Poof Doof Sydney will host a drag competition over the first three weeks of August that will culminate in a winner being crowned its next drag superstar and awarded $3000 in cash and jewellery.
The competition comes amid winter, typically a quieter period for Sydney’s nightclubs and bars – even more so this year, as witnessed by Stonewall ceasing to trade on Monday and Tuesday throughout winter.
Applications for Poof Doof’s Sydney drag competition were open until Sunday just gone but have since been extended until 11.59pm tonight (Tuesday).
The competition will be held upstairs at ARQ Sydney in Darlinghurst from 11pm during the first three Saturday nights of August and go for approximately 30-40 minutes. There will be two heats – on August 3 and 10 – followed by a grand final on August 17.
The competition will be hosted by drag queen Danni Issues, who will also be a judge. Other judges include Poof Doof’s operation manager and drag performer Peaches Rose, as well as the others who are booked to perform on the nights. On August 3, this will include Coco Jumbo, Vybe and Ivy Leaguee.
Results will be announced on the same night right after the usual 12.30am show.
“This comp is a great platform for drag performers at any level – not to mention the prize money!” host and judge Danni Issues told Gay Sydney News. “We’re excited to see all the amazing talent each Saturday night for the first 3 weeks in August.”
Poof Doof’s marketing director Nic Holland said it was the second time Poof Doof had held a drag comp in Sydney, with the first being at the ivy in 2022.
“The top 2 [of that competition] were Venus Pagina and our winner Victoria Mami – both of whom have become regular performers at the club and around the scene!”
The main prize is $3000 in cash and a necklace, earring and ring set courtesy of Brisbane Drag Jewels (@brisbanedragjewels).
There is a limit of 8 performers for each heat, meaning 16 slots total are available. Entrants are asked to provide their Instagram handle and to describe their signature drag and drag performance style; their dream drag gig; and their favourite artist to perform as.
Each heat will require participants to perform a spot of no more than 3 minutes
The top 2 performers from each heat will progress to the grand final, where the 4 finalists will perform another spot before the final 2 progress to a “lip-sync for the crown”.
Poof Doof says all performances will be judged “via a mix of crowd response / participation and an expert judges panel”.
To enter, sign up via the link in Poof Doof’s Instagram bio. The competition is also being held at Poof Doof’s club night in Melbourne.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
