At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen

by Terry Guest

Courtney Berringers would like to welcome you to her wake! But—make no mistake—this ain’t your grandma’s funeral. At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen is a one-act play about Blackness, southern queerness, and the fine art of drag. From African Gods and Goddesses to Trina and Whitney Houston, At the Wake thoughtfully uses storytelling, drama and drag to explore identity, illness, and the narratives we construct for...

Courtney Berringers would like to welcome you to her wake! But—make no mistake—this ain’t your grandma’s funeral. At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen is a one-act play about Blackness, southern queerness, and the fine art of drag. From African Gods and Goddesses to Trina and Whitney Houston, At the Wake thoughtfully uses storytelling, drama and drag to explore identity, illness, and the narratives we construct for ourselves. Come party at the wake. Bring your own heels!

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At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen

Recommended by

  • Jacob York: At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen by Terry Guest
    “

    This play is truly SO beautiful. Lyric and intimate, it holds your hand and welcomes you into a deeply personal experience, that ends up feeling universal. I truly think any community would benefit from having had this play on one of its stages.

    This play is truly SO beautiful. Lyric and intimate, it holds your hand and welcomes you into a deeply personal experience, that ends up feeling universal. I truly think any community would benefit from having had this play on one of its stages.

    ”
  • Samantha Marchant: At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen by Terry Guest
    “

    Dazzling, heartbreaking, intimate, moving - a play and characters that are sure to stick with you for a long time.

    Dazzling, heartbreaking, intimate, moving - a play and characters that are sure to stick with you for a long time.

    ”
  • Jacob Punturi: At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen by Terry Guest
    “

    a fantastic play that I cannot wait to see on stage!! The characters are so personal and deeply moving. Amazing work, Terry!

    a fantastic play that I cannot wait to see on stage!! The characters are so personal and deeply moving. Amazing work, Terry!

    ”
View all 12 recommendations

Character Information

  • Courtney/ Anthony
    Scorpio. Divas include (but are not limited to) Whitney, Judy Garland, Diana Ross.
    22
    African American/Black
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
  • Vickie/ Hunter
    Libra. Divas include (but are not limited to) Bernadette Peters, Shania Twain, Baby Spice.
    22
    White
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White

Development History

  • Reading, Celebration Theatre, LA, 2020
  • Reading, Theatre Rhinoceros, 2020
  • Reading, Mirrorbox Theatre, 2020
  • Workshop, Out Front Theatre Company, ATL, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, Urbanite Theatre, Sarasota Fl, 2021
  • Professional, The Story Theatre, CHI, 2019

Awards

  • Out Front Theatre Spectrum Series Grant
    Out Front Theatre Company
    Winner
    2018