OM NOM NOM x THEYFRIEND
Performance Open Mic
Friday, November 13, 2026
5-8 PM
The Stud
1123 Folsom Street, SF, CA
21+ ⧫ $5 - 10, NOTAFLOF, Performers get in free!
About the Event
Five minutes. Your stage. Show us what you've got.
THEYFRIEND joins forces with Om Nom Nom, the Bay Area's trans and nonbinary performance collective, for an open mic where just about anything goes.
Bring us your poetry, spoken word, drag, burlesque, music, comedy, performance art, that new act you've been cooking up, or something we don't have a name for yet. Bring something polished or try something for the very first time. You don't need to make work about gender, but we're always excited for work that plays with, questions, celebrates, or completely f*cks with it.
Hosted by Shelby Brutal and Evangeline Laveau, the evening features performances from Hennessy Williams alongside a stage full of artists from our community.
The open mic is open to performers of all genders and experience levels while centering and uplifting nonbinary and gender-expansive artists as part of THEYFRIEND.
Not performing? Grab a drink, discover somebody new, and cheer on a stage full of artists taking a chance and showing us what they've got.
Accessibility Information
The Stud is wheelchair accessible, with accessible all-gender restrooms with grab bars. ADA seating will be available in the performance space.
The stage is elevated and accessed by stairs. For performers who cannot or prefer not to use the stairs, we can create a performance area on the floor directly in front of the stage. If you plan to perform and would like to use this option, please let us know when you sign up so we can have the space ready for you.
This event will include amplified sound and performances that may include music, drag, burlesque, and other forms of live performance.
KN95 masks are recommended and will be available at the event.
If you have any access needs or requests, please email vin@diamond-wave.org and we will do our best to accommodate you!
About the Artists
Hennessy Williams (they/them)
Hennessy Williams is an Oakland-based Chinese American drag performer who performs as both a king and queen. Their art is versed in storytelling, dance, genderfuckery and queer joy. As a self-taught seamstress and dancer, they often create many of their costumes and choreograph their numbers. They are the reigning Mx. NorCal Quing Pageant winner and the creator & host of ROYALES, an all-BIPOC Drag King show in the Bay. They headlined the Austin International Drag Festival in 2023, and have performed for other stages like Oaklash and ThrustFest.
Evangeline Laveau (she/they)
Evangeline Laveau is seasoned performer with inspiration from legends like Donna Summer & Josephine Baker. Her love of fandoms, musicality, and broad taste in music genres give her the formula to entire the masses. Evangeline is the producer of Spiced Cabaret in Oakland, CA & The Lusty Bard in San Francisco. She hopes that you too will see why she is called the Enchantress of Burlesque!
Shelby Brutal (she/her)
Shelby Brutal emerged from the muck of non-existence in the fall of 2014 fully formed and ready to dominate those who upset her. Inspired by classic films of the 80's and music of the late 1900's, Shelby has performed only for a small sector of the Bay Area as a fundraiser in the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus having served as Mother of the Diva's from late 2024 to early 2026. Now in her villian era, Shelby is excited to be here at TheyFriend to see all your wonderful faces smiling back at her. Now go drink your juice!
To Attend
$10, $5 early bird tickets available until October 31.
Want to perform?
Open mic sign-up begins in person at 5:30 PM, with performances running from 6-8 PM. Each performer gets up to 5 minutes onstage.
Sign-up is first come, first served, but you'll be able to choose from the remaining performance slots, so getting there first doesn't mean you have to perform first! Once the lineup is full, we'll start a waitlist.
All performers need to complete our short performer form with a bio, tech information, and a few other details. You can fill it out ahead of time here [PERFORMER FORM] or when you arrive.
Filling out the form in advance does not reserve a performance slot. Your spot is confirmed when you check in and sign up in person beginning at 5:30 PM.
Performers get in free and do not need to purchase a ticket. Donations are welcome!
Keep it simple! We can accommodate audio playback, a microphone, or one input for an instrument, but can't support more complicated technical setups, projection, or extensive setup and breakdown between acts.
Burlesque is welcome! Because we're performing in a bar, pasties are required and nipples and genitals must remain covered. We'll have a stage shark on hand to collect tips and help with props and costume cleanup.
Want to participate?
Volunteer with us! We need your help to make this year’s THEYFRIEND happen!
About Om Nom Nom
Founded in 2019, Om Nom Nom creates space for trans, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and gender-expansive performers to take the stage on their own terms. From burlesque and drag to circus, sideshow, and beyond, Om Nom Nom celebrates queerdo art, gender-expansive performance, and artists in all their glory.
About THEYFRIEND
THEYFRIEND is San Francisco’s annual nonbinary performance festival, presented by Diamond Wave. Bringing together artists and audiences across disciplines, THEYFRIEND celebrates nonbinary creativity while creating spaces for gender-expansive people to connect, experiment, and belong.