other people are allowed on stage during a contestant’s Fantasy.

3. Formalwear/Initial Q+A - each contestant dons their interpretation of eveningwear/formalwear and draws a question out of a fishbowl to answer in front of the audience. These questions are supplied by judges and shared with contestants ahead of time.

4. Final Q+A - the top scoring 40% of contestants move on to the Final Q+A. Each contestant draws a final question to answer in front of the audience. These questions are supplied by non-finalist contestants and are not shared ahead of time.

5. Closing number - the two reigning titleholders perform a step-down number.

6. Awards ceremony - the hosts announce all prizes and winners. In addition to the two Runway winners, there are audience-voted and contestant-voted awards.

OUTFITS/Looks

Contestants need to prepare two looks at minimum: one for the opening number that is an interpretation of the Runway theme and one for the eveningwear/formalwear segment. Often times, contestants will also do an additional outfit for their Fantasy performance, but this is not required.

RUNWAY TITLEHOLDERS

Throughout the show, each contestant is presented to the audience as their chosen honorific (Mr./Ms./Mx.). At the end of the show, the two highest-scoring contestants win, regardless of honorific.

Serving as a Runway titleholder is a time-honored tradition dating back to the 1980s. For the year of their reign, the two titleholders represent GAPA in the community and are invited to make appearances at community events like the Imperial Court Coronation, political rallies, partner organization events, and more. Titleholders are also encouraged to make use of their platform to fundraise and advance social causes.

PRODUCTION STIPENDs and prize money

Because GAPA Runway is an all-volunteer community production, there is no payment for participating in the show. However, as of 2022, each contestant that participates in GAPA Runway will receive a small stipend to help offset production-related costs.

The two winning Runway titleholders will each receive $500 in prize money upon winning. During the year of their reign, titleholders can receive another $500 by hosting a fundraiser for GAPA.

LOGISTICS

The show will take place on 8/19/23 at Herbst Theater (401 Van Ness Ave) in San Francisco. Contestants must be available for the entire day of 8/19/23.

There will also be five (5) in-person rehearsals in the month leading up to the show that will likely take place in San Francisco. Rehearsal dates are TBD based on contestant availability. Contestants must commit to participating in all of these rehearsals.

Any other questions?

Reach out to prod@gapa.org with any questions.

BECOME A GAPA MEMBER

In honoring our roots as a membership organization, we proudly offer GAPA memberships. This offers vital financial support for our work, and all members get updates and first access to the latest happenings from GAPA Chorus, Theatre, sports, happy hours and outings. Membership is $20 per year.

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP

To capture the spirit, creativity of our intersectional community in this virtual edition of Runway will incur considerable costs. Become a financial sponsor of GAPA Runway 2022 to sustain one of the only drag competition and entertainment shows in the U.S. focused on highlighting the talents of the vibrant QTAPI community.