Learn the fundamentals of make-up and performance for Drag Queens for City of Toronto's Drag Masterclass.About this Event
Learn the fundamentals of make-up and performance for Drag Queens for City of Toronto's Drag Masterclass.
The Drag Masterclass is Back!
The stage is calling and it’s YOUR time to shine! Join us for 11 weeks of FREE in-person drag workshops led by Toronto’s own Just Peachy. Expect fierce looks, choreography, and insider tips on turning your drag into a brand.
Program Highlights
· Stage performance, choreography & artistic development
· Entrepreneurship, branding, social media & marketing
· Make-up, wig making & sewing fundamentals
· Professional photoshoot to help build your portfolio
· Mentorship and guidance from established drag and entertainment professionals
Starting September 29, 2026, you’ll build your skills each week as you prepare to take the stage at the Drag Masterclass Showcase on Thursday, December 3, 2026, performing live in front of an audience at The Opera House, one of Toronto’s most iconic live entertainment venues!
Meet the Instructors
Lead Instructor: Just Peachy
Toronto drag artist and Lead Instructor for Drag Masterclass 2026
Guest Instructor: Suki Doll
Designer and Drag Queen | Canada’s Drag Race Season 2 Miss Congeniality | Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale Season 1
Guest Instructor: Hollywood Jade
Choreographer and Creative Director | Winner of The Traitors Canada Season 3 | Resident Judge and Choreographer on Canada’s Drag Race
Guest Instructor: Karamilk
Drag Artist | Canada’s Drag Race Season 6
Guest Instructor: Ladies Love Units
Celebrity Hair Stylist and Wig Artist
Perks & Incentives
· Free make-up swag bag valued at $150 for new participants
· Hands-on mentorship & networking opportunities
· Showcase winner gets a professional booking opportunity
Extra Value: Employment Readiness
All participants are guaranteed a spot in the Building Skills Through Recreation (BSTR) workshop and Standard First Aid Certification. BSTR helps with resumes, applications, interviews, and gaining transferable skills for future jobs in Parks & Recreation.
Program Details
· Location: Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne St.)
· Dates: Tuesdays, Sep 29th – Dec 8, 2026 | 6:30–9:30 PM
· Photoshoot: Mon, Nov 2nd, 2026
· Showcase: Thurs, December 3, 2026
· Extra Studio Practice: Mondays, Oct 5 – Dec 28, 2026 (6:30–9:30 PM)
To apply, follow the instructions below:
Submission Details:
This year we are accepting 15 participants - there will be a screening process, and 15 participants will be invited to join the class. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
Please include the following in your submission:
How to Apply:
✔ Ages 13–24 only
✔ Submit by Sep 25, 2026
✔ Send contact info + public Instagram drag handle
✔ Include a 1-minute performance video (WeTransfer, Google Drive or social media)
✔ Be available for all class dates & showcase
Note: We accept all levels of Drag, the instructors will be providing artist development support based on your level of Drag. This is an excellent opportunity to network with these instructors and be seen! Also, participants that took part in past Drag Masterclasses are welcome to submit, however will not be receiving a make-up supplies.
Application Opens: NOW
Application Deadline: Sep 25, 2026
Application Follow-up: Participants will start getting confirmations of enrollment between Sep 23rd – 25th, 2026. Applicants will be notified with further information including instructions, suggested base make-up products, etc.
Drag Masterclass Workshop Details:
Location: Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherborne Street)
Class Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Class Dates:
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Photoshoot: Monday, November 2, 2026
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026
- Tuesday, November 24, 2026
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- Showcase: Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Program Wrap-Up: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Instructor Biography:
Just Peachy - Lead Instructor
Just Peachy (@itsmejusteachy) is the fruitiest queen in Toronto. Preceding her drag career, she worked as an actor in productions such as Legally Blonde, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Kinky Boots. Since beginning her drag career she has competed in pageants and drag Haus competitions, performed on stage with Sofi Tukker, opened for Grammy Winning Artist, Chappell Roan, and made herself a staple of the Toronto drag scene. Her heart belongs to the stage and she is so thankful to all the supporters of her drag. She is the ginger girlie, the dancing queen, the ADHD diva, she's Just Peachy.
Suki Doll - Guest Instructor
Suki Doll (@_TheSukiDoll) "The Loved One", is a world-renowned Drag Artist, fashionista, and sought- after Designer, voted Miss Congeniality on the 2nd season of Canada's Drag Race. Suki doll is the talent behind some of the most famous looks curated for viral Queens, such as: Miss Fiercalicious, & Brooklyn Heights. With over 8 years of industry experience, Suki Doll has mastered the art of being a well- rounded, well-dressed Queen with a passion for fashion and all things drag related! Suki Doll will be sharing their expertise during a clothing design and sewing workshop this session of the Drag Masterclass!
Hollywood Jade – Guest Instructor
Hollywood Jade (@hollywoodjade) