Gaggles of giggles, roars of laughter … and clowns? You might be at an Indianapolis drag show.
It seems there’s been an eruption of clowncore aesthetic in and out of the drag community. But why clowns?
For some drag and burlesque dancers, clowning around has more meaning than circus aesthetics.
Sadah Robinson, who goes by BeelzeBabe, has been the producer and ringmaster of Kinker! A Freakshow Cabaret, a circus-themed show held at the White Rabbit Cabaret in Fountain Square since 2022.
Donning half-white face makeup and devil accessories, Robinson, 29, said they draw inspiration from their childhood.
“The clown is not human. It is something to be — a vessel of joy, of acceptance, of mirroring authority to serious parody,” said Robinson.
During their interview, Robinson shared their clown collection, most of which came from their grandmother, who was a church minister for children.
Robinson’s grandmother used a puppet named Henrietta, a dog, to teach. “She raised me with Henrietta on her hand,” said Robinson. ”And so, the idea of the circus, or these things being new is — at least not in my case — something unexposed to us.”
But Robinson isn’t the only one in drag town with a clowning history.
Luna Sherwood, who goes by Luna Magick, is the producer of Riot Night! The 32-year-old is more often than not seen with teased blue hair and larger-than-life painted eyes and lashes.
“I have a little shelf in my living room that is, I don’t want to say a shrine, it’s an ode to my childhood,” said Sherwood. The clown artist said their most prized item is a picture of them and a clown named Sweet Tomatoes. “RIP girl. She was actually a Christian clown,” said Sherwood.
Sherwood said performing was part of their upbringing. As an elementary school student, they were part of their school’s theater, dance and choir. They also tried improv comedy. Sherwood tried cheerleading, soccer team and football until they hit 5th grade and they were no longer allowed to be part of the all-boys team.
“I just did so many things growing up that eventually led to drag because drag is so many things,” Sherwood said. Another thing drag represents for Sherwood: a way to advocate for HIV prevention.
Tsering Palzom, whose stage name is Lollypop Lyx, sees clowncore as a way to reclaim their childhood. The 28-year-old first hit the Kinker! stage in 2025 with what they described as “gay audacity.”
“It’s okay to be stupid and silly and funny, and have people laugh at you,” said Palzom. “It doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.”
Palzom said they attended their first drag show when they were in college but that drag wasn’t something they set out to do. When a close friend started performing as Taron Closeoff, they started attending more shows and then one day a talent show popped up.
Palzom decided to perform and felt supported by the local drag clown community. “I try my best to reciprocate that,” said Palzom. “That’s the way that I can give back — I think most drag people do.”
It’s been a year since that first performance, and in that time Palzom has also launched a drag king persona, a masculine archetype named Lyx Magick.
“Being a clown makes people feel safe,” said Robinson. “I feel as close to a superhero as I ever could.”
Sherwood said they have observed “the many bills and regulations restricting drag artistry in other parts of the country.”
While they acknowledge that hatred toward their community might run thick, they think there’s more love and acceptance to go around here in Indianapolis.
“I’m focused on my circus, and I want more clowns,” Sherwood said. “There’s room for everyone in the clown car.”
Interested in becoming a drag clown?
There are open stages at Black Circle Music Bar and Monsterz Inc. Peep their socials, go to shows and meet clowns. See if it’s for you. You never know what tricks you might learn.
Although not clown- or drag-exclusive, there are many places where you can gain skills to help you become a better clown. At Cirque Indy, you can learn aerial silks and take aerial fitness classes. Chrome Fitness offers progressive pole dancing classes at all levels. DID Fit Studio is another place for learning pole dancing, as well as lyra and hula hoop dancing from experienced instructors.
Productions like Beyond The Binary and local venues Monsterz Inc. and White Rabbit Cabaret have showcased aerial artists and those doing the “extraordinary.” Follow them on social media for a good show.
Follow these performers recommended by BeelzeBabe, Luna Magick and Lollypop Lyx:
- Juno The Creaux brings contortionism to Indy drag stages.
- Grapefruit The Clown is a mystic, magician and hospice clown.
- Static streams a show via YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
- Strawberry Panic is a dreamy performer who is often covered in clouds.
- Petra Sematary is a performer and comedian with harlequin vibes.
- Big Birtha Kulture does drag and clown burlesque, but is also host and artist.
- Maurice Mantini is often dubbed “the Midwest’s favorite drag uncle.”
- Poopshit is the clown nasty kids invite to their parties.
- Naptown Clown Alley is a community of silly clowns that mean well.
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Dylyn Rose is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach them at daggercollectiveindy@gmail.com.
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