Getting Booked

Drag Artists exist somewhere between service providers (plumbers, barbers, etc.), and professional artists. We provide an ephemeral artwork for a price that scales with our popularity and renown, but because crossdressing is a common cultural practice there is a lot of competition. In a single city there are often multiple producers and venues offering work, and a pool of artists ranging from newbies to the very experienced.

Most paid opportunities over $100 will be privately pitched to those who have marketed themselves well or who are popular through word of mouth. Opportunities for $100 or less are usually pitched as "open mic" or "Expression of Interest" style acts, where you compete for the prize or for a paid spot elsewhere. It's not uncommon to perform for rates as low as $50 while you are first getting your start as a performer.

Tip:

If an E.O.I./Open Mic is offering between $150-$300 for the chosen performer/winner, bear in mind that intermediate and even very experienced artists are likely to be attracted to such a lineup. As the price scales upwards, prepare to compete against those for whom Drag is a job.

Finding opportunities in your city can be paralysing. For regional artists, the nearest major city will be the best bet for open mic nights and producers searching for talent. For those already in the city, amateur nights are sometimes run through local Universities, or by local artists whose Instagram pages might be promoting an open mic/E.O.I. style show. If the city is big enough, it will have a "gaybourhood" or two, where Drag is more obviously advertised.

Reach out to events pages and producers (venues, if you are confident in your ability to plan a show entirely by yourself though this is for the more intermediate among you) by their prefered method. This will be linked on their Instagram or facebook page; direct message, email, or through their website are all common methods. Triple check what you're writing for spelling and grammar, and remember not to be overly friendly or casual with strangers in the industry. Inquire about open spots at their upcoming event or a future one. Use your discernment when deciding who to reach out for - if the show usually casts people over 5 years into their career, consider that this is not the place to get your start.

OKAY I'M BOOKED - NOW WHAT?

Before the gig, be sure to iron out the price expectation, call time, and any important details before the event (e.g. is it a dry event, family friendly, any banned materials on stage?). Producers will appreciate a heads up if you plan to make a mess - liquid, confetti, your clothes etc. - and may request you change your act to fit safety regulations. Items like sharps, fire-starters, and alcohol usually receive blanket bans, so prepare to find a lax venue if you have ambitions to use them.

Prepare a showstopping outfit, rehearse your number, paint your mug and give it your all on stage. Don't forget to network! Sending a short, heartfelt message to the producer after the show is a curteous way to stay in their thoughts, and they should get back to you with their preferred method of payment. This can be a bank transfer, cash, or through an invoice. Use this template and fill in your information if they request an invoice for their files. If they request an ABN, here's a step-by-step guide.