2nd annual Salt City Drag Battle Returns to Syracuse Stage

They're back! Mrs. Kasha Davis and Miss Darienne Lake return to Syracuse Stage to host an evening of drag, drinks and dancing at the second annual Salt City Drag Battle. Co-presented with Rain Lounge, this year's battle is Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St. Who will be named the Salt City Queen or King of 2019 and win a $1,000 cash prize?

Participants will be selected through a video application process on the Syracuse Stage website, which is open now. Interested participants should provide video of past performances. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 14.

Hosted by "RuPaul's Drag Race" alumni Mrs. Kasha Davis and Miss Darienne Lake, proceeds from the Salt City Drag Battle will benefit Syracuse Stage artistic programming. The pageant will feature nine contestants, who will showcase two looks and one talent performance. Finalists will then compete in a lip-sync battle for a winner-take-all grand prize. All contestants will receive a $150 stipend for participation and performance in the Drag Battle.

"Everyone had such a blast at last year's Drag Battle that we couldn't wait to bring some spectacular Central New York talent back to our stage," said Jill Anderson, managing director, Syracuse Stage. "This, by far, is our most exuberant fundraiser and we hope the community will share and be part of this exciting event."

Tickets for the Drag Battle are $30 and on sale now at the Syracuse Stage Box Office, 315-443-3275 and online. VIP tickets that include selected priority seating and a post-show champagne reception with the hosts are also available for $60.

ABOUT Syracuse Stage

Syracuse Stage is Central New York's premier professional theatre in residence at Syracuse University. Founded in 1974, Stage has produced more than 300 plays in more than 45 seasons including a number of world, American, and East Coast premieres. Each season 70,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays, and bold interpretations of classics and musicals, featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves more than 15,000 students from 14 counties. A solid core of subscribers and supporters helps keep Syracuse Stage a vibrant artistic presence in Central New York. Additional support comes from the government, foundations, corporations and Syracuse University. Syracuse Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. Syracuse Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.