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  • About
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10 Tips For New Drag Queens

12/6/2013

37 Comments

 
I’m not a drag queen, but I’m married to one and I thought I could offer some advice to new or budding queens after seeing what Vivian learned and experienced when she first started performing in drag. However, before I get into the actual tips, I thought I should make an umbrella statement which all the tips that follow fall under. Drag is NOT cheap, I repeat NOT cheap. If you want to excel at this art form, you will need to invest money and in some cases, a lot of money. Yes, you read that correct in the last sentence. Drag is an art form and not just as easy as putting on a dress and performing, even though that can be a from of drag in itself. Here are 10 helpful tips for new queens: 
Picture
1. Drag Is Time Consuming – Performing drag isn’t just about the time you spend performing. There is the time you spend preparing for that performance along with all the time you will spend learning how to paint. And don’t forget the time you spend out and about supporting other queens.
2. Support Other Queens – Drag is more than just building one’s fan base. It’s about supporting not only the LGBTQ community, but more specifically the drag community and your fellow drag queens. If you aren’t performing in a show, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be out supporting those who are. When drag queens support one another, it helps the art of drag grow in acceptance and respect.
3. Perform In Benefits – Just as you should be out supporting other drag queens, you should be out supporting the community as a whole. Never pass on performing in a benefit, schedules permitting. Yes, most benefits won’t pay a booking fee, but money shouldn’t be your only motivation.  Performing in benefits gives you stage time and lets you improve your art form.
4. Invest In Your Drag – When you first start out, you may not be able to invest a lot in your drag, but as you begin to perform more and possibly make some money, take the time to invest back in some good quality makeup and brushes. In the long run, it will end up saving you money.

5. Be Respectful – No matter how good you think you are, always show respect to those queens that have come before you. If it wasn’t for them, you might not be able to do what you hopefully love to do. Also, remember to be respectful to those that have come to see you perform.

6. Continue To Learn – never think you have nothing to left to learn. In any art form there is always some new style or technique one can learn to challenge themselves and improve their art. Drag is always changing and you shouldn’t be afraid of that change. 

7. Know Your Lyrics – When you perform, you should know your lyrics. In my opinion, there is nothing worse than seeing a drag queen who does not know their lyrics. Knowing your lyrics is a requirement of that job. If you didn’t do your day job, you would be fired. Why should drag be any different?

8. Be On Time – This is a big one. If you are asked to be someplace at a certain time, be there at that time. If you advertise that your show is going to start at a specific time, start at the advertised time. Waiting for a drag show is not fun. This ties back into being respectful.
9. Paint Your Own Face – In the beginning, take time to learn how to paint your own face. Yes, it may take you longer to have a face you are happy with. I think it took Vivian almost a full year before she was happy with how she painted. I have seen too many queens rely on others to paint their face, and scramble to learn or find someone else when said queen is not available or there is some sort of a falling out.

10. Drag Is Addictive – No I don’t perform, but I am involved in planning costumes and routines. Drag is addictive! As much as you think it won’t be, it will get into your blood. You will begin to think about it more times than not, and want to know what queens are performing and where. It can slowly take over your life if you allow it. 
As I stated in the beginning, these are just some tips I noticed when Vivian first started performing. Some may or may not apply to you, but if I can leave you with one final tip it would be this: always remember to have fun. It will show in your art form if you’re not having fun. Good luck!
37 Comments
Jesse
12/6/2013 03:32:30 am

Spend time and money on costumes, fix holes in old costumes, don't wear danskins with holes in them either, if you have a squared frame, learn to pad. No scuffed heels. No BO ever!

Reply
Cherry Lemonade link
12/6/2013 07:29:02 am

If you can help it, don't get involved with queens that exude a bad attitude. Not only will you look bad by association, but you might end up letting them rub off on you. That can lead to loss of bookings and infinite amounts of cattiness. Spare yourself the crap and be appreciative.

Reply
Naomi
3/28/2018 12:33:23 am

You know what your right and I love everyone even my enemy! My brain is not programed to hate o want to look pretty act pretty and then maybe some guy will notice me and sweep me away and I can be all his until then I'mma dress up as nice as I can and impress or try to it's hard with no help and this thing says your supposed to support one another jeez it wasn't even like that in sc I figured it be diff up here in NJ but not much

Jordan
5/3/2016 01:56:29 am

In my opinion I feel your opinion is decent but you don't need money girl I've seen queens do drag on a dime aye you gotta work with what you got

Reply
cherry Sprite
10/12/2016 05:50:14 pm

Tony
3/28/2018 12:29:34 am

Mmmhmmm I agree and I hate how some drag queens are so mean to new ones like all's I'm trying to do is get started again omgoodness I'm crying I mean this is nuts and completely unfair I live on my own my family disowned me because they don't believe you should be able to love who you want and dress and act how you feel well sorry I'm not going anywhere and the world should accept who the hell we are it's horrible

Reply
Kendall Trinity Adkins
11/7/2018 06:21:03 pm

I agree 100%... I'm fortunate enough to have a mom who supports me! I'm single right now unfortuntely, but I hope for that to change... I am 17 after all and just getting into drag! LOL bye ;-)

Justin
12/7/2013 12:17:04 am

Take time to thank those whom help you especially your non drag friends who either let you use there home to get ready, help you change during shows / benefits, evne just hold your purse. If you can throw a little cash their way or perhaps pay there admission to the shows / benefits they are helping you with that would also be a plus. Drag is not a one person thing, there are alot of people whom help you along the way, even sending a shout out perhaps to the places where you get some of your sick couture, or fabulous wigs. Karma can be a good thing too, build it up when / where you can.... Be greatfull to those around you that aid you in anyway.

Also, know your Drag Herstory.... If you think Stonewall is something that dented your bumper the last time you were drunk, then you need some serious Drag-schooling.....

Reply
Bryce Blayne
12/9/2013 02:25:33 am

I would have to agree with everything in this... but most of all to have fun! I also believe this counts for kings as well. I have performed for a while now and one thing i always hear is that i look like im having fun and it makes it fun for the audience...

Reply
Nina B. De'congry
12/11/2013 11:19:53 am

You are darn straight its addictive, and I think this list is dead on.
I am just starting out and I spend $$$, but I also learn tricks to get the look for less. and if you have the time learn to sew.
xoxo

Reply
Kiena Dior link
12/17/2013 10:54:47 am

Agree

Reply
john
2/2/2015 12:01:46 am

I would like to someday get dressed up in drag like the drag queens too and I am looking for someone in the Columbus Ohio area that can do that look for me would you happen to be able to help

Reply
Frieda
3/9/2015 06:25:20 am

Awesome tips and great advice. I am a new Queen in South africa.

Reply
Brandi Asaisha
3/12/2015 07:33:19 am

Love everyone , have fun ,smile ...
Treat all body as a person .
As you want to be treated ....
If you a B..... You Gona be treated as one ?
You can be sweet & kind ... Sh..... ( it is ok )
Just remember ( always ) to be who you are & the person you want to be remembered as ( The Goddest ) you are creating ;->

Reply
Naomi
3/28/2018 12:37:11 am

Goddess honey but yes I agree and I wish all these guys would stop buying a pair of lady's underware and a dress saying there in drag it's horrible I say we are drag queens not fiends hahah

Reply
Robyn
5/9/2015 08:08:43 am

I would like to start doing drag but how do I get in these gigs ?

Reply
Micca link
7/22/2015 01:37:13 am

I would like to start doing drag but how do I get in these gigs ? I live in a major metropolitan area. Should I call drag bars and offer to perform for free? (until I learn the tricks of the trade)

Reply
Delta La Belle
8/4/2015 11:42:14 am

i been doing drag for bout a year and im 21 soo a drag child, i just at the moment work on my look and building my wardrobe (thrift stores has great finds) just moved to los angeles and i dress up and go out and mingle, try to mingle with other queens. i just got offered to do a amateur drag lip sync which i hopefully get my start, soo ask around and see which clubs do this kind of thing, stage and preforming experience, as a budding queen to another hopes this helps.

Reply
courtney
4/27/2016 05:49:03 pm

Some places have an open stage night. It's the same thing as armature night. That's a good way to start because you can show what you got.

Reply
Tina From England
9/24/2015 04:02:03 am

Very interesting read, thank you

Reply
Soraya Sobreidad link
9/29/2015 06:29:11 pm

I totally love this article. Every bit of it is true for me. Have fun and be yourself!

Reply
Raven
11/1/2015 11:28:59 am

Okay, I will be completely honest, I love the thought of doing drag, but my fear is not being accepted in the community, because I, myself, am married to my wife and we fully accept that both of us are bisexual. She supports my dream of doing drag, but I'm just afraid that I won't be accepted by any queens. I, by no means, say any of this in an insulting or offensive manner. I just wanted advice, because I'm too afraid to ask some queens I've met.

Reply
Aria
1/6/2016 01:15:56 am

@Raven: There shouldn't be any reason for your sexual orientation or relationship status to get in the way of your performance. If you were pansexual and polyamorous, for example, you could still create sickening looks and put on a memorable show. And audiences would enjoy that, and other artists would appreciate it.

