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'Drag Is Literally Anything': Behind the Scenes With Anastasia Taylor Duvall

The Associated Students Queer Resource Center held their 26th annual drag show on Friday, February 2. An AS Review photographer followed one of the performers through their preparation and performance. Read a Q&A with Anastasia and two other performers here.

Junior Jorge Mendoza prepares for the AS Queer Resource Center’s 26th Annual Drag Show from his dorm room on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Mendoza first started performing in drag shows while a student at Washington State University, prior to being signed by a drag company. He has performed from Washington state to New York to Mexico.
Junior Jorge Mendoza prepares for the AS Queer Resource Center’s 26th Annual Drag Show from his dorm room on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Mendoza first started performing in drag shows while a student at Washington State University, prior to being signed by a drag company. He has performed from Washington state to New York to Mexico. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
Using an old, oversized shirt, Mendoza sows a one-piece bodysuit. This was his first time sewing his outfit himself. “I’m very inspired by high fashion and very fashion forward things,” Mendoza said. “I don’t have the best ability to express it because I don’t have the most money as a college student.”
Using an old, oversized shirt, Mendoza sows a one-piece bodysuit. This was his first time sewing his outfit himself. “I’m very inspired by high fashion and very fashion forward things,” Mendoza said. “I don’t have the best ability to express it because I don’t have the most money as a college student.” Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
Mendoza currently lives in a Fairhaven Complex and uses his small desk as a work space to transform himself into a drag queen for his first show. He said he brought his all by making his own mix, designing his own outfit and doing his own choreography.
Mendoza currently lives in a Fairhaven Complex and uses his small desk as a work space to transform himself into a drag queen for his first show. He said he brought his all by making his own mix, designing his own outfit and doing his own choreography. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
An excited Mendoza plays with his wigs while deciding which to wear with his handmade outfit. Mendoza styled and curled his black wig for the performance. “I’m doing really big hair because Latinas always have really big hair,” Mendoza said. “I like to represent my heritage.”
An excited Mendoza plays with his wigs while deciding which to wear with his handmade outfit. Mendoza styled and curled his black wig for the performance. “I’m doing really big hair because Latinas always have really big hair,” Mendoza said. “I like to represent my heritage.” Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
Mendoza mixed his own song for his performance to include “Hellow Shadow” feat. Keiza by SKYGGE, “Vroom Vroom” by Charli XCX, “Lemon” by Rihanna and “Took the Night” by Chelley.
Mendoza mixed his own song for his performance to include “Hellow Shadow” feat. Keiza by SKYGGE, “Vroom Vroom” by Charli XCX, “Lemon” by Rihanna and “Took the Night” by Chelley. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
Back stage in the Performing Arts Center, Mendoza touches him his eyeliner while transforming into the drag queen, Anastasia Taylor Duvall, on Friday, Feb. 2.
Back stage in the Performing Arts Center, Mendoza touches up his eyeliner while transforming into the drag queen, Anastasia Taylor Duvall, on Friday, Feb. 2. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
Mendoza’s plethora of makeup lays out on the sink of the bathroom, waiting to help make his face more feminine for drag.
Mendoza’s plethora of makeup lays out on the sink of the bathroom, waiting to help make his face more feminine. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
With her wig on and make up done, Anastasia Taylor Duvall hangs out back stage with other performers waiting to go on. “My favorite part of doing drag is the audience,” Duvall said. “I’ve always been a dancer and being in front of an audience and acting.”
With her wig on and make up done, Anastasia Taylor Duvall hangs out back stage with other performers waiting to go on. “My favorite part of doing drag is the audience,” Duvall said. “I’ve always been a dancer and being in front of an audience and acting.” Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
After a long wait, Duvall struts out on-stage to close out the show in front of a full house in the Performing Arts Center. “Nobody can tell me what I can and can’t do,” Duvall said. “Drag is literally anything.” Despite technical difficulties with the audio, Duvall brought the crowd to their feet with her explosive kicks and large splits.
After a long wait, Duvall struts out on-stage to close out the show in front of a full house in the Performing Arts Center. “Nobody can tell me what I can and can’t do,” Duvall said. “Drag is literally anything.” Despite technical difficulties with the audio, Duvall brought the crowd to their feet with her explosive kicks and large splits. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
In the spotlight, Duvall interacts with the crowd touching hands and receiving dollar bills. As a part of the experience, audience members tipped the performers as a way to show appreciation.
In the spotlight, Duvall interacts with the crowd touching hands and receiving dollar bills. As a part of the experience, audience members tipped the performers as a way to show appreciation. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
Duvall gives the crowd one last look and flashes her large sunglasses on stage with the other 12 drag performers.
Duvall gives the crowd one last look and flashes her large sunglasses on stage with the other 12 drag performers. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review
Holding their tips from the crowd, Duvall begins her transformation back into Mendoza with the wig gone and make-up slightly smeared after her explosive performance. Overall, Duvall said they were happy with their performance because they made the best of it, despite the technical difficulties.
Holding their tips from the crowd, Duvall begins her transformation back into Mendoza with the wig gone and make-up slightly smeared after her explosive performance. Overall, Duvall said they were happy with their performance because they made the best of it, despite the technical difficulties. Hailey Hoffman//AS Review

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