Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

$20-$30 Advance | $35 Day of Show

18+ 

Step right up, queerdo darlings!
Welcome to Pride Ball 2025: Freak Show — the glitter-drenched, gender-bending, jaw-dropping queer circus like no other, hosted and produced by Vermont’s own Emoji Nightmare!

This ain’t your average circus. We’re talking a deliciously deviant spectacle featuring drag daredevils, burlesque beauties, sideshow stunners, clown chaos, mind-bending illusions, and dance performances that defy gravity and gender norms.

Featuring show-stopping performances by:
Dawn from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16
BOA from Canada’s Drag Race Season 1
...plus a whole cast of local and regional legends, misfits, and magical creatures.

Under the big top, DJ sets by Kate Kush and Rd Lght will keep the ring spinning all night long. 

So dust off your sequins, unleash your inner oddity, and come be the freak you were born to be. The tent is open. The spotlight’s on you.

About Emoji Nightmare:

Emoji Nightmare has been performing across Vermont and the region since 2015 and is one of the state’s leading drag entertainers. She is host and producer of many of the largest LGBTQ+ events of the past decade. She is the co-founder of the Vermont chapter of Drag Story Hour and a multi-year nominee for Seven Days’ annual Daysies Awards for Best Drag Performer in Vermont.

About Dawn:

Dawn is the self-proclaimed “ethereal elf goddess of Brooklyn” and a standout queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. Known for her whimsical, storybook looks (complete with elf ears!) and chaotic, lovable energy, Dawn brought big personality and big fashion—even if she never snagged a maxi challenge win. Originally from Raleigh, NC, this engineering grad turned drag star charmed fans with her nerdy glam, kooky humor, and iconic entrance: “Rise and shine, motherfuckers… it’s Dawn.” She placed 6th overall and embraced the “villain” title with a wink—just pure, chaotic fun.

About BOA:

After her explosive introduction on the iconic first season of Canada’s Drag Race, Boa has been making waves, earning laughs, and winning hearts throughout North America! An advocate for mental health, Boa often cites her own five year long recovery journey as a means to connect with others on a deeper level and spread awareness on substance abuse. If you’ve been following along with Boa’s health journey, you’ll know that she is no stranger to a gym, is in love with fitness, and has even become a certified yoga instructor to add to her lifestyle that she’s named “BOGA”! This neon diva brings energy and connection to the stage, online, and television with her most recent project being participating in the recent drag race spinoff “Slaycation”, where Boa, along with a handful of her worldwide drag race sisters were invited to vacation at a wintery chalet. During this iconic series Boa continued to steal the hearts of viewers, displayed her big personality, ridiculous humour, humanizing vulnerability, and infectious charm!

DATE: Sun, Aug 31st
TIME: 11am--1:30pm
AGES: ALL (18+ recommended)
ADMISSION: $20*

* ticket only; food available to purchase separately

18+ RECOMMENDED.

PLEASE NOTE: To guarantee your party can sit together, tix must be purchased under one name OR you may call the box office in advance with your party size (802.859.0100).

THIS MONTH'S SHOW WILL FEATURE:
Emoji Nightmare, host
Sasha Sriracha
Rhedd Rhumm
Miss Chekova
BLAZE
Mac Steamy, special guest
Lizzie Murderz, stage kitten

ABOUT THE EVENT

The hairspray! The rhinestones! The outfits! The fabulousness! Spend your morning at Vermont Comedy Club/Happy Place Cafe for an enthralling edition of Eleganza and Espresso: A Drag Brunch.

An ensemble of Vermont’s most dazzling drag queens and kings will help every bite go down easy as they entertain guests and prance, dip and dive around your tables. Hosted by Emoji Nightmare!

Stock your wallet with singles for this interactive, tip-worthy spectacle. And brace yourself for perhaps the bawdiest brunch of your life.

Grab yourself a ticket NOW as this show sells out! Available for sale (separate from ticket price) will be: food, coffee, mimosas, Bloody Marys and more!

A special collaborative event with Indigenous Drag Story Hour!

Joining us for this extra special story hour is Lady Shug, reader with the Indigenous Drag Story Hour chapter.

Lady Shug is a proud Indigenous drag artist, born for the Diné (Navajo) Nation, raised in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. Lady Shug has been entertaining audiences for over 11+ years, beginning her career with nightly performances on the Las Vegas Strip. Recently, Lady Shug felt called to return home to the Navajo Reservation and now lives along the Arizona-New Mexico border. As a community activist, Lady Shug works with grassroots collectives to fight for equal rights for her 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous relatives living in rural areas and on reservations that have long denied them equal treatment. Lady Shug uses her platform to connect her passions for drag and activism to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with social movements.

