On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, The Art of Drag by Michael Twaits is a fierce, practical guide packed with stage-tested advice and vibrant interviews, empowering drag kings, queens, and the drag-curious to master queer stagecraft just in time for Pride Month.
The Art Of Drag
As Pride Month approaches, there’s no better time to dive into the glittering, unapologetic world of drag with The Art of Drag: A Practical Performers’ Handbook by Michael Twaits. A celebrated West End cabaret performer, drag educator, and host of Pride in London for over a decade, Twaits distills two decades of stage experience into a fierce, funny, and deeply practical guide for drag kings, queens, queers, and the drag-curious. This is no ordinary drag manual—it’s a bold celebration of queer stagecraft that puts performance front and center, offering a masterclass in commanding the spotlight.
Unlike other books on drag that linger on makeup tutorials or fashion history, The Art of Drag zeros in on what makes a performance unforgettable: stage presence, storytelling, and craft. Built on the foundations of Twaits’ acclaimed Art of Drag course at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which has launched over 200 performers since 2015, the book offers battle-tested advice for creating new work, refining existing acts, and mastering skills like lip-syncing, comedy, and audience connection. Whether you’re a grassroots performer stepping into heels for the first time or a seasoned act headlining major showcases, Twaits’ insights are relevant at every stage of the journey.
Practical Tools for Aspiring and Seasoned Performers
The book is packed with practical tools: exercises to hone live performance skills, tips on booking gigs and turning a profit, and strategies for creating a memorable audience experience. From demystifying techniques like singing, impersonation, and comedy to navigating the business side of drag, Twaits provides a roadmap for success. This makes The Art of Drag not only a guide for performers but also a valuable resource for academic courses on drag, cabaret, or queer performance.
Adding depth to the handbook, Twaits includes exclusive interviews with drag luminaries like Le Fil, Simply Barbra, Son of a Tutu, Adam All, Ada Campe, Hugo Grrrl, and Me the Drag Queen. These voices offer a vibrant snapshot of modern drag’s diversity and artistry, illustrating how drag transcends mere aesthetics to blend heart, discipline, and celebration into a transformative art form.
A Celebration of Queer Stagecraft
More than a guide, The Art of Drag is a rallying cry for anyone who sees drag as both serious business and serious fun. It celebrates the discipline and joy of drag while empowering performers to find their unique voice. With Pride Month on the horizon, the book stands out as essential reading for those looking to explore the craft and culture of drag, making it a perfect feature for media covering LGBTQ+ creativity and community.
For drag performers and enthusiasts alike, The Art of Drag is a glittering testament to the power of queer performance. Whether you’re taking your first sequinned steps or commanding major stages, this handbook is an essential companion.
Book Launch
Join Michael Twaits for the book’s launch at 7pm on July 10th at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, a fitting venue for a performer who’s graced tiny clubs, massive Pride stages, film sets, and embassies over his 20-year career. A prolific drag act, actor, and producer, Twaits also hosts The Saturday Supershow at the Phoenix Arts Club and continues to shape the drag scene through his course and monthly drag celebration show at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
Find more from Michael Twaits now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3HBU3Yp
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4jyP6wS
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3T2Fy2q
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