Queens finalize their outfits in the dressing room at Shotski’s Woodfire Eats in Salem, Ore. Jacob Busby-Smith, center, a Portland-based performer dances as the persona Scarlett Fantasia. Scarlett found enthusiastic support among other young queens who perform at all-ages shows in the Willamette Valley.
Scarlett Fantasia brushes her hair before her first performance of the night April 7, 2019, at Shotski’s Woodfire Eats in Salem, Ore. She crossed from the mirrors of the bathrooms to a staging area and back a handful of times before the start of an all-ages drag show.
Scarlett strides onto the floor at Shotski’s Woodfire Eats. Jacob Busby-Smith, the Portland-based performer behind the drag persona, said he feels a thrill dancing in front of a crowd.
Scarlett takes cash from Nic Oakley of West Linn, Ore. Audiences at Shotski’s applaud and whoop for performers, but tipping is part of the dance — a source of connection between queens and crowd that triggers teasing and expressions of gratitude.
Scarlett waits for her introduction in a makeshift green room at Shotski’s. Banter and teasing and the introduction hooks of a pop song from loudspeakers over the stage signal Scarlett’s walkout.
Scarlett changes outfits in the dressing room at Shotski’s. A set at one of the restaurant’s all-ages shows can feature three outfit changes and themed performances.
Busby-Smith washes thick makeup from his face undoing several hours of work and putting to rest an hours-long set of performances at Shotski’s.
Busby-Smith rinses his face, once more appearing as the young man behind the persona Scarlett Fantasia.
Scarlett dresses up before the show. The queen persona emerges with several hours of makeup and costuming. Busby-Smith switched mesh tops for loose flannel and patent leather for canvas Vans after his performance, getting comfortable as he exchanged Scarlett’s persona for “the boy beneath the queen,” he said.