Our Next Event  . . .  Sunday September 21, 2008 (tentative)

Read The Washington Post Magazine Article "Long Live The Queens"

After months of work and many, many interviews with Mame Dennis and others, the Washington Post article "Long Live The Queens" was published today in the Sunday, August 10, 2008 Washington Post magazine. The article not only explains the problems we've had finding a new home after Club 55 opened but also how we're persevered since the new ball park took our area.

If you didn't get a copy of the magazine, click here to read the article on The Washington Post web site.

You can also click here and go directly to "The Show Must Go On" the video interview of Mame Dennis and see images from several of the show this past Spring at Apex. It's a very memorable video on our long-standing organization.
 

Remembering Tara O'Hara

Members of the Academy were saddened to learn of the sudden death of David (Tara) at his home in Savannah, Georgia on May 5th, 2008.

David Geddings appeared in the New Faces of 1985. That Fall, he joined Beekman Place as Maggie O'Hara's son - Jock O'Hara. He was a New BPer of 1985 and received the Beekman Place Mr. Congeniality Award of 1986 and was Beekman Place Outstanding Person of 1987. He received the 1987 Golden Boy for Male Standing Ovation.

As Mr. New Jersey, he won the first Mr. Gaye USA (DC) Contest on 1985. He was on Academy Protocol in 1987 as Mr. Academy. He was 2nd Runner-up to Miss Turnabout in 1987 and he won the Turnabout Contest in 1988. At that time - Tara O'Hara was "born".

As Miss Wisconsin, Tara won the Miss Gaye USA (DC) contest in 1988 and she was on Academy Protocol in 1992 as Miss Academy - becoming the counterpart to both his previous male titles - and he was Miss Golden Boy in 2003.

As Miss South Africa, Tara became Miss Gaye Universe (DC) of 1995.

Tara's Beekman awards included: Drag Personality, Drag Entertainer, Most Talented Drag, Woman of the Year, Drag Achievement, Creative Actress, Outstanding Drag, The Brandy Dover "Pride" Award. and Supporting Actress.  She was on Beekman Place Protocol as Best Drag, Duchess, The Queen of Basic Black, and she served her family as the Best Actress of Beekman Place.

Her Golden Boy awards included Creative Actress, Drag Outstanding Ovation, Best Drag In A Single, Best Drag In A Series, Washington Achievement, Drag Personality, Miss Espirit de Corps, Entertainer of the Golden Boys, and Best Actress in a Single Performance.

Tara's professional drag career in the city was legendary. Her up-beat, disco entertainment, flamboyant outfits that featured her terrific gams, and the quick snapping of her ever-present fan were her trademarks.  Her talents were recognized by the Beekman Place Ella Fitzgerald Professional Entertainer Award and the Golden Boy Award for Professional Drag Entertainer. Tara was active in the Academy and she was always willing to perform in a benefit show. She was one of the friendliest members we have ever had. her sudden death on May 5th was a shock to everyone especially since she had just been to the Universe Ball and appeared in excellent health.

At the May 18th show, this tribute was read and a moment of silence was held in memory of Tara. Miss Showbusiness, Destiny B. Childs performed a HOOP number, "Last Dance" which was one of Tara's favorites.

Mame Dennis
May 18th, 2008

Webmaster's Note: The following email was received from David's (Tara's) brother:

"I would like to thank the Academy on behalf of the Geddings Family for the lovely spray of flowers you sent. The Academy was a large part of David’s life if Washington.

Please pass on our thanks to all of Academy members who posted Memorials on the website at the funeral home. They were a big comfort to Mom to know that he was so highly thought of in the Washington community. He will be missed by his family her and his extended family in Washington. Thanks Joe (David’s Brother)"
 

You can view the memorials if you click here,  it will take you to the online obituary for David Geddings '(Tara O'Hara) family.
 

Academy Happenings

47th Best Actor and Best Actress Selected

Miss Gaye Universe DC 2008 Crowned

After a wonderful year wearing the "Crown of Stars", Miss Gaye Universe DC, Dixie Carter, gave up her title on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at the Almas Temple. Contestant after contestant walked in three categories this year, country costume, swimwear, and evening gown and at the end of the evening, a new Miss Gaye Universe DC was selected. The "Crown of Stars" was placed on the head of Miss South Africa, Tammy Faye Taylor. Congratulations to Tammy Faye on what will be an adventuresome year and to Dixie Carter as she begins her new life as a "Child of The Universe".

Metro Weekly has published images from our Miss Gaye Universe DC Ball in their magazine. Click here to go to the Metro Weekly site to see the highlights from the event.

Miss Gaye Dreamgirl Contest Postponed

The Miss Gaye Dreamgirl Contest has been moved to the Fall and a new date will be announced with the Fall Academy schedule. Application packages will be available this summer - so watch for updates on this website.

Technical Crew Schedule Posted

Can't remember what event you're schedule to work? Need a quick reminder of the schedule? Want to schedule a rehearsal? The Tech Crew schedule for the rest of the season is now available online. Click here to see when you're working or what slots are free for scheduling a rehearsal.

The Zodiac Wheel Keeps Spinning . . .

Addison Road Glitter Gala Benefit Results

Sunday's  Glitter Gala Benefit show raised approximately $3000 for Food & Friends. It was a spectacular show with a lot of great entertainment, silent auction items, yummy bake sale items, and don't forget the "eventful" underwear auction. Hats off to Addison Road for producing such a successful show.

Royal Ball 2008

A new Royal Family was crowned on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at APEX. After the current Royal Family (King of Hearts Carlton Stephens, Queen of Hearts Veronica Blake, Prince Charming Anthony Perkins, and Cinderella Ambrosya Bottoms) said their farewells, a new group of Royalty stepped into place.

The Gaye Prince Charming for 2008 is Kanili Diamond and Gaye Cinderella  for 2008 is Ashley Jozet Adams. Frank Sinatra was crowned the King of Hearts for 2008 and Tula is our new Queen of Hearts for 2008.

The newly crowned King of Hearts, Frank Sinatra and Queen of Hearts, Tula take their first walk together on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at the 2008 Royal Ball, (Photos courtesy of Blair Michaels.)

Information Regarding APEX

On Sunday February 3, 2008, we will resume our 2007-2008 season at APEX located at APEX is located at 1415 22nd Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037. As we begin using our new home, there are some "rules and regulations" that we will need to abide by.

These items are:

• There is no smoking inside APEX; all smoking must take place outside of the Club.

• Use of illegal substances of any type will not be tolerated.

• The bar at APEX will not open until 1:00 pm. Until that time, coffee and bottled water will be available at no charge.

• You cannot bring any beverages of any type (coffee, water, soft drinks, liquor, etc.) into the Club. All beverages must be purchased at APEX.

• Food (breakfast and lunch items) will be available during the day (for a fee).

• The doors will not open for us until 11:00 am; there is no need to arrive prior to that since no one will be there.

• Those using the dressing areas are responsible for cleaning up after themselves; the dressing area must be clean at the end of the evening.

• All music must be turned in to the Tech Crew by 2:30 pm. This is because of the location of the DJ booth at APEX. Please contact either Jessyca or Tammy if you have questions.

When you arrive to prepare for a show, the front doors will be locked and you will need to enter through the side service door.  As your facing the building, go down the side alley to the left of the front door.  You will see a side door.  Ring the buzzer on the service entrance door, and someone will let you in.  The front doors to APEX will not be unlocked until 2:00 pm.
 

We Have a New Miss Zodiac for 2008

On Sunday December 2, 2007, Sylvia Stallone walked away from the Zodiac 2008 Finals competition with the title of Miss Zodiac. First Runner-up was CeeCee McCray and Second Runner-up was Xavier B. Childs. The Donna Summer Talent non-finalist was Grayce Lande Garrett and self-expression non-finalist was Stefan Garrett.

Mr. and Miss Gaye USA (DC) 2007 Results

Congratulations to Carlton Stephens and Destiny B. Childs for winning the titles of Mr. Gaye USA (DC) and Miss Gaye USA (DC) for 2007. First runner-up for Mr. Gaye USA (DC) was Trace Couture and first runner-up for Miss Gaye USA (DC) was Sylvia Stallone.

Seen the Old Club 55 location lately?

Click here to see what our old Club 55 site looks like today and what's in the works for the site.

Turnabout 2008 Results

2007 DC AIDS Walk  "Heels For Healing"

On Saturday, October 6, 2007, The Academy of Washington, Inc. "Heels For Healing" team completed the 2007 DC AIDS Walk and has raised over $5,010 to date (and more continues to come in). The Academy and community appreciates all of the hard work of Dixie Carter, Miss Gaye Universe (DC) 2007 for organizing the "Heels For Healing" team and efforts of the team for getting out, gathering donations, and walking on an early Saturday morning.

The members of the Academy who made up the "Heels For Healing" team were: Dixie Carter, Blair Michaels, Brad Michaels, Ricky Van Shelton, Jerry Vale, Momma Dora, Jimmy Carter, and Shelby Stephyns. We also appreciate the friends and family who accompanied the Academy team during the walk. A few of the pink t-shirts are still available; if you are interested in obtaining one, please contact Dixie.