Reply
Morgana Penrose
1/30/2016 05:55:04 am

I really want to do drag professionally, it's something b over been interested in for a long time, but I'm afraid if I did start it would end my relationship as my boyfriend is very... Not anti-drag but more anti-dating drag. His reasons are that he's attracted to men, not women, which I understand, but the few times I've done drag on nights out I've felt great, like s part of me that I've always had locked away finally being released. But I don't want to lose my relationship. What do I do?

Reply
Oktober
4/13/2016 08:23:28 pm

I'm just starting out. And I have a question. What are some of the good foundations to use for beating a mug.?? Also what are some good lash brands that can be opulent but some what of a good deal??

Reply
Oktober
4/13/2016 08:27:35 pm

I'm just starting out. And I have a question. What are some of the good foundations to use for beating a mug.?? Also what are some good lash brands that can be opulent but some what of a good deal?? I'm also trying to find a way to make more jewelry? I shop everywhere and try to find the best deals but I really can't find everything I'm looking for.. any suggestions??
Thank you!!
**blow-kisses-&-Smack Bitches**

Reply
Oktober
4/13/2016 08:27:41 pm

I'm just starting out. And I have a question. What are some of the good foundations to use for beating a mug.?? Also what are some good lash brands that can be opulent but some what of a good deal?? I'm also trying to find a way to make more jewelry? I shop everywhere and try to find the best deals but I really can't find everything I'm looking for.. any suggestions??
Thank you!!
**blow-kisses-&-Smack Bitches**

Reply
Oktober link
4/13/2016 08:27:51 pm

I'm just starting out. And I have a question. What are some of the good foundations to use for beating a mug.?? Also what are some good lash brands that can be opulent but some what of a good deal?? I'm also trying to find a way to make more jewelry? I shop everywhere and try to find the best deals but I really can't find everything I'm looking for.. any suggestions??
Thank you!!
**blow-kisses-&-Smack Bitches**

Reply
Oktober link
4/13/2016 08:29:02 pm

I'm just starting out. And I have a question. What are some of the good foundations to use for beating a mug.?? Also what are some good lash brands that can be opulent but some what of a good deal?? I'm also trying to find a way to make more jewelry? I shop everywhere and try to find the best deals but I really can't find everything I'm looking for.. any suggestions??
Thank you!!
**blow-kisses-&-Smack Bitches**

Reply
helene danica
4/29/2016 06:35:31 am

If you find out anything please share!

Reply
courtney
4/27/2016 05:44:54 pm

100% true! All of it.... the first time I performed I was like this will be a first and last. May 20th will be my 6th time performing. It's addictive for sure lol.

Reply
helene danica
4/29/2016 06:34:02 am

Can anyone help me or give advice? Anything is appreciated and I'm new to the scene..I want to learn but have no direction

Reply
Josie Bianco
7/2/2016 12:39:50 pm

First, thank you for sharing your wisdom on multi levels. Super good! I'll share with my wife. I've done 1 benefit so not sure if I'll try drag or just enjoy the dressing.

Reply
Maura Gonzalea
10/8/2016 02:28:57 am

I want to become a drag queen performer seen I found out about it and but scared because i'm a trans woman and may not be taken seriously so what should I do?

Reply
Dee Dee Delmonte' UK
3/10/2017 07:26:19 am

Drag Queen make up is an 'Art' and it takes some considerable time to perfect,. My tip is try not to look like "Coco The Clown" try to be original and remember it's all in the 'Eyes' that's what gets through to the audience is respect of your facial features..The rest of the body can be hidden or packed out..As for shoes be careful many a sprained ankle on a pair of high heels.... Good Luck x

Reply
Eric
11/24/2017 06:58:46 pm

Hi my names Eric and i so desperately wanna get out there in drag but dont know where to start i was a drag queen for halloween and felt like a whole new person.... i felt more alive and how i could be my self i borrowed everything and someone else helped me with my make up but now that its all washed off where do i start now what do i do please someone help me

Reply
speedy maquuen
1/27/2024 03:56:15 am

i am a disabled dragqueen i need help !!!!!!

Reply



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    Mr. Von B

    Community Contributor, Drag Official

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    About the Author

    Mr. Von B is the husband, dresser, manager, driver, porter, and jack of all things drag for Vivian Von Brokenhymen. Along with these duties Mr. Von B is the Chief Financial Officer of Viv Inc and the creator/writer of The Adventures of Wonder Viv: The Super Powered Dragazon.

    Mr. Von B and Vivian live in Columbus, Ohio with their two four-legged kids: Klaus and Luki. You can  find the Von Bs at any of the local bars that features the art of drag.

    To read more about their adventures in drag be sure to read Diary of a Drag Queen's Husband.

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