In and out of drag, Shug uses both voices to challenge and make change for inclusion, acceptance, decolonization – always within the frame of indigenous resistance. Shug then gained the skills necessary to organize in the four corners area – and from this work, the #ShugChallenge was born. The #ShugChallenge is a mutual aid program that supports the border towns and communities within and alongside their reservation – relatives and folks who are forgotten in the main spectrum of living can find services and support through the #ShugChallenge. 

She was the first drag artist to host a pop-up powwow in Bentonville, AR with Live in America. Lady Shug was recently featured in the Emmy awarded series HBO’s We’re Here, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Bob the Drag Queen, Shangela, and Eureka. Currently, Lady Shug is touring the US & international territories Landa Lakes on the all-Indigenous LaLa Land Back tour #LaLaLandBack Tour.

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Join the UVM Program Board and Prism Center for five rounds of Bingo hosted by Emoji Nightmare & Katniss Everqueer and featuring Candace Persuasian (Boston, MA) and some of Vermont’s best performers. Plus - we’ve got huge prizes - you won’t want to miss!! It’s all happening on Friday, August 29th at 7pm in the Grand Maple Ballroom.

Please contact the UVM Program Board (UPB) at upb@uvm.edu for questions and accommodations. For more event information visit uvmbored.com/WOW or check out UPB online at fb.com/uvmupb. #UVMWOW

THIS EVENT IS ONLY OPEN TO UVM STUDENTS AND FACULTY

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Westford's first ever Pride event! Come dance the night away in celebration of Pride. This is an all-ages, alcohol free event. With special guest Emoji Nightmare.

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Emoji joins Whendy Whaxwood for her NYC return at The Holler

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

DATE: Sun, Jun 15th
TIME: 11am--1:30pm
AGES: ALL (18+ recommended)
ADMISSION: $20*

* ticket only; food avail to purchase separately

18+ RECOMMENDED.

To purchase tickets, enter quantity in upper right & click "Add to Cart" (then check out). No physical tickets will be mailed; simply bring your confirmation to the box office.

PLEASE NOTE: To guarantee your party can sit together, tix must be purchased under one name OR you may call the box office in advance with your party size (802.859.0100).

THIS MONTH'S SHOW WILL FEATURE:
Emoji Nightmare
Sasha Sriracha
Katniss Everqueer
Rhedd Rhumm
BLAZE
Pete Zapparti
Yoshi Glows
Pancakes

ABOUT THE EVENT

The hairspray! The rhinestones! The outfits! The fabulousness! Spend your morning at Vermont Comedy Club/Happy Place Cafe for an enthralling edition of Eleganza and Espresso: A Drag Brunch.

An ensemble of Vermont’s most dazzling drag queens and kings will help every bite go down easy as they entertain guests and prance, dip and dive around your tables. Hosted by Emoji Nightmare!

Stock your wallet with singles for this interactive, tip-worthy spectacle. And brace yourself for perhaps the bawdiest brunch of your life.

Grab yourself a ticket NOW as this show sells out! Available for sale (separate from ticket price) will be: food, coffee, mimosas, Bloody Marys and more!

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

*** THIS EVENT IS KATNISS SOLO ***

12pm and 3pm seatings

Hosted by Amanda Playwith

featuring Emoji Nightmare, Kris Knievel, and Sticki Honey

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Doors 6:30

Games 7:00

First board free | Extra boards $5 ea

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

This event is made possible thanks to support from Vermont Community Foundation’s Samara Fund.

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

Drag Story Hour (DSH) is just what it sounds like...

...drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. 

Emoji Nightmare and Katniss Everqueer, two of Vermont's favorite queer performing artists, will be sure to delight and captivate audience members of all ages as they share stories focused on individuality, activism, gender, creativity, expression, and social responsibility. 

DSH was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015. The Vermont Chapter of DSH was created by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne in 2017. In 2021, Emoji joined the national board of directors for DSH. For more information on DSH, visit DragStoryHour.org. 

$10 Advance | $20 Day of Show

18+

—

Emoji Nightmare is turning 10! In April 2015, Emoji graced the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge stage for her very first drag performance ever. And now, a decade later, she’s bringing her favorites from over the years back for a reunion celebration you won’t want to miss. Drag and burlesque performers from present and past will grace the stage and DJ sets throughout the evening will keep the room bouncing.

Drag and burlesque performances by:

Sasha Sriracha, Carmen Gettit, Katniss Everqueer, Bethadone Clinique, Rhedd Rhumm, Green Mountain Cabaret, Nikki Champagne, Trey Goodlay, Shani, Luci Furr-Matrix, Mike Oxready, Domini'que Anjou, Marjorie Mayhem, Prince Muffin, Pete Zapparti

DJ sets by:

Craig Mitchell, GAYBAR, and DJ Llu