Ten Tips for New Drag Performers!

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[@jintonic4860]

Something my drag mom told me that I'm holding in my heart is that no one cares about your look as much as you do. When you go through all the effort of putting on ten pounds of makeup and a binder/trans tape/breastplate/whatever and a cool fun outfit, people don't look at you and go "ew their eyebrows are asymmetrical" they go "OMG! Drag!" Like, I'm a super amateur (and remember amateur means lover! Someone who's passionate!) And the first times I went out in drag (not performing, just out) when I look at those pics I see a hot mess. But when I was out, people didn't see that! They saw "wow! Drag! Cool!" People who like drag will think you're cool just for putting in the effort even if you're not good yet!!!

[@IamwhatIam2012]

Thanks for this!! I’m UBER new… I mean haven’t even been out and about … YET! But yes.. it’s calling me LOUDLY, and I’m gonna be inspired by posts like this and your awesome words❤😝👏🏼👏🏼

[@resolvedenvy]

@@IamwhatIam2012hi babes I know this is an entire month later but just bite the bullet get out there and go do an open stage I debuted on stage first time in drag first time ever doing makeup I panicked got plastered and forgot all my words but I made so many friends that night that get to give me critiques and watch my evolution as a performer I’m a 2 week old queen but as my friend tells me I’ve made myself a very well known queen in my area just off open stages

[@IamwhatIam2012]

@resolvedenvy OMG!! Thanks so much for your reply! Lol I forgot I had even commented.. Anyhoo, your words are inspiring for me for sure, as it is SCARY!! I’m gonna continue to work on my persona AND make up of course. This journey has been super fun so far!! ✌🏼💜👑 Grateful for the support🥰

[@nonyabidness103]

“Don’t fuck around on your storage” this is so true! I want to get into drag, but I’m already a cosplayer and clothing takes up a lot of space. I bought a bin just for it, and it’s still not enough space to fit everything.

[@ParaPerception]

I’m about to debut tonight as a gender-fluid drag performer named Mary James! I’m going with a funky 60’s/70’s look, and going for a vibe that’s a mix of Danny Sexbang from NSP and Austin Powers. I’m nervous, but excited! We’ll see how it goes!

[@vonvella8275]

I’m 5 months late but still need to say, that’s an awesome drag name!

[@rocketbee3797]

ahhh Danny Sexbang is also my main inspiration!!

[@unknown6390]

How did it go?

[@Veryvoidlove]

That sounds like its rocks lol

[@shaunimcgarva329]

Doing a 60s vibe for my debut drag!! Dan avidan and Austin powers is a move!!! Are you gonna do Danny's big poofy hair??😊

[@hibbityschwibbity6202]

There are trillions of queens where I live but no kings Where have all the cowboys gone

[@caseycantrell3836]

Be the cowboy you want to see in the world

[@dreamergirl1177]

to where they are welcomed/accepted lol

[@nope6021]

Ooh yes Drag Race got me into like knowing what drag IS, but Dragula really inspires me and leads me to find more Wierd and Out There queens and kings and from there I find more and get more inspired. Since I've branched out from Drag Race style drag I've become super inspired and am now working on creating and embodying my own drag persona. Might as well start now so that when I hit 19 in 5 months I can actually hop into the drag bar performance scene with a somewhat developed boyo.

[@paris-elizabethfreeman9477]

I'm debuting in drag this year at a theater festival, and I'm super nervous, but this video definitely helped calm my fears. Thanks!

[@nooneanonymous3340]

How did it go?

[@Jalynnh524]

@@nooneanonymous3340 probably didn't happen :/ happy new year

[@absolute_destiny_apocalyps7832]

As a new queen my biggest mistake was not practicing my numbers in my corset and heels. I can't agree with them enough that you have to practice in your costume! You don't want to fall over on stage like I did

[@fannycacilie8716]

I am debuting today as Nit Nit Picky in a cannibal dirty performance. Thank you for the invaluable tips ❤ I am excited

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Break a leg!

