RuPaul’s DragCon UK

About the event:

RuPaul’s DragCon UK is a fan convention and expo of drag culture held in London, UK

Described as a cornucopia of drag excitement, there are gag-worthy appearance and exclusive DJ set from RuPaul Charles, fierce main stage performances and programming, wig-snatching merch available to purchase and so much more.

Brief:

To design and build a main stage for artists to perform upon, with a backstage area, branding, high-impact LED screen for content, dramatic lighting show and high-energy sound system with RuPaul raised above the LED screen for his DJ sets.

Alongside this, Showcase was tasked with designing and building a merchandise booth to assist with sales and a large storage area to assist with sales, accessible viewing platform, VIP platform and a Front of House technical platform.

Solution:

After consulting with the client who had high expectations and using their previous knowledge of the event, Showcase produced detailed technical CAD drawings and 3D Visuals. The main stage included trussing, rigging, black and red velvet draping, all provided by Showcase. The high impact 2.6mm LED screen was triggered by dedicated playback video software. The sound system was designed and flown from the truss and covered the 5000-audience watching and participating around the main stage. The lighting system was designed to be dynamic and utilised a complete grid of moving head lighting, this enabled Showcase to create dynamic lighting states for each artist across the three days inclusive of the two after parties. The stage was designed to allow wings for the artists to access and egress the stage whilst a 4m raised DJ platform was constructed to allow RuPaul to DJ and be visible whilst the audience danced around and on the stage.

A large accessible viewing platform was designed and built to allow wheelchair access, via a D.D.A. approved ramp and additional access via steps. The platform was raised to allow good site lines and handrailed on all surfaces for safety. Showcase also designed and built a VIP viewing platform and raised Front of House control space – all platform and stages were designed to allow structural approval pre-installation and were then built onsite to the exact specification pre-approved by the events structural engineers.

Showcase designed a 6m x 5m merchandise booth. Thanks to the high volumes of sales at the 2020 event Showcase recognised the need for additional quick on-hand space. The area was spaced planned, technically drawn and 3D visualised to ensure the client’s requirements were met. The high impact frontage embossed with the client’s logo gave the booth a high-end look and feel, it employed brand colours which gave the booth an attractive frontage and drew attention to the items for sale. The three walls around the storage booth were used to advertise Season 15 of DragRace.

Delivery:

Showcase created an impactful on-brand main stage that was the primary focus of the entire event. They also designed and built an eye-catching merchandise booth that helped boost the revenue of the exhibition. Showcase also provided all the furniture for the VIP spaces and RuPaul’s office.

Throughout the build up, the event itself and the dismantle, Showcase’s professional project management team liaised with the event’s U.S. office to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Project Service Summary:

• Main stage with LED screen
• Velvet curtains for backdrops
• Lighting and special effects
• Video equipment
• Sound equipment
• Line array sound system
• Truss, rigging and draping
• Large scale print for stage branding
• Technical production
• Project management
• Event furniture for VIP spaces and RuPaul’s office
• Technical drawings, calculations
• 3D Renders
• Production and project management
• Consultation
• Design and build
• Flexible, proactive team with a US client.