Drag Is Art Boot Camp

The 6-Week Drag is Art Boot Camp offers a transformative experience for Drag Kings, Queens, and Creatures, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their craft. With the guidance of experienced mentors and collaboration with industry experts, participants will emerge as empowered artists, ready to shine on stage and make their mark in the captivating world of drag.

6-Week Program Overview

Week 1: Introductions & Character Development

In the first week of the Drag Artist Boot Camp, participants will embark on an exciting journey to explore the world of drag. The session begins with a captivating history lesson led by Drag King Flare, delving into the diverse styles of drag and the rich his&herstory that accompanies it. Through this comprehensive introduction, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the art form and its cultural significance. The latter half of the class will be dedicated to developing unique drag characters, as participants work closely with their mentors to bring their creative visions to life.

Week 2: The Art of Drag

During the second week, participants will dive into the technical aspects of drag performance. Collaborating with industry experts, they will learn the art of transforming their appearance through makeup, hair, and body techniques. Whether aspiring to become a Drag Queen, Drag King, or Drag Creature, participants will receive hands-on guidance and valuable insights to master the art form. This immersive experience will empower them to express their true selves on stage and captivate audiences with their extraordinary personas.

Week 4: Werking Centre Stage

Building on the foundation laid in the previous weeks, participants will dedicate the fourth week to honing their stage presence. Guided by their mentors, they will explore techniques to command attention, project confidence, and deliver compelling performances. Through exercises and constructive feedback, participants will refine their movements, gestures, and overall physicality, transforming into captivating performers who exude charisma and captivate audiences from the moment they step on stage.

Week 3: Essentials of Hosting

In the third week, participants will shift their focus to the essential skills of hosting a drag show. They will learn core competencies such as opening the show, setting up the atmosphere, and introducing guests with flair and confidence. Through practical exercises and mentorship, participants will develop the necessary stage presence and charisma to engage audiences and create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Week 5: Audience Engagement

In this lively and interactive session, participants will learn how to engage with their audience effectively. They will discover the power of games and improvisation as tools to connect with spectators and create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Through practical exercises, participants will learn how to read a room, adapt their performances to different audiences, and foster an inclusive and joyful environment that keeps spectators entertained and eager for more.

Week 6: The Business of Drag

In the final week of the boot camp, participants will receive valuable insights from their mentors on turning their passion for drag into a sustainable career. They will explore the industry's business aspects, including marketing, branding, and networking strategies. Through discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges they may encounter as professional drag artists. Armed with this knowledge, they will be better equipped to navigate the industry and embark on their path to success.

Our Mentors

Manny Dingo

Mango Lassi

Kenadie St. James

Guest Lecturers

Hillary Yaas

Messy Margaret

Flare

Venue

MOCA Toronto is a space for creative expression that is open to all, offering everyday and extraordinary experiences of contemporary art. The museum presents rotating exhibitions that highlight both the best of international contemporary art and some of the most dynamic artistic projects being developed locally, as well as special events and engaging learning activities.

We are proud to be collaborating with the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Toronto

Address: 158 Sterling Road, Toronto

Map: Click here for a map and directions

Learn More about MOCA.

Registration Information

Basic Registration

The basic registration to the Drag is Art Boot Camp includes an array of valuable inclusions designed to enhance your experience and growth as a drag artist. With your registration, you gain access to:

A comprehensive 6-week course
Detailed course outline
Materials list to guide your learning journey
The unique opportunity of mentorship with a master in drag, offering invaluable insights and guidance to help refine your craft
Guest lecturers who are esteemed experts in the field, providing you with diverse perspectives and knowledge to broaden your understanding of the art form

Your registration ensures a holistic and enriching experience throughout the Boot Camp.

Fee:

Early Bird Registration: $599 (before September 1, 2023)

Regular Registration: $749

Premiere Registration

The premiere registration to the Drag is Art Boot Camp includes a comprehensive package designed to enhance your drag journey. With your registration, you:

Gain access to the 6-week course, where you will receive expert guidance and mentorship from a master in drag
All course materials, including makeup, brushes, and wig essentials, are provided to ensure you have the tools you need to excel
Course outline outlines the topics and skills covered each week, giving you a clear roadmap to success.
Guest lecturers who are experts in their respective fields, offering invaluable insights and inspiration

This premiere registration package is your all-inclusive pass to a transformative and empowering drag experience.

Fee:

Early Bird Registration: $749 (before September 1, 2023)

Regular Registration: The premiere registration fee for this class is $999

Virtual Registration

The virtual registration to the Drag is Art Boot Camp includes an array of valuable inclusions designed to enhance your experience and growth as a drag artist. With your registration, you gain access to:

A comprehensive 6-week course over Zoom
Detailed course outline
Materials list to guide your learning journey
The unique opportunity of mentorship with a master in drag, offering invaluable insights and guidance to help refine your craft
Guest lecturers who are esteemed experts in the field, providing you with diverse perspectives and knowledge to broaden your understanding of the art form

Your registration ensures a holistic and enriching experience throughout the Boot Camp.

Fee:

The registration fee for this class is $599

DRAG

ACADEMY