In my two years of becoming a "Sydney Drag Queen", I have learned a lot and lost a lot.
Working in drag in Sydney is cut-throat and very stressful but also very rewarding. One day you're in, getting the best gigs, earning a good end-of-week pay and then the next day, you're out. It's like a lot of jobs. You're all competing for more work, working to become resident at a venue, looking for work at bigger clubs and work in and outside of Oxford Street. Free tip: Find a boy job first. You'll thank yourself later.
I feel like I am still at the bottom of the run. I have produced several fun production shows, host trivia on a weekly basis and am constantly working, yet I feel like I am still to run with the big girls, which saddens me considering I am more then adequate enough to work and WELL. Only over time will you get a name for yourself and establish yourself better, which to me, I am still doing. AGAIN! This also brings me to tip number 1. Find your own work.
I've learned this is crucial to longevity on the 'scene' - Find your own work. This is the only way to to it because that is how you build relationships and meet the right people. I've been that queen, night after drunken night in the wee small hours batting eyelashes with the club owners. I love chatting to people, that is how you learn and gain work. I've also learned that the ugly little drag queen sitting down over there will also take your job by offering 'her' services for a lot less. Tip 2. Don't settle for less.
That drag queen you see batting her eyelashes will also probably try and take your work at other venues, doing it much cheaper with less then adequate costuming and with a less the adequate attitude.
Those queens make it harder for the queens with talent and class to live off their craft, which they have spent many years perfecting to get it right. You cannot settle for less, so to make yourself keep the 'gig' that little bitch is trying to steal, instead of telling the person what you CAN do, SHOW them what you can do WHILE you're at a function, or have a show reel ready and photos/videos on your phone. This and confidence makes them realise you ARE better then the cut rate drag queen and they WILL book you. Tip 3. Bookings
When booking yourself for a gig, here are three things you need to remember.
1. The clients name and if possible, meet them before the gig. It makes you a more personable person and gets you familiar with their style, particulary if it's a themed night.
2. Time management. This is the MOST crucial. If you're late and they don't pay you, you can't question it. It's YOUR fault. Being early for a gig gives you extra brownie points and it also helps you be more confident and comfortable instead of flustered. No one likes a flustered or rushed queen.
3. Make sure you get the correct pay. Don't leave the gig without the money. I've learnt over the years if it's a cash job, make sure you either get the money before the gig or straight after. Don't pressure them for it in-front of guests, make sure you get it privately or done through the bank, again, prior to the gig.
Asking for a 50% deposit works best before the gig so you don't double book yourself.
If it's invoiced, you need to obtain an ABN (Australian Business Number). You can apply for it online. Also get a good tax accountant. You will need them for end-of-finacial-year when you have to pay tax.
For those starting drag in Sydney. Good Luck. It's a hard road and it's one that many will see for only a short time. I for one would like to be here for more then a decade. Yes, you need to respect the ones who have paved the way, they are also the ones that will book you if you're not getting gigs yourself and if they don't like you, the won't want to see you on the strip any time soon.
xxx FF
