Don’t be a drag, as Lady Gaga, a guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” famously advised. Simply act like a queen. We’re also here to give you the royal treatment when it comes to insight into the casting process, in keeping with the tradition of the venerable competition series.
Everything you need to know about joining the cast of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” can be found in our comprehensive guide, which also includes advice from the show’s Emmy-winning casting directors, hosts, and stars as well as details about the audition process.
What is the purpose of RuPaul’s Drag Race?
During the 2009 Logo TV premiere of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” contestants from all over the nation tested their DIY styles, mindsets, and ferocity in front of the panel of judges. A series of tasks showcasing their skills as a drag performer—the quadruple threat of “charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent”—are faced by those who pass inspection. Every round, competitors may be eliminated, and a winner is selected when the field of competitors is reduced from about a dozen to three or four.
Every champion queen receives a variety of gifts; in the latter seasons, they were presented with a crown and scepter from Fierce Drag Jewels, $100,000 in cash, and a year’s worth of Anastasia Beverly Hills makeup.
Additionally, the program has debuted a number of spinoffs, such as “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked!” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” The program debuted on February 2, 2009, and it was renewed for a 17th season.
Who makes up “RuPaul’s Drag Race” cast?
Naturally, RuPaul has been a key judge on “Drag Race” from the start. The panel’s first members included designers Santino Rice and fashion editor Merle Ginsberg, but over time, the membership has grown and evolved.
These days, Ross Mathews, TS Madison, Michelle Visage, and Carson Kressley share responsibilities. Although a formal list of the queens has not yet been released, the following people are speculated to be competing in Season 17:
- Acacia Los Angeles Forgot
- Arrietty from Seattle
- (Asbury Park, New Jersey) Crystal Envy
- Lisa Hormona (Chattanooga, TN)
- Sparkles Jewels (Tampa)
- Hollywood’s Joella
- Boston-based Kori King
- Lana Ja’Rae, a resident of NYC
- Louisville, Kentucky’s Lexi Love
- Prosperous Starzzz (Miami)
- Pittsburgh native Lydia B. Kollins
- Cleveland’s Onya Nurve
- Sam Star, an Alabaman from Birmingham
- Toot Suzie (Fort Lauderdale)
A-list celebrities have previously served as guest judges on “Drag Race.” We anticipate that Season 17 will also have a diverse range of fashionable stars on its panel, including hitmakers like Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus as well as the late, great legends Debbie Reynolds and Cloris Leachman.
Who is “RuPaul’s Drag Race” casting director?
Goloka Bolte and Ethan Petersen, CDs who have cast unscripted reality series including “Million Dollar Listing” and “Say I Do,” have been cast for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” since Season 5.
RuPaul and the casting directors need to identify people who are genuine and charismatic in order to find the ideal personalities for the lively and high-energy show. “The queens have to make a casting video that tells us who they are, shows us their skill set, and also includes a few challenges to help give us an idea of their creativity and how they would do on the show,” Bolte explained to us about the audition process.
The truly exciting part is that when we go through every submission, we can take a close look at each one to identify queens who could be formidable rivals and who provide something new, different, and genuine. The videos are amazing. The drag community has incredibly gifted people.
“We go over these tapes,” she remarked. We are searching for individuals who seem to be able to compete in all of these diverse arenas; we are searching for genuineness as well as huge personalities. Additionally, we’re searching for someone who can tell a tale, narrate it really well, and represent the show incredibly well.
Our entire message is one of inclusivity, love, and acceptance. Additionally, we desire a very varied cast. Thus, we consider that constantly. However, we watch the tapes, then we watch them again, and again. It’s a very enjoyable yet difficult procedure.
Petersen underlined how crucial it is that every competitor has a remarkable, motivational life narrative that has led them to this moment. “They are revealing to us their identities and the challenges they have faced and conquered in the audition videos, which is what makes them such compelling individuals.
He informed us that the audience really reacts to that. “Those that watch the show can identify with these queens. Because of the things they watch on television, it makes these folks feel included and that they can be better people.
“I’ll sit down with the team and compare lists, look at who we loved from previous auditions and who we feel might be ready this time around,” Bolte said to Variety as he began casting for a new season.
We enjoy tracking down queens who have never applied before or who may possess exceptional talent but aren’t on social media, and we adore encouraging them to record a tape. Sometimes all they require is a gentle prod.
Bolte went on, “We have to consider [how] the [queens] we cast will speak for and represent the drag community.” “Drag Race” has been a source of hope for many individuals in our society, and Petersen continued, “It’s important to have people on the show who are going to fight and be examples to help evoke change,” given the tense times our community is going through.
How is the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” casting procedure conducted?
Interested parties send in video auditions, which run around 20 minutes and are watched and evaluated by RuPaul and his crew. When it comes to the selection process each season, video submissions are the main attraction.
