A bold, no-nonsense performer’s guide that strips drag back to its glittering bones, ‘The Art of Drag’ by Michael Twaits puts performance firmly where it belongs – front and centre. Written for drag kings, queens and queers—as well as the drag-curious just stepping into heels— it’s an unapologetically practical handbook for anyone who believes drag is more than just looks – it’s an artform with heart, discipline, and a deep sense of celebration. Whether it’s commanding a room, writing a tight comedy set, or slaying a lip-sync, Twaits offers fierce, stage-tested advice grounded in two decades of experience.
Unlike many books on the subject, ‘The Art of Drag’ doesn’t dwell on makeup tutorials or fashion history. Instead, it focuses on what truly matters when the spotlight hits: stage presence, storytelling, and craft. Built on the foundations of the acclaimed Art of Drag course at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which Twaits has run for over ten years, this book distils lessons that have helped more than 200 performers find their voice. Interviews with drag luminaries such as Le Fil, Simply Barbra, and Son of a Tutu further illuminate the diversity and artistry of modern drag.
‘The Art of Drag’ is more than a guidebook—it’s a celebration of queer stagecraft and a rallying cry for those who believe drag is serious business and serious fun.
Synopsis:
The Art of Drag: A Practical Performers’ Handbook is the ultimate guide for all drag kings, queens and queers who want to bring their best to the stage.
Filled with a wide range of exercises and advice from working performers, this book is a guide and support for every working drag act, but also the drag-curious wanting to step a sequinned toe onto the stage for the first time. The book focuses on practical performance advice for creating new work, refining existing work and exploring new skills and perspectives from the world of drag. It also includes:
- Practical performance tips demystifying live performance skills such as singing, lip-sync, impersonation and comedy.
- Top tips on how to get bookings, get paid and make a profit.
- Advice on how to communicate with an audience and create an unforgettable live experience.
- Interviews with seven sensational acts who discuss how they use the art of drag: Adam All, Simply Barbra, Ada Campe, Hugo Grrrl, Le Fil, Me the Drag Queen and Son of a Tutu.
Written by a drag act, for drag acts, The Art of Drag is an invaluable resource for new and aspiring drag performers, along with academic performance courses covering Drag, Cabaret, or Queer Performance.
“Drag is more than aesthetics,” says Twaits.
Continuing, “It’s an act of transformation, yes—but also one of communication. The moment you step on stage, you’re holding a mirror to the world and inviting it to see something bolder, funnier, truer, or queerer than it did before. With this book, I wanted to move beyond mascara and into the magic of what we do as performers—how we move, how we speak, how we captivate. How to get bookings and paid work. It’s a resource that I think performers will keep close, because it’s packed with truly invaluable advice. Drag has given me stages, stories, and more connection than I ever imagined. This book is my way of giving that back.”
From grassroots debuts to headlining showcases, this book offers wisdom relevant to every point in a performer’s journey, as well as mass appeal to anyone with an interest or passion for drag. With Pride Month fast approaching, it stands out as an ideal feature for media exploring LGBTQ+ creativity, performance, and enduring community.
To purchase ‘The Art of Drag’, visit Amazon.
Learn more about celebrated and fascinating performer and educator, Michael Twaits, at his official website and Instagram page. Twaits is accomplished at giving interviews, writing think pieces and articles, and has been featured in The Stage, Time Out, The Guardian, and many more.
Book Launch -7pm ,10th July at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London
Paper Phoenix ink 