‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Focused on Casting Queens Who Will ‘Evoke Change’ and Fight for LGBTQ Rights Amid Anti-Drag Laws
variety.comGoloka Bolte to assemble a group of queens that would lay the foundation for a fresh era. Says Bolte, “After 15 seasons and Drag Race’s popularity, word gets out fast that we’re casting.
But we can’t ever let it fall to chance that queens will just apply and always make sure we’re scouting and encouraging queens to try out.” Aside from banking recommendations and scouring the internet, Bolte says part of her casting process involves reaching out to bars and clubs around the country. “And we take in drag shows when we can.” Bolte adds, “When we start casting for a new season, I’ll sit down with the team and compare lists, look at who we loved from past auditions and who we feel might be ready this time around.
We love finding those queens who’ve never applied before or who might be huge talents but aren’t active on social media and encouraging them to make a tape.
Sometimes they just need a little nudge.” One such example was Sasha Colby who went on to be crowned the season 15 winner. As a legend on the drag scene, Bolte hoped Colby, who “embodies strength, authenticity and vulnerability,” would audition — and she finally did. “Thankfully, she felt Season 15 was her time.” With a blend of newfangled queens comes the magic of the series. “It’s great to have the seasoned, elite queen next to queens that have never performed on a stage before,” says Petersen.
