Several years ago, I began performing two roles in the Northwest Florida Ballet production of the Nutcracker.  Mother Ginger, a common "drag" role in this ballet, provides the chance to clown while sitting on a rolling dress frame.  The rig is rolled onto the stage by a couple of stout lads.  My other usual part is "the Grandmother" who, at the conclusion of the party scene gets a little too tipsy.  These parts were the springboard to my other gender-bending performances.
 
 

"Granny" is a little pasty in this image, but then it takes a lot of base to make the face work right. Here, my partner (architect Jeff Prescott) and I  watch the children dancing as the Christmas party begins.
	When I got the opportunity to perform as the "Andalusian Beauty" in Pensacola Opera's production of La Traviata, naturally I jumped in with both feet.  After all, where else can you get really classy wigs.  To make it all the better, one of the performances was during a Mardi Gras parade, and the back door of the theater opened right onto the street.  During the long break at the beginning of Act II, the ballet cast was on the street, and "the beauty" did very well in the moon-pie department.
Performing as "Mother Ginger" is a most rewarding recreation.  The children always enjoy this dance, and I get to know some very talented young dancers.  With several performances covering three cities each year, we've had as many as 22 different children cast in the piece at one time; and I've watched some of my kids grow up to become professional dancers.
	During the Fall of 2001, UWF's Center for Fine and Performing Arts produced The Rocky Horror Show under the direction of Linda May.  I was (type) cast as Dr. Scott.  This is the "for the thrill" action during the floor show, demonstrating that you just never know when the professor will show up in fish nets.