The Art of Drag

Your classes will take place on AUB's campus where you’ll be taught in our state-of-the-art creative studios and digital suites, with access to AUB’s library and online resources.

The minimum age for this course is 18.

We welcome artists of all ages and abilities; it's perfect for anyone who has a passion to learn and develop their skills.

There are no formal academic entry requirements or qualifications needed to study this course.

This course is suitable for those with no previous knowledge or those who are experienced artists.

All we ask is that you bring an open mind, enthusiasm, and a desire to enter the fabulous work of drag!

If you're unsure if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us and we'll advise you. Either email us at summercourses@aub.ac.uk or call us on +44 1202 363222.

You can choose to add our economically priced residential package to your course fee. Choose your package during the booking process.

• Full-board catering on-site at AUB (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Accommodation in AUB Halls of Residence, situated on AUB's campus

• En-suite private room in a cluster flat with shared kitchen and lounge
• Rooms are furnished with single bed, wardrobe, drawers, desk and chair
• All bed linen supplied
• Halls of Residence Wi-Fi
• 24-hour on-site security staff and live-in AUB residential staff (help is available 24/7)

Take a look at AUB’s Halls of Residence, just click on the Campus Halls option.

See below the prices of our packages. Choose your package during the booking process.

• Any additional materials not mentioned in the 'what to bring' section below

Please be aware you'll need to bring some materials and equipment with you. This may incur an additional cost on top of your course fee if you need to purchase any materials or equipment. Refer to the 'what to bring' section below for full details.

You're expected to bring your own make-up and tools, though some resources will be available in addition to this.

• For the first session, please wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Your tutor will advise you when to bring in any costumes you may have
• Wigs, make-up, make-up tools and other styling equipment that you wish to use
• Images for inspiration
• Appropriate clothing where necessary (e.g., dance and daywear)
• Fierce drag energy; there’s no judgement here. No matter your current experience, this is the place for you to explore and create!

• Explore the history and evolution of drag of artistry and cabaret including styles and breaking gender norms
• Find or develop your drag persona, including confidence building and promoting yourself as a brand
• Explore the fundamentals of make-up and wigs or facial hair
• How to craft your drag wardrobe by either embellishing existing garments or creating accessory pieces in a costume curation workshop
• The art of lip syncing and performance techniques with comedy
• Receive professional feedback and critique from your backstage team
• Prepare for the performance of your life at AUB: invite friends and family to experience the talent that is you!

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Summer Course certificate of attendance. You'll receive this at the end of your course.

On your last day you'll take part in a celebratory performance, to showcase the skills you've developed on the course. Together with your class you'll marvel at the personas you've created and celebrate your achievements and those of your fellow drag artists.

The Summer Courses team invite you to attend an optional farewell meal at a local restaurant. A perfect conclusion to your creative week where new friendships and skills shall be celebrated.

After this course you could:

• Use your new skills to further your career or change direction
  
• Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby
• Develop a robust portfolio of personal work to contribute to further study or employment

You may wish to consider the following further study options:

• Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media
• BA (Hons) Make-up for Media and Performance
  
• BA (Hons) Performance Design and Film Costume
  
• BA (Hons) Fine Art

You can also continue to harness your creativity; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses courses to see where your creative journey will take you next, including further Make-up and Prosthetics SFX short courses.

• Have the opportunity to freely experiment in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment under the expert guidance of an industry professional
• Find your drag style through hair, make-up and costume
• Come away with increased confidence – both in yourself and in your drag persona
  
• Develop your hosting and presenting skills
• Create your own brand and understand how to work as a freelancer
• Allow yourself to perform with confidence and enjoyment as you take to the stage
• Gain the confidence to show off your talent through social media
• Become familiar with pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone to experience your true potential
• As desired by RuPaul herself, you’ll gain charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent!
• The opportunity to network and share ideas with other students from around the globe
• Access AUB's industry-standard studio spaces, including the specialist equipment and materials relevant to your discipline
• Leave with skills and foundations that you can use at home to continue creating beyond this course
• Study alongside up to 16 like-minded students and have fun

• You'll study at a leading specialist university – so we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
• Your tutor is an industry professional, so you'll learn from the best
• We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
• You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
• Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, plus use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity