Networking

The Drag Industry is naturally quite cliquey given that camp folks naturally gravitate towards one another. It's easier to rise in the Drag ranks if your friends are more established, prolific Drag artists who can bring you to circles with other influential artists, and even those who are more 'self-made', so to speak often find friends in the Drag space to rely on. For those starting out with zero connections to the Drag world, you will need to not only prove yourself, but maintain a good reputation while making dozens of first impressions.

There are some active groups online - discord servers, facebook communities - that can offer insight. The editor suggests pairing up with a buddy or Drag sibling in your city, who can assist (and be assisted) with getting into and out of Drag, alert one another one another to potential gigs, and recommend each other to producers once you start getting booked. Having at least one loud supporter in the crowd can do wonders for your confidence on stage, and these connections can last well past your rookie years and into a professional career. Found family in the Drag scene is not inaccessable for Drag 'orphans'.

Practicing a mug at home is a great way to hone your skills or experiment without subjecting yourself to the discerning eye of producers. When in Drag in public, remember that you are advertising your values, professionalism, and quality as an artist. This is very little pressure for those who view the sport as a hobby, but anyone with ambitions of permanent spots and a future in show production should make sure they are putting their best foot forward in public.

During gigs, it can be hard to be magnanimous when you're tired, overstimulated, and in pain after a fierce performance. Do keep in mind that all sorts will attend Drag shows, including performers and producers out of Drag or their friends and family. Treating every audience member with, at the very least, respect and a smile when being addressed can ensure you have a reputation as a professional.

It can tempting to gain confidence with alcohol, and some certainly doesn't go awry to mitigate stage fright. Drinking responsibly is key, however, as being in control of your faculties is best practice with coworkers and prospective producers. It is unfortunate that most Drag gigs occur in bars and pubs, but there are some venues like festivals, galleries, libraries, and shopfronts that are sober spaces or less focused on drinking overall.

Drinking responsibly also helps to mitigate the dangers associated with Drag - hurting yourself during an act gone wrong, being harrassed on the street, and costume malfunctions. Particularly on a producer's coin, sloppy behaviour with the audience, in the dressing room, or on stage will be discussed among a network of producers and seriously lower your chances of being booked