Leadership presence is an essential skill for influencing, inspiring, and guiding teams. In this session, participants learn how to command attention and build credibility without overshadowing others. Drawing lessons from drag performance, leaders explore techniques for self-expression, voice, posture, and storytelling that communicate confidence and inclusivity. Interactive exercises challenge participants to expand their presence, experiment with nonverbal communication, and navigate diverse audience dynamics. Reflection activities explore how gender, cultural background, and personal biases can impact perception and influence. Optional creative exercises, including metaphorical drag expression, allow participants to safely explore authenticity, self-presentation, and risk-taking in leadership. By blending performance, feedback, and practical application, this session equips leaders to engage audiences, elevate team interactions, and strengthen executive presence. Participants leave with actionable strategies to enhance visibility, build trust, and inspire their teams, ensuring they lead with both authority and empathy.

Master the art of drag in 8 weeks with lessons in makeup, performance, character creation, wig styling, and more—all from home! Two cohorts: Kings and Queens. For a list of classes, please visit the following links: 1. Drag Queen Stream: https://www.dragacademy.ca/queenfoundations 2. Drag King Stream: https://www.dragacademy.ca/dragking 3. Need makeup? Visit us online: https://www.dragacademy.ca/boutique

Over this four part course you’ll learn everything you need about drag king makeup, facial hair, body shaping and wigs from the iconic king, HercuSleaze! (As seen on the OUTtv show Call Me Mother!) He gives overviews of specialized products, in depth tutorials, and shares all the tricks of the trade to help demystify the artform. After taking the course you’ll feel equipped and empowered to start making creative looks of your own! Class 1: Makeup Fundamentals and Natural Masculine Illusions (Beginner Level) HercuSleaze will show all the the products you need to paint a drag face and explain how to best apply them. They will discuss the principles behind contouring for a male illusion and they will share a guide they made of masculine contouring patterns, and explain how different shapes convey different things about your drag persona. They will demonstrate step by step how you paint a natural looking male illusion. Class 2: Makeup Skills and Hyper Stylized Illusions (Intermediate/ Advanced Level) Hercu will paint two different full looks in this class . Firstly, they show step by step how they paint their signature face using cream and powder makeup. Secondly, they use a combination of of cream, powder and water-activated makeup to paint a high stylized face. In these tutorials they demonstrate how to block a brow using a glue stick. Lastly, they show the best ways to remove many kinds of make-up and how to clean your brushes Class 3: Facial Hair Options and Creating the Masculine Body Herc will show the different ways of doing facial hair: drawing it on, making pieces, buying pieces, and securely adhering it and will give a tutorial for making a moustache and goatee out of faux fur. They show strategies, tools and products for binding a chest, packing a crotch, and padding muscles and demonstrate how to put on a silicone chest plate, how to apply makeup to it, and how to wash it. Class 4: Cutting a Long Lace Front Wig into a Masculine Shape and Making a Base for a Headpiece HercuSleaze will go over some short hair wig options and tips for where to buy them and how to style them. They will make a more masculine-shaped lace front wig, I cut a long wig, adjust the hairline and style it . HercuSleaze will give a tutorial on how to make a bespoke headpiece base using plaster bandage, which you can then later customize. Hercusleaze will be holding a live session on December 12, 2022 at 7:00 PM EST via Zoom. Your registration fee includes this live ses

At Drag Academy, our Gender Identity & Expression Training empowers leadership teams and staff with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of gender identity as a protected ground under human rights legislation. This vital training minimizes legal, reputational, and operational risks while fostering an inclusive environment for all. Equip your organization with the clarity and confidence necessary to support diverse identities and expressions today.

Allyship is more than intention—it requires deliberate action and sustained commitment. In this session, participants explore the difference between performative gestures and meaningful advocacy, learning how to leverage their influence to create tangible impact. Using drag as a metaphor for partnership and support, leaders understand how to show up for colleagues across differences, including race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. Exercises include mapping power and privilege, practicing calling-in versus calling-out strategies, and exploring scenarios where allyship can effect change. Through peer feedback and facilitated discussion, participants build confidence in engaging in challenging conversations, amplifying marginalized voices, and taking ownership of inclusive practices within their spheres of influence. Leaders leave with a toolkit of actionable allyship strategies they can apply immediately, fostering cultures where equity is practiced daily. This session empowers participants to move beyond performative support and become proactive champions of inclusion, embedding allyship into leadership behaviors and organizational culture.

Join us for a 90-minute workshop on 2SLGBTQ+ Microaggressions at Drag Academy, where you'll gain a deeper understanding of microaggressions and their impact on the community. Learn to identify 2SLGBTQ+ specific microaggressions while fostering core values of respect, empathy, allyship, confidence, and humility to create inclusive spaces. Empower yourself and others to champion inclusivity in your environments and support the vibrant 2SLGBTQ+ community.

