Drag ain’t cheap so why are the gigs?
- Ivy Profin
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 12
So You Wanna Be a Drag Performer in Naarm?
You’ve got your look, you’ve picked your number, maybe you’ve even hot-glued rhinestones to your face for the first time. Congratulations, you’re diving into drag!
But once you’re ready to hit the stage, a big question comes up: Where do you actually start?
For lots of new performers in Naarm, the answer is often an open stage night: a show that’s open to everyone, no matter how new you are or whether you’ve got connections in the scene.
These shows can be fun, welcoming, and a great first step. But they also bring up some tricky stuff, especially when it comes to money.
This post isn’t about naming and shaming. It’s also not here to hand out “right” answers. It’s here to open up the conversation.
What You Get (And What You Don’t)
At most open stage shows, performers are paid around $50 for doing a number. Some shows offer more, some less, and some don’t pay anything at all.
For people who haven’t done drag before, that might seem okay. But let’s think about what’s involved: hours of getting into drag, travelling to the venue, often being there all night waiting for your turn, performing, and then heading home. That’s a lot of time and effort.
For many performers (especially those already spending their own money on makeup, wigs, and costumes) that $50 doesn’t stretch very far. And if the gig is unpaid? That can sting even more.
Personally, I don’t think it’s okay to ask people to perform for free when a venue is profiting. But I also know some people see it differently. Some performers are happy to do unpaid gigs when they’re just starting out. Some organisers are also working with tight budgets and doing their best.
Why Is It Like This?
There’s no single reason. But here are a few factors that can affect performer pay:
Experience level: Some people think new performers shouldn’t expect high pay, especially while they’re learning.
Budget limits: Many shows, especially at smaller venues, don’t have big budgets.
Venue pressure: Some bars are doing it really tough right now. The economy’s a mess, cost of living is high, and a number of venues in Naarm have closed recently.
Industry standards: In some cases, low or unpaid gigs have just become “normal,” and no one’s questioned it for a while.
So when you see a low-paying or unpaid gig, it’s worth asking: Is this because the money truly isn’t there, or because drag isn’t being valued enough?
What Should New Performers Do?
That depends on your goals, your situation, and your comfort level. Some people are happy to take any chance to get on stage. Others prefer to hold out for paid opportunities. Neither approach is wrong, but it’s good to know what you’re signing up for.
Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself:
Am I okay with the time and cost of doing this gig?
Is this a place where I’ll learn something, meet people, or get experience?
Is the organiser being transparent about pay?
Do I feel like I’m being respected?
What About People Running Shows?
If you’re organising shows or booking performers (especially newer ones) this is a good moment to reflect, too.
Are the performers being paid fairly for the time they’re spending at the venue?
Is there a way to build pay increases into the budget as the show grows?
Can you be open with new performers about what they’re being paid and why?
Again, there’s no perfect answer, but asking the question is a great start.
Where Do You Stand?
This is a big, ongoing conversation in Naarm’s drag scene, and there are lots of different opinions and experiences out there.
Some people feel strongly that unpaid gigs are never okay. Others see them as a stepping stone. Some think $50 is fair for a quick number, others don’t. And some organisers are genuinely struggling to offer more right now.
That’s why this blog isn’t about handing out hard rules. It’s about thinking through the topic together.
If you’re a performer, how do you feel about doing a gig for free or for a small fee?
If you run shows, how do you balance fairness with budget realities?
As a community, how do we keep drag sustainable for everyone?
In short:
Open stage shows are a big part of how new drag performers get started in Naarm.
Many offer low pay, often around $50, and some don’t pay at all.
There’s debate about what’s fair, especially given the time and effort drag takes.
Economic pressure on venues is real, but that doesn’t mean the conversation about pay shouldn’t happen.
Everyone in the drag scene has a part to play in making it better, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Let’s keep talking about it.
Let’s share stories, ask questions, and support each other. Because when we open up these discussions, we make the scene stronger, and more sustainable, for everyone.
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