Dear Ruthie,
What’s up, gurl? I’m thinking about getting into drag and wanted to know what I need to buy to make it in this business…on a very tight budget.
Kisses,
Miss Wannabe
Dear Wannabe,
Wonderful! Milwaukee needs another Drag Queen like it needs another corner bar, sugar, but if you want to get your drag on, more power to you! First, get yourself a good pair of black pumps (a pair you can wear with anything and anywhere). If they come in nude, pick those up, too. These should get you through just about any appearance if money is tight. Pay more for a good wig but watch eBay daily for deals on costumes or try sewing your own costumes and making your own props. If you’re really counting your coins, you can’t go wrong with a little black dress…or seven.
Be smart when buying makeup and brushes. If you’re not familiar with makeup so early in your career, ask an experienced performer if she could help you. She might charge for a consultation, but it will be worth it in the long run. You could skip the cost of makeup and pay to have your mug done by a professional, but if you want to truly make it as a queen (and save money at the same time) you should really learn how to paint yourself, honey.
Good luck sweetie! And if you’re looking to learn about the LGBT social scene in the state, check out the fun to be had in this issue’s weekly happenings!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Aug. 6: Grand Opening of the Wisconsin State Fair at the State Fair Grounds (640 S. 84th St.): State Fair is here already? I’ve still got fireworks to shoot, but I’ll pack ’em up in favor of cows, cream puffs and cowboys. A Cream City hot spot, the fair is simply not to be missed, so be sure to take in the fun (and questionable fashion choices) any time through Aug. 16. Visit wistatefair.com for more.
Aug. 7: Opening night of ‘Avenue Q’ at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (1500 N. University Drive, Waukesha): You can’t go wrong with a musical about closet Queens, sex addicts and Gary Coleman. Did I mention that most of the cast members are puppets? Check out this hilariously adult show through Aug. 16. Call the box office at 262-521-5212 for show times and tickets.
Aug. 8-9: Northalsted Market Days & Art Show (3190 N. Halsted St., Chicago): Billed as one of the largest street fests in the Midwest, this Boystown staple runs along Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street. You’ll find unique vendors, food, beer and four music stages, featuring En Vogue, Aaron Carter and Salt-N-Pepa. See northalsted.com for more on this popular street party that runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Aug. 8: Crazy Eights Drag Show at Club Timbuktu (520 E. Center St.): Join Karen Valentine as she hosts an 8 p.m. drag show featuring some of Brew Town’s favorite funny ladies. Tickets are $15 per person or $20 per couple with proceeds benefitting Pathfinders, helping homeless LGBT youth.
Aug. 9: OutReach Pride Parade in Madison (State Street to Capital Square, Madison): One of summer’s final hoorahs, the OutReach Pride Parade offers all the good times, friendly faces and frivolity our Mad-City cohorts are known for. The parade/rally steps off at 600 State St. at 1 p.m., heading up State Street and ending at the Capitol steps. There you can enjoy a rally, shop vendors, enjoy some great food and more!
Aug. 9: Castaways’ Horror Story: Beach Bikini party at Kruz Bar (354 E. National Ave.): They’re baaack! The Levi/leather social group Castaways M.C. Milwaukee is hosting another afternoon party at Kruz…and this time they’re headed to the beach! Join the boys at 3 p.m. for a beer bust, raffles and more. Wear your swimsuit and a special reward might be yours—a massage from me! No, no. I’m kidding. (Or am I?) Stop by and find out!
Aug. 11: Mary’s Kingdom: British Invasion at Hamburger Mary’s (2130 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.): Take a trip across the pond as these Drag Kings salute a cast of English characters hardly fit for queen! Keep calm and Drag on with your host Dick Fitswell during the crazy 8 p.m. show. Call 414-988-9324 for reservations, then belly up to the Bay View burger bar!
Want to tell Ruthie about an event? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com. You can also catch her on Twitter at @DearRuthie.