In this live, fun, interactive, 90-minute class, participants will build communication skills and self-confidence through interactive theatre games, including Snatch Game. Our instructors are trained at the prestigious Second City.

Drag Academy proudly presents a dynamic and transformative 4-week DEI Program that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.  This program is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills to move individuals and corporations from rhetoric to action. In Week 1, participants will delve into the fascinating world of Drag & Gender, exploring the intricate intersections between drag performance and gender identity. Through engaging discussions and activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how drag challenges and redefines traditional notions of gender. Week 2 of the program will address the important topic of 2SLGBTQ+ Microaggressions. Participants will learn about the various microaggressions faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community and how to recognize and combat them effectively. Through open dialogue, education, and empathy-building exercises, participants will develop the skills to create more inclusive and respectful environments for all. In Week 3, participants will explore The Art of Allyship, focusing on the ways in which individuals can actively support and advocate for marginalized communities. Through interactive workshops, role-playing scenarios, and practical strategies, participants will learn how to become effective allies to the 2SLGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. The program will emphasize the importance of empathy, education, and taking action to dismantle systemic barriers and promote a more inclusive society. By participating in this 3-week DEI Program by Drag Academy, individuals will gain a comprehensive understanding of the intersections of drag and gender, develop skills to recognize and address microaggressions, and learn how to become impactful allies. Through these educational and empowering sessions, Drag Academy aims to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for all individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating the diversity within the drag community and beyond.

An organization’s culture determines its ability to attract, retain, and empower diverse talent. This session guides leaders through designing inclusive, equitable, and high-performing workplaces. Participants audit current cultural norms, explore exclusionary patterns, and learn strategies to embed inclusion in everyday practices. Drawing inspiration from drag’s collaborative and celebratory culture, leaders explore how rituals, storytelling, and shared values reinforce belonging and psychological safety. Hands-on activities include mapping backstage vs. onstage behaviors, designing 90-day inclusion action plans, and co-creating culture initiatives that align with organizational values. Participants leave with both the mindset and the practical tools to build cultures that celebrate diversity, reward innovation, and ensure equity across all levels. By the end of the session, leaders understand how to translate strategic intentions into measurable, actionable culture outcomes, creating workplaces that truly “slay” in both performance and inclusivity.

Welcome to FAAME Games, a transformative workshop designed to cultivate the invaluable Presence Mindset! In this immersive experience, we delve into the art of presence, focusing on its crucial significance in effective leadership communication. Presence isn't just an abstract concept; it's a cornerstone of effective leadership communication. A leader's ability to embody presence influences their team's engagement, productivity, and overall success. Our workshop isn't just about activities; it's a journey toward cultivating a Presence Mindset. Through theatre games, dance, storytelling, drag, yoga, and more, we guide you to: 1. Embrace authenticity, allowing you to lead from a place of truth and honesty. 2. Foster active listening, paving the way for better understanding and impactful communication. 3. Cultivate mindfulness, enabling you to make informed, thoughtful decisions. 4. Develop empathy, a cornerstone of effective leadership, to connect deeply with your team. Cultivating a Presence Mindset is pivotal for effective leadership. Join us on this transformative journey to unlock the power of presence and elevate your leadership to new heights!

Our program aims to empower Trans individuals by providing them the necessary resources, guidance, and a safe space to explore and express their true selves. Through a combination of personalized consultations, workshops, and community support, we aim to facilitate a holistic and empowering transition experience. Overview of Program: 1. Personalized Style Consultations: Our experienced team of fashion and image experts provide personalized consultations, helping individuals explore various styles, clothing options, and accessories that match their gender identity. 2. Makeup and Grooming Workshops: We offer workshops focusing on makeup techniques, grooming tips, and skincare routines tailored specifically for transgender individuals. Participants learn essential skills to enhance their appearance and express their true selves. 3. Hair and Wig Styling: Our skilled hairstylists and wig specialists assist individuals in finding the perfect hairstyle or wig that reflects their desired gender expression. We provide guidance on hair care, maintenance, and styling techniques. 4. Voice and Communication Coaching: Understanding the significance of voice in gender expression, we offer specialized coaching to help individuals develop a voice that aligns with their gender identity. Our professional speech therapists guide participants in achieving vocal resonance and articulation changes. 5. Emotional Support and Community Connections: We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can connect with others on a similar journey. We provide access to counseling services and support groups, facilitating emotional well-being throughout the transition process. 6. Resources and Referrals: Transcend offers a wealth of educational resources, including literature, online materials, and referrals to healthcare professionals specializing in transgender healthcare, such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries.