FYI- Make-up tutorials on Youtube... oh no!

If you have taken the time to search out make-up tutorials I am absolutely certain you have come across millions of fast handed drag queens who want to show you how THEY do THEIR make-up, absolutly nothing wrong with observing the process but if you really want someone to walk you through the process it will take ALOT more time.. I am truly honored to have come across this gem of a video series.. His drag is easy to follow and very forthcoming... I like these tutorials because he takes the time to really educate in terms the average newcomer will understand. Thanks to the author for allowing me to post and Enjoy

Drag Make-up Tutorial 1


Drag Make-up Tutorial 2


Drag Make-up Tutorial 3


Drag Make-up Tutorial 4

D.R.A.G. 101- Perfect Song (but how?) cont.

If you have chosen a song, play with style, take the Dramatization tips and incorporate your own spin on this material. Your personal style is the link that will bridge your song into a number and create a signature that keeps your audience growing. The last thing you want is one bored audience member, this is a business and one person will tell a friend if they liked something but five if they hated it or were offended, we are selling a product which can easily be replaced, that being said most audiences are willing to give you time to improve before they pass judgement.
Personal style is unfortunately the one aspect we are unable to teach, this is up to you, however it should come organically and you will soon find yourself moving toward a specific genre that best compliments your new found style.

JAKYLLYN is back in ACTION-YLLYN (that worked 'ish)

OK Friday night was the BIG dance floor opening at the Majestic on Davie, to launch their new Friday night club scene "the Maj" invited anyone who is ANYONE to the free cover friday opening.. I wasn't sure I wanted to, but I was so moved by the turn out (and had a LOAD OF FUN), I was determined to bring Jaky back with a vengeance.
NO pictures yet but... Saturday night Jaky arrived (semi early) for the Majestic Drag show starring Carlotta Gurl and Joan-E, guest starring the impervious Helena Handbag... I took the time during the intermission to speak with Joan-E.. My job was doene but we will see if anything comes of it.. (i will post any pics I get)

Indulgent Revue

Indulge me if you will...

Most of the information posted on this blog,Wickedmirror, is taken directly from my condensed D.R.A.G. 101 manual "How to Succeed in My Shoes Without Even Trying". The following (D.R.A.G 101-Who Are You?) has only recently been added to further educate and elaborate upon the points made in the Stage Performance sections.

and I will indulge you...

For those (too lazy) who haven't taken the time to review the information provided on D.R.A.G 101 I will quickly revue the four principles which make up the hyde n'outt D.R.A.G. experience:

DRAMATIZATION:The ART of Stage Performance and Verbal Illusion

REPUTATION: The ART of Character and Integrity

Appearance: The ART of Makeup Design

GUISE: The ART of Costume and Hair Design

please feel free to email any questions to hyde.n.outt@gmail.com

D.R.A.G. 101- Who Are You?

...
Let us take a trip off the beaten track, this section is not included in the mini manual but I thought it may be helpful in relation to the Stage Performance post.
...

It can take years to master the art and in this industry you will find there are a few basic types of performers, meeting and understanding these types may help you find your personal style:

The Pop Princess:
Looks perfect singing the popular top forty charts and emulating the movements of the professionals. This works and does make a lot of money, however in this case dance knowledge and choreography is extremely important and one of the hardest aspects to teach, you either have it or you learn it from professionals. I recommend that if you really want to look good you spend the money and pay a choreographer to teach you the basic moves and use these to built a repertoire of pop-like moves.

The Impersonator:
Spends hours watching old footage of the greats, mimicking movements and channeling characters. These are some of the greatest drag performers taking years of keen observation and dedication to master this art. If you wish to peruse this avenue keep in mind when researching its in the tiny human flaws, a smile, a squint, the way a mouth moves on a specific word, the little nuances and not overplaying the character that make a great impersonator. (i.e. Canadian performer Craig Russell)

The Comedian:
Generally found hosting, she is naturally witty and sharp tongued; she spends hours even weeks before a show writing material. Comedy is a majority of the entertainment drag queens provide however the comedian is and able to play off the audience quickly which is what keeps her in demand. If our not a size two you’re probably funny, most of the times this isn't enough. Start by writing personal experiences, build from feedback and don't be afraid to get it wrong.

The Realistic:
Naturally beautiful, she is perfectly real looking in most cases able to pass as female with little effort. Many believe they are but little can be said about the true enigma, these can be the highest paid performers. You either have it or you don’t, you cannot fake the realistic without surgery, and even then most people can tell.

The above, an observation of degrees and talents, are by no means a cut and dry segregation, you may not fit into any of these molds, most performers are some combination of the above but there are some that are just naturally great performers and do not fit into any category. The comedian however does touch on a very important aspect of Hosting. (this will be covered in detail by clicking the "Hosting" post label if available)

D.R.A.G. 101- Perfect Song (but how?)

Telling you to find the perfect number is the easy part, explaining why is a little more involved but showing you how to really find these numbers is the real question we must tackle.

It's all about leg work... We need to get out into the scene, see what's been done and start knock on doors.
It can be very frustrating to find once in a lifetime original recordings and you may break the bank trying to get them, this is why i recommend that mature seasoned professionals become your first resource. Seeking out the older more experinced queens, professionals who may not be performing any longer, is a great resource; these individuals are more likely to help then performing Queens as you are not competition to them. Most retired Queens still have a vault of tremendous recordings they are willing to share, these recording may still be on vinyl but with todays technology a few simple programs can rip records to MP3 format. Never underestimate the power, we all want to help you but you have to ask.
Keep in mind some of these Queens have been sitting on numbers for ten or twenty years, vowing to take them to their grave, so unless you are serious about respecting their treasures don’t ask. You have to show potential before anyone is going to trust you with their numbers.

A DRAG Mother is another great way to find material, find a current performer and ask if you can study under them, like a apprentice, this does take a much longer process but as with all great things you are guaranteed to receive valuable knowledge and if chosen correctly comes with built in securities. (If anyone is interest I can cover the benefits of a DRAG MOTHER in more detail)

Many queens I have nurtured find it easiest just to sit in front of their computer and research obscure theatrical musicals or artists. The sixties, seventies and eighties are a great place to start for obscure artists most songs are no longer in play and you can find completely outrageous lyrics. The internet can be your friend, just start searching:
Another great place to research is the library, allot of libraries still house musical recordings in a defined section, treasure this resource and please DO NOT DAMAGE these recording in anyway. Many times these are the last of the recordings and they can not be found anywhere else. if you find a recording you like enough, write down not only the artist name but the lyricist and CD title, go home and search by all of the above, you will be amazed by your findings. Web blogs (like this one) and chat rooms are increasing the popularity of previously unknown material, there is a growing interest, inquire everywhere you go on the internet you may just again be surprised by the response you get.

A lot of the material you will receive or listen too will be useless, either outdated or just not your genre, keep a positive attitude and persist, before you can succeed you have to find a least one solid number you can really drive home, once you get this bridge you will find the process allot easier.

D.R.A.G. 101- Perfect Song

Being a Drag Queen is more than female impersonation it is a delicate and fine art form, and finding the right song will be one of your biggest hurdles. It is not enough to be trained, as an artist it is your duty to find your niche, you must have the ability to make the right song choice for your abilities.

“A drag queen is just an average without the perfect number”

A performers song, set or performance is their signature. You will hear these signatures referred to here forth as the performers 'number'. A number is any song or performance an artist is known to perform (in our case it IS the show). One show can be made up of between seven and twenty numbers generally preformed back-to-back with alternating performers. You should always have three numbers and an encore prepared. This set-up will change depending on the market and demand for performers.

Example: In Alberta I was required to open and close a show only if hosting and perform one number if supporting, where as most shows in British Columbia I would be expected to have the three solos minimum and encore for all shows.

In the beginning you may find it difficult to find any numbers that work for you, in the long run we all find the numbers that speak to us, these are the numbers which will make up your niche to set you apart from every-other performer.

To find songs that work best for you, go ahead and start with a genre you are comfortable with, if you listen to allot of popular music start there, I don’t recommend unless you have the determination and ability (as will be covered in detail) to hold these songs you choose this as permanent signature, however feel free get a feel for the music then move into songs you can truly make your own. The key to your niche is to find songs an audience has never heard before something you can claim as your own, you want to have an audience requesting your numbers as your own. Live singers have a giant foot up in this context as they are in constant demand to write new material. By choosing popular songs you are guaranteeing that an audience has heard and knows the song you are presenting, by going out of your way to find obscure recordings for this same work will reinforce a willingness to buy into the work you have created.

"quotable quotes"

“I want to be so famous that drag queens will dress like me in parades”

-Laura Kightlinger

Back on Track babies!

I agree I have taken too much time off, I haven't posted a real blog entry in almost eight months. BUT THE BITCH IS BACK ONLINE!!! expect the best, read the rest!



When I moved to Victoria many years ago I was still a young drag queen, I had only been performing for two years and I was desperate to establish myself and continue to preform in my new home. It took me quite a while to gain the same respect as a serious performer I had when I was allowed to develop my career in Edmonton. a full two years of random bookings but i did it, I worked my way onto the stage and worked my ass off for three more first once a month then every two weeks as half of the monthly schedule. When I moved to Vancouver in February I needed a break, I made the transition to Vancouver living with little hesitation, I now face an even larger hurdle, with Victoria Pride approaching and being requested to host events I am left to question have I really taken too much time off, do I still have any following at all? I am desperate to announce YES, but feel a tinge of remorse for leaving so promptly. Is it possible to really take a break and make it back to the top in a new city? stay tuned and I guess we will find out together!

0:)fairy-dust fairy-dust fairy-dust 0:)