Casting directors collaborate to examine the videos, narrow the pool down to a shortlist of possible queens, and then send the final cut to RuPaul and the World of Wonder producers for additional review.
“It’s the whole video,” Bolte declared. We just could not accomplish it in person because of the sheer number of different things we need to see from people. We must offer them an opportunity to truly showcase their talents, performances, and creative abilities—even in the simple act of creating the video.
During the open application period, prospective queens can register and audition on the official casting website of the show. In addition to answering a number of detailed questions, applicants are required to submit social media connections, basic personal information, and answers.
After that, the auditioner gets an email with information on how to submit videos and a release form for the casting and audition agreement, which needs to be completed in order to proceed. Contestants should showcase their actual self in the video, which should have high-quality audio and visuals, and explain why they should be selected for the next round by highlighting their abilities and creative abilities.
“You realize everyone does the exact same thing… they behave in a way that they think I want them to behave,” RuPaul said in an interview with Vanity Fair. However, the individuals that truly stand out are those who are true to themselves.
The person behind the table is genuinely interested in learning about various facets of your personality and how they might mesh with the role you are auditioning for. In actuality, just be who you are. Be unique. Nothing is more monotonous than someone who is putting on a false front.
When does “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17 filming begin?
Although there has been no official word on whether or not “Drag Race” Season 17 has started filming, we do know that the application period ended on January 5, 2024, and that the season is probably not going to premiere until early 2025.
Where are casting calls and auditions for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” held?
The audition procedure, which is mostly conducted online, consists of an online questionnaire, participant agreement form, video submission, and interviews with the casting directors (for those who advance to subsequent rounds), even though “RuPaul’s Drag Race” isn’t currently accepting applications.
For up-to-date information, check out the official casting page for World of Wonder and follow “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on X and Instagram.
Which are the best ways to get a job on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” through auditions?
Share your narrative. According to Petersen, “We want the people who think, ‘Oh, I could never be on television,’ because those people sometimes have amazing stories.” People genuinely gravitate to unscripted reality television featuring individuals with distinctive lives and narratives.
Speaking with interview subjects who have never done this before truly makes us happy. As casting directors, it is our responsibility to ensure that they feel at ease and open up to us as total strangers throughout the interview process.
In a similar vein, Bolte stated, “I also believe that you should put yourself out there during the application process. When completing an application, share your experience. Tell us interesting stories and tell us about your personality.
They are truly half-assed by certain folks. It’s television without a screenplay. We desire for them to be authentic. Being a phony character for the duration of a TV show is not acceptable, so be authentic or the enthusiastic version of yourself when you’re getting ready for an interview—that is, you after a really strong cup of coffee. Show your compassionate side if you have one. And feel free to be outrageous and boisterous. We’re prepared.
Genuineness is essential. RuPaul said, “My ears perk up when I see someone who is authentic in the sense that they’re not trying to put on something that they’re not.” I ask myself, “Oh, who’s that?” because they have a genuineness about them.
Many times throughout the audition process for our program, I can see the contestants are attempting to act in a way that they believe I want them to, which is totally different from what I’m looking for. I’d like to see them. Not some distorted imitation of themselves, but their own rhythm and frequency is what I want to witness.
Ultimately, as RuPaul pointed out, it’s critical to “know thyself.” “And that’s not just for performers; that’s for everyone on the earth,” he declared. Live comfortably in your own skin. Understand who you are. You see a lot of people attempting to escape themselves while using their cellphones.
They find it intolerable to be by themselves in a room thinking. Whether you work in entertainment or not, it is your responsibility to discover your rhythm and frequency.
Give whatever you do your all. Regarding the application process, Jan, who gained notoriety as a participant on Season 12, stated: “It was my first time auditioning, and it’s a labor of love.” You have to put all of your talents into a 20-minute video that you use to truly, really represent who you are.
It’s demanding and challenging. Furthermore, only a particular number of ladies are ultimately chosen for it. You truly put your all into the performances, appearance, costumes, and interviews on this tape.
Making the tape is your only priority during the month it takes to accomplish that. Undoubtedly, it was more stressful than I had anticipated. but unquestionably worthwhile. I also discovered a lot about who I am. I gained knowledge on how to perform in front of cameras, including what I enjoyed and disliked, and how to alter my appearance to more accurately represent my true self.
But keep in mind that making mistakes is a common part of learning, and that’s okay. When you’re with somebody you trust, such as a director or teacher, they can coach you and help you hone those talents, so don’t be scared to be ugly and go there, Jan said.
“Although it sounds so corny, work harder so the director can take you back.” It is always undesirable for someone to think less of you. So put everything into it. Don’t be scared to make errors. It’s okay to fall flat on your face.
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