How to Become a Drag Queen

The process of becoming a drag queen can be overwhelming. The steps listed below will help to make your dream of becoming a drag queen a reality.


STEP 1: MASTER THE FEMININE
It is important to understand and be comfortable with the medium that you are working in. This means knowing how to effectively imitate stereotypical feminine mannerisms, speaking patterns, dress, and make-up application.


• Know your face. Be skilled in applying makeup.
• Know what clothing, padding, and accessories work best for body type.


STEP 2: DETERMINE YOUR PERFORMANCE STYLE
Deciding how you are going to perform drag is essential. The style in which you perform helps to determine many aspects of your feminine impersonation, such as dress and make-up style. It is important to master your performance style. Rehearse with friends and those you trust for honest feedback.


Find a Performance Type That Fits You
• Camp Drag: Comedy based performance with a focus on exaggerated lewd/risqué humor, which can include parodying situations, behaviors and/or people.
• Glam Drag: Performance based on fashion, beauty, and sexuality.


STEP 3: LIP-SYNCHING
Lip-synching may appear to be easy, but according to Eclipse Faugère, a drag queen from Toledo, the easiness is an illusion. She states, “Many people think that it's easy to just mouth the words, but it takes practice to be able to breathe when the singer breathes and make yourself look like you are actually singing the song.”


STEP 4: RESEARCH AND MINGLE
Now that you have your look and performance style prepared, do you know where you are going to perform? Naturally, if you’re new to the drag community it can be hard to find a place to start off. You may want to research and explore different communities and venues.


• Research places that drag friendly or host drag shows (i.e. gay bars, gay hang-out spots, drag pageants).
• While in drag, visit some of these places to mingle and network.
• Get to know fellow drag queens. Learn from them.
• Continually build your network and drag identity in an area or community where you want to perform.


STEP 5: DETERMINE YOUR VENUES
If you have built a presence in an area, you have created something like a resume. Your on-going presence can help to make you a good candidate to be selected as a drag performer.


• Apply for several gigs.
• Do not over extend yourself. Start off small.
• Be familiar with the places you are applying at.


STEP 6: WORK HARD AND CONTINUE TO DEVELOP
Since drag is considered an art form, your body, style, and performance will continue to change and improve. Be open to criticism and be strong enough to not let the competitiveness ruin your drive.


• Your style will change and improve over time.
• Never forget, the drag world is competitive. Be strong!


STEP 7: ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT DRAG? WHAT NEXT?
If you are serious about performing drag, be warned that a lot of time, money, and energy will be spent on perfecting your art. You will need know how to budget and manage your money and time wisely.