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The Mainstage/RuPaul's Drag Race

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The Mainstage of RuPaul's Drag Race and its design have changed several times over the seasons.

Season 1[]

The original design of the stage was very minimal in the first season, compared to the more recent seasons. The stage consisted of a small, singular red catwalk, accompanied by a small line at the back of the stage where the safe queens could stand upon. The colors were shown to be tones of reds, oranges and greys, compared to the more bluish-pink of the later stages.

In front of the stage was the judges’ panel, which could hold a maximum of five individuals. This was the only time out of the entire show where the panel faced directly towards the catwalk. A notable addition to the stage was a grand entrance at the center of the runway, used specifically for RuPaul‘s Covergirl runway entrance. The only other queen to use this entrance on accident was Tammie Brown.

Season 2 to Season 4[]

On the second season, the stage design was heavily revamped, thanks to a higher budget compared to the previous season.

One major notable difference between the two stages was the size, with the new Season 2 stage becoming bigger. The red-orange color palette was replaced with a pink-colored palette. The red catwalk was replaced with a much larger black and white checkered catwalk, accompanied by small light bulbs dotting the perimeter of the stage. The grey curtains at the entryway were also replaced by a massive light bulb backdrop.

The lighting of the stage was also notably darker compared to the first season.

Season 5 to Season 9[]

The lightbulb backdrop was changed to a spotlight backdrop with 20 lights and rows of hanging crystal beads.

Starting Season 5 the judges panel got a new backdrop, going from purple sequin curtains, to a blue neon wall with a pink neon wall in front with hexagonal cutouts. The backdrop can change color.

Seasons 10 to Season 12[]

The runway got new black platforms just behind the front of the runway which the lightbulb perimeter now go around. The spotlight backdrop got more lights (going from 20 to 36). In Season 12, during Ru's runway entrance, the lights spell out "R-u-P-A-U-L".

Seasons 13 to All Stars 7[]

The perimeter of the runway got changed from lightbulbs on a gold border, to LED strips which can change colour. The backdrop also got 16 LED strips.

The judges panel got a new table with plexiglass dividers (due to COVID-19 restrictions during the time of filming).

More lights were added to this version of the runway, notably in the panels at the back of the runway, the "pillars" to the sides of the runway, and more spotlights on the ground and ceiling overall, making the runway much brighter and easier to see. Every 2 rows of panels on the back wall of the stage were replaced by long LED light streams that can make shapes and change colors.

Season 15 to All Stars 9[]

As of RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 15), the typical plexiglass dividers have been removed from the judges panel. The backdrop of the judges panel was also changed to a pattern of circles.

Every other column of tiles on the back wall has been changed to a grid of lights that can be programmed to display patterns and different colors.

The Mainstage of Season 15-All Stars *

The Mainstage on Season 15

Season 17 to All Stars 10[]

For the finale of the sixteenth season, the set was moved to a larger studio, which in turn prompted a redesign of the main stage for that episode and subsequent seasons.

This stage design represents the most significant update to the main stage since the second season. To begin with, the most notable difference between the current and former main stages is the backdrop. Specifically, the tiles that previously served as the backdrop have been replaced with LED screens. Furthermore, the stage lights that once lit the background of the entrance have also been replaced with an LED screen; however, the fringe curtain was retained. In addition, light bulbs have made a comeback in the new stage design, framing the LED backgrounds, surrounding the main stage, and replacing the foundations found on both sides of the old main stage. At the center of the backdrop, there are now bulbs and LED strips arranged to resemble a crown. Finally, the black-and-white checkered catwalk has been replaced with an LED strip that can change colors and switch on or off.

Trivia[]

  • As of All Stars 2, the queens can sit on the left of the stage to watch the Talent Show.
  • Season 9's premiere episode used a different stage where the queens showcased their looks.
  • The pattern on the back wall of the Mainstage, first showing up in Season 5, has changed significantly over the years:
    • Season 5: Purple hexagonal cutouts on a neon red backdrop, resembling a border.
    • Season 6-All Stars 3, All Stars 4, All Stars 5, Season 13-Season 14: Blue hexagonal cutouts on a neon red backdrop. The lighting reflecting onto the wall can make the hexagons look like they have a pink border.
    • Season 9: Pink hexagonal cutouts on a light pink backdrop.
    • Season 10, Season 12: Red hexagonal cutouts on a neon red backdrop.
    • Season 11: Orange hexagonal cutouts on a dark pink backdrop.
    • All Stars 6: Neon blue hexagonal cutouts on a hot pink backdrop.
    • All Stars 7: Orange hexagonal cutouts on a hot pink backdrop.
    • Season 15: What once were hexagons are now orange circles, spread out alongside boomerang shapes, with a pink border.

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