[@NeonStreetlight]

Thank you so much for this. As a nervous baby drag king who has only performed once, this has been very reassuring heading into my first local Drag Race. You're amazing!

[@tlemont6462]

I went to my first drag show yesterday and now am in love with it, but the reason i love it is based exactly off the tip where you say Fuck it Up! Because she walked out all bedazzled broke a heel, broke a strap, tore her $60 jacket and fell on her ass while still managing to stay confident and put on a show for everybody and THAT! Is why I love it and admire it so much *note: this was my first show but not the start of my interest in drag i was unsure but now I want to go for it because why the fuck not right? *

[@rudymartin8583]

I've only been able to see one live drag performance in my life but the whole time I was sitting there I was like "**I** want to do this!!"

[@cynthiabrogan9215]

Tip if you struggle with looking at the crowd! Look just above the crowd. They likely won’t be able to tell. Like tallest person’s hair? Look at that!

[@Heterormorphic]

Thank you so much for the tips! I'm going to be running a drag show at my college for the first time and also debuting my first drag performance at the same time next semester, and this has been super helpful! (Also your Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy performance is like, my favorite drag performance ever!!)

[@earthbndmissfit]

How did it go?

[@Kyacchan88]

I've started performing as a king about half a year ago, and while I've just been having some fun with it till now, trying to get down to brass tacks and actually become a fixture in the scene I'm realizing is taking more work - so this video is super useful and encouraging :) thank you so much!

[@LittleWing1985]

Thank you for this! I've actually zero experience doing drag and I would love to do it and when I see some of these great drag performers I feel like I have a long ways to go to be that good. I appreciate this video because it gives me more confidence to try it anyway.

[@TheModernMame]

Honestly years of Drag here and the best advice given. Being yourself is the best form of unique! 💋

[@otabekrockstar2881]

I really need to say thank you, because I'm from Mexico and this ambient of the drag king don't exist a lot and I really want to start in this art, love you a lot, thanks ❤️😁

[@idk9309]

Idk how I found this channel and I don’t do drag but I’m loving you! This video was good for me since I have such a fear of public speaking, I found some of these tips helpful. I’ll have to remember them when I try to retake my speech class lol

[@hugogrrrldragking]

idk9309 love this! 🌈

[@SchnitzelDaemon]

Great tips! I've got to have an act prepared for next week and I've had a bit of a creative block. Feeling more positive now 😊

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Break a leg!

[@beech5397]

So inspirational helping new drag stars with their careers. ❤

[@kamalkimball8404]

ilysm thank you for this and pleasant to listen to such a cute encouraging human help me get my drag persona ready for stage

[@queuequeer3030]

Great advice! I've been performing live for a year and doing drag for 5 and a half. I have a performance coming up on the 28th. I'm very excited and this video made me more excited, because I think I'm doing things 'correctly' to some degree. THANK YOU HUGOOOO

[@hugogrrrldragking]

You’re welcome!

[@shandramcclanahan4778]

I debuted this past summer and I can't believe I didn't find you sooner! These are fantastic tips, some I was practicing and some I desperately needed to hear! Thank you, you are amazing 👏 ❤️

[@quaryn]

No objections of questions, just delighted to hear your accent. I went to NZ in 2013 for almost a month, and the vowels still tickle my happy place.

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Hahaha it’s a unique one for sure!

[@meikajorgensen8411]

ive been wanting to do drag for so long! I'm finally learning how to do the thing andits TERRIFYING thanks for your tips

[@hugogrrrldragking]

woo!

[@1337karm]

I’m so in love with your art, thanks for the tips, they’re super useful!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

DelendaCarthago thank you!!!

[@dinosaurtrain301]

Also I love hearing u talk abt this stuff in that NY accent it makes me feel so at home☺️

[@alliesaft6709]

This video is EVERYTHING! Thank you for the encouragement to go out there and be a messy Monarch.

[@MissJaeNYC]

Love these tips! Most I know but it's refreshing to hear it again and in different ways, I've been practicing my drag a lot during quarantine and someday soon that debut will happen! Thanks for this!

[@nicolegoodwin9133]

Hey Hugo! Thank you so much!! This and so many of your other videos have been so helpful for me! I am performing next week in my first drag show and I'm scared shitless. But I feel a little more prepared after watching you, so thanks so much!!

[@lucygill1323]

You are such an amazing inspiration!!!

[@a-aronsmith7067]

This was so helpful and very great advice! Your delivery is very welcoming

[@togetherinthisworld]

This is SO helpful. I'm putting together an act right now and this hit all of it. Thank you!!

[@secondhandguru3558]

Glad I came across you, been thinking about becoming a faux queen! Thank you for what you do!!

[@ponygon123113]

Thank you Hugo!!! You’re amazing!

[@AaAa-fb9uv]

Thanks for a very informative and high quality video! This is so interesting.

[@bridgetkelly8414]

Thank you so much! Looking to dip my toes in, got one act just about ready to go, and this came just as I really needed some advice!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Bridget Kelly yay I’m so glad!

[@foxybrown-eye7669]

Insightful and useful! Thanks for sharing your tips! x

[@justbebuzzy7252]

Hey! Thanks for the great video. I'd love to hear all about the facial/body hair that you use in performances. Where you source it, how you use it and how you care for it. Thanks!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Emily Bisset Creates we can do a cheeky stashe one, totally!

[@justbebuzzy7252]

@@hugogrrrldragking Thanks so much! Looking forward to it :)

[@Stewystew2]

I’m performing in my first drag show this year and I’m excited and nervous. Already have my song and costume prepared. Can’t wait!

[@malevolententity3182]

I'm trying drag at an event at my school in a few weeks and this is super useful

[@Billyboicos]

I NEEDED THIS, THANK YOU.

[@UsingATelescope]

This is so helpful! Thank you!!

[@dahliakash3748]

I love you... This is great, thank you!! Sending to my whole damn drag family!!!

[@TheMainechickadee]

thank you so much for your tips I am new to drag performances I have some theater but I am shaky about my very first show to be October 5th in Boston and found this very useful and a few much needed perfect timing thank you again !!!!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

J B I’m so glad! Break a leg!

[@AndreaDelleStelle]

I love you so much! Thank you... this was super informative and you're just fabulous!!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

ur welcome!

[@lindseytattoomom1603]

New here! Think you are rad! Super helpful tips, working getting shit together for my first time in drag. K, love you bye!

[@raycarlitos5492]

Hi, I think this is the right channel for me. Thanks for sharing all your tips. They are really helpful to get a heads up. Question:How do you approach when it comes to finding not only appropriate music, but downloading and converting files so that you can do a drag show. I will start my first drag show ever this week on Thursday. Need help ASAP 😬

[@luxcallari6196]

thank you so much! I have a question. In my town me and some other wonderful people created a drag scene from basically nothing and usually I am the one who hosts, but by the end of my second or third performance my face is melted!! Do you have any suggestions on how to make the makeup on, or even some pro-tips on how to easily fix it backstage during the evening? thank you so much!

[@annatheiasmith6068]

I loved this!! I would like to hear your take on the what to expect as a new performer working a show. or dos and don'ts. I've been doing drag for awhile and I will share this with any one wanting to start drag. You but everything I think about telling them in one great video.

[@hugogrrrldragking]

I think drag scenes vary so wildly between cities I'm not sure my tips in that regard would be much use to you! But thanks so much, I'm glad you find it useful.

[@thunderboitsai]

These are the best tips THANK YOU!!!

[@raykreman6188]

Thanks so much for all the great advice! Do you have any tips about how to find the right facial hair? Where do you get your mustaches?

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Hilary Kreman crepe hair is cheap and mouldable so super versatile! I’m gunna do a video showing you how I make mine ASAP x

[@DeborahStephens-bt5nnGhost]

Well I am an ole lesbo with my male friend who wants to do queen drag with me as an act. We are desperate here for Drag here in Humboldt, so hopefully we will be ground breakers.

[@briecheeks]

This was equal parts entertaining and informative

[@Kaefilms]

Thank you!!! My first performance is this Friday and I’m starting to get a little nervous! This video definitely made me feel better!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

You got this!

[@nix_cosplay]

Really really awesome video. thank you

[@MarkHoulihan5]

Love this!!!

[@field_0f_clovers438]

I'm just getting started doing drag, I'm working on choreography and I'm going to be wearing my costume and makeup to an event tomorrow. these were very helpful

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Hope it went well!

[@reds7132]

thanks for doing this! this is actually giving me a few Interesting Ideas for what I'm hoping is going to become a pretty decent act.

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Good luck!

[@kimberlyswanson2782]

Instant subscribe you’re amazing

[@sarahcunningham1970]

Always enjoy your videos Hugo! I'm a relatively new drag performer. How do your make your persona and keep in character? I always break character and find myself having issues staying in the mindset? Any tips/tricks?

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Sarah Cunningham interesting! Maybe just try be yourself on stage and you won’t have to worry about whether you’re staying in character or not?

[@davidpuckdrag]

Great tips!

[@shawnablackwood4262]

You're my hero and I would not be getting onstage this Saturday for my Drag King debut this Saturday if it weren't for you and your videos xoxoxo

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Geddit

[@antaya715]

Awesome advice 😊

[@andyshort4876]

I think I might take the leap. *HEAVY BREATHING*

[@madisonwarner5383]

❤️❤️❤️ your stuff

[@beebalmbadil]

Hey there, this is GREAT. thank you so much! I'm in the States and lucky enough to be able to keep myself sheltering in place during the huge explosion of cases of Covid right now. I suspect it will be a significant period of time before it's safe to go out in the way you recommended (back in the innocent, good old days of late 2019...) do you have any tips for people looking to get started while they're isolated?

[@donkeylambtaxi8725]

this was super helpful, thanks frend :)

[@YarnieBoy]

I love this your tips are so helpful best thing I love to is tge crochet blanket behind you I've made so much dress but I'm just bit nervous but I think performing 🎭 is in my bones 🤣👑🙋🏽💅🏾

[@ginasowa-pratt7761]

Thanks again for more information 😩

[@gracen3342]

💚 You're amazing.....that is all.

[@victoriazarate7349]

Soooo helpful! So about how long should an act be, or how long usually is an act?

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Victoria Zarate totally depends but I’d say 3.5-7 mins!

[@JawnHouston]

As a faux king, I appreciate you!

[@insignickyfant]

come at me bro, let's fight

[@jesskoppenhofer1518]

Thank you for pushing that if you’re think about drag, just do the damn thing. It’s been bouncing in my head for a while and I’m excited to start giving it a whirl. Q: what are your tips for coming up with a name or persona for kings starting out?

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Jessica Koppenhofer I reckon pick a first name you like and go from there 💕

[@guilhermeferreira1364]

You're a god

[@gloriadoudoukjian9603]

Hi! I'm kind of getting into drag, or at least the makeup and I'm obsessed! I'd done queen looks in the past but i recently did a bunch of king looks and honestly I think that's where I belong. I'd love to start performing but do you think I'm too young at 17? I also have NO CLUE what I'd perform but it's certainly something to think about :)

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Hey, how are you getting on?! (Sorry, late response.)

[@metamorphic8]

eXcellent 🤩

[@DeborahStephens-bt5nnGhost]

Yeah I know at 60 doing King drag for the first time and male friend his fifties coming out with bringing his girl out. We are old for drag. Guess what we dont care and are still going for it.

[@shelbybrasfield996]

I like drag race as reality tv but it's so frustrating trying to look up drag performances of specific songs for inspiration and it's all drag race clips

[@AviZ24]

This was sooooooooo helpful!!!!!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

I’m so glad!

[@h.e.c.3506]

Me gusta el corte de pelo del muchacho...

[@ebbielifweard3847]

This is great 🥰

[@hugogrrrldragking]

You’re welcome!

[@queerulantin6431]

💜

[@reinerknight3170]

My first performance is in February and I'm scared as shit

[@jesseissnazzy4268]

Have fun

[@linccoon]

My first drag performance is tomorrow !!!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Kick it in the gonads!

[@Veryvoidlove]

Im definately incorperating juggling into my act once i make one lol tons of goofs to be had there lol

[@Bb-yf7if]

I’ve been doing drag for years, I love how I look and all my clothes. I still however have massive anxiety about performing, I want to do it but I feel like the world is ending every time I’m on stage. How do I stop this

[@UMMrealLoud]

Have you shared about hosting shows? Please enlighten us! This was incredible content, thank you! Here's a cookie 🍪

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Thank you for the cookie! I have not shared any hosting guides nahhh

[@hannahrosereviews5073]

When are you gonna do a show in the US? Specifically Florida.

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Not anytime soon, unfortunately!

[@H4ML0CK]

Any tips for folks with extremely feminine bodies? Especially related to large, childbearing hips (>3

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Amity Wootan best tip I’ve come across is counter balance, you wanna wear giant things on your shoulders to bring your silhouette out past your hips to create the illusion of a triangle shape. Good luck!

[@VanNessy97]

What about large breasts? Should I consider binding?

[@shannonchase1764]

FAIL is just a First Attempt In Learning

[@cindelbindel]

Tip #10 was my favorite. #fuckitup

[@jesseberry2046]

Question do you know if there are any trans men in drag and if it helps their dysphoria

[@hugogrrrldragking]

There are so many trans drag kings! And from a personal perspective, yeah it helped heaps.

[@jesseberry2046]

@@hugogrrrldragking awesome so can I get some tips on how to do the facial hair at least?

[@kittennight3305]

Ok but how do I find drag clubs that will hire a first timer?

[@hugogrrrldragking]

Hello! It'd say it's more about finding the gig, promoter or booker that will hire you rather than the venue. In which case the same tactics apply, stay in touch with the show organisers you know, keep asking, take home videos if you need to to prove you're ready. And ask for any non-performing jobs (door/kittening) they might have available to get your foot further in the door. Good luck!

[@ScarletCandlelight]

Good never watched drag race lol just know irl drag kings

[@PunkoRegarto]

This is the positivity and support I'm looking for! 😆💖 In regards to Tip No. 3, as an Australian, I've seen this is something we're not great at. I think it's part of our "laid back" culture, but the queens and kings I've seen here just don't seem to understand the concept of emoting the song they're syncing too. Anyways, I'm starting to look into getting involved into drag, so this helped a whole lot. Thanks for the positive vibes. Cheers, distant neighbour from across the pond. 😉

[@carolinaventura2893]

I wonder If I'll ever be a decent king... I'm too feminine :')

[@nooneanonymous3340]

I think confidence is the key to any drag act.

[@butasimpleidiotwizard]

As long as you're loud and over the top about whatever it is you're doing you'll be great, its all about energy

[@connarfelix3142]

Are there any bigger kings out there? Or trans kings?

[@hugogrrrldragking]

I am a trans king! Instagram is my go to for all my fave sexy big and genderqueer boys.

[@whatheavensaid]

I'm curious if you see connections between drag and shamanism? Around the world, sacred clowns remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. I honor these teachers!

[@hugogrrrldragking]

I’m sorry I don’t know enough about to comment!