The Kings of Joy Pathway – How to Be Part of Drag Kingdom

Drag Kingdom is the largest regular Drag King show in the world, and it’s a celebration like no other! Over 30 Drag Kings take the stage in one epic night of performances on 14 November at The Red Rattler, Marrickville, Sydney, Australia.

But Drag Kingdom isn’t just about the fun—it’s about proving that you can have fun and make a difference at the same time. Ten percent of all proceeds go toward supporting LGBT refugees fleeing Uganda, and the rest of the funds help future first-time Drag Kings participate in the Kings of Joy Gold Stars program through the Pay It Forward system. When you perform at Drag Kingdom, you’re part of something bigger than just the show.

If you’re an aspiring Drag King wondering how you can be part of this amazing world, the journey starts with Kings of Joy. Our Pathway offers multiple ways to get involved, grow as a performer, and ultimately take the stage at Drag Kingdom!

 1. Gold Stars – The Best Place to Start

Gold Stars is the entry point for anyone who wants to become a Drag King. It’s the perfect place to begin, where you’ll join a group of like-minded humans, all first-time Drag Kings, and develop your persona in a supportive environment.

Your Drag King debut will be as part of a group performance at Queers of Joy, an unforgettable experience that’s all about community and creativity.

The best part? Gold Stars is a Pay It Forward program, which means there are no barriers to participation. Someone before you has already paid for your spot, and if you’re able, you’ll be encouraged to pay it forward for the next generation of Kings. Once you complete Gold Stars, you’ll have the opportunity to keep growing through performance and community roles in Kings of Joy.

After Gold Stars, there are No-Cost Options:

Volunteering at Events – Support the community by helping backstage, working behind the scenes, or assisting with event setup and coordination.

Performing in Group Routines – Join group performances at events like Drag Kingdom without needing to commit to a paid program. You’ll still be part of the action and the joy of performing.

2. The All Stars crew – Continue Learning and Performing

After completing Gold Stars, if you’re ready to deepen your skills and stay in the game, All Stars is the next step. In this program, you’ll continue to learn the art of Drag Kinging, working directly with The King Coach, and perform with a crew. You’ll get to fine-tune your makeup, costuming, choreography, and stage presence, all while preparing for a group performance at Drag Kingdom.

All Stars is for those who want to keep growing, performing, and being part of the Kings of Joy community in a hands-on, structured way.

3. Solo – Take the Stage Alone

If you’ve worked with The King Coach in a Solo Drag King Coaching program, this is your chance to step into the spotlight. Solo spots at Drag Kingdom are reserved exclusively for Kings who have completed a Solo Drag King Coaching program. This ensures you’re fully prepared to captivate the audience and shine on stage with a powerful performance. If you’ve been coached for a solo act, now’s your moment to own the stage at Drag Kingdom!

4. Crown Your King – The Global Online Community

Coming soon! Crown Your King will be our global online community, where Kings from around the world can connect, share tips, and support each other. If you’re not in Sydney but want to be part of the Kings of Joy community, this will be the perfect place to start.

How to Get Involved

Becoming a King of Joy is your first step to performing at Drag Kingdom! By joining the Gold Stars program, you’ll develop your Drag King persona and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Once you complete Gold Stars, you’ll be ready to take the stage at future Drag Kingdom events and beyond. In the meantime, you can still experience all the excitement by attending Drag Kingdom—cheer on your fellow Kings, soak up the energy, and get inspired for your own journey!

 4 Ways Kings of Joy Can Participate in Drag Kingdom

1. All Stars – Join the All Stars crew to continue your Drag King journey and perform as part of a group at Drag Kingdom.
2. Solo Drag King Coaching – If you’ve completed Solo Drag King Coaching, you can perform a solo act and take center stage at Drag Kingdom.
3. Group Performance (No Cost) – After Gold Stars, you can participate in group performances at Drag Kingdom without any cost. It’s a fantastic way to stay involved and keep performing.
4. Make it Happen Team – Be part of the Make it Happen Team, supporting Drag Kingdom by helping out behind the scenes, either in the lead-up to the event or on the night itself. From stage management to set design, there’s always a need for Kings of Joy to help bring the show to life.

Ready to Be Part of Drag Kingdom?

Whether you’re performing on stage, helping behind the scenes, or cheering in the crowd, there’s a place for you at Drag Kingdom. It’s not only an opportunity to showcase your talent, but also a way to give back to the community and make a real difference. You can have a blast while contributing to important causes, proving that fun and impact go hand in hand.

So, are you ready to take the stage and make your mark at Drag Kingdom? Let’s celebrate creativity, joy, and community—while making a difference for LGBT refugees and future Kings of Joy.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

P.S. Tickets to Drag Kingdom (14 Nov) are selling fast. Grab yours here.

Photo credit: 📸 Sarah Malone