What is a typical contestant like?
GAPA Runway has seen a variety of performers and personalities grace the stage, from community laypeople to seasoned drag artists. Runway is a production committed to showcasing the entire range of artistry, humanity, and excellence across the queer and transgender Asian Pacific Islander (QTAPI) community. If you feel comfortable doing public speaking and can think of a skill/talent you might want to showcase on stage, you should apply!
In 2024, we especially encourage masculine-presenting people of all genders to apply.
Run of show
Opening number - the two reigning titleholders and all contestants perform a choreographed number.
Talent/Fantasy - each contestant does a 2-minute solo performance showcasing a talent/skill of their choice. In the past, contestants have done stand-up, lip-syncing, dancing, storytelling, singing, roller skating, pole dancing, and more. Though props are allowed on stage, no other people are allowed on stage during a contestant’s Fantasy.
Formalwear/Initial Q+A - each contestant dons their interpretation of eveningwear/formalwear and draws a question out of a fishbowl to answer in front of the audience. These questions are supplied by judges and shared with contestants ahead of time.
Final Q+A - the top scoring 40% of contestants move on to the Final Q+A. Each contestant draws a final question to answer in front of the audience. These questions are supplied by non-finalist contestants and are not shared ahead of time.
Closing number - the two reigning titleholders perform a step-down number.
Awards ceremony - the hosts announce all prizes and winners. In addition to the two Runway winners, there are audience-voted and contestant-voted awards.
OUTFITS/Looks
Contestants need to prepare two looks at minimum: one for the opening number that is an interpretation of the Runway theme and one for the eveningwear/formalwear segment. Often times, contestants will also do an additional outfit for their Fantasy performance, but this is not required.
RUNWAY TITLEHOLDERS
Throughout the show, each contestant is presented to the audience as their chosen honorific (Mr./Ms./Mx.). At the end of the show, the two highest-scoring contestants win, regardless of honorific.
Serving as a Runway titleholder is a time-honored tradition dating back to the 1980s. For the year of their reign, the two titleholders represent GAPA in the community and are invited to make appearances at community events like the Imperial Court Coronation, political rallies, partner organization events, and more. Titleholders are also encouraged to make use of their platform to fundraise and advance social causes.
PRODUCTION STIPENDs and prize money
Because GAPA Runway is an all-volunteer community production, there is no payment or entrance fee for participating in the competition. However, as of 2022, each contestant that participates in GAPA Runway will receive a small stipend to help offset production-related costs.
The two winning Runway titleholders will each receive $500 in prize money upon winning. During the year of their reign, titleholders can receive another $500 by hosting a fundraiser for GAPA.
LOGISTICS
The show will take place on 9/14/24 at Herbst Theater (401 Van Ness Ave) in San Francisco. Contestants must be available for the entire day of 9/14/24.
There will also be five (5) in-person rehearsals in the month leading up to the show that will likely take place in San Francisco. Rehearsal dates are TBD based on contestant availability. Contestants must commit to participating in all of these rehearsals.
For the 2024 Contestant and Production Schedule, click here.
Any other questions?
Reach out to prod@gapa.org with any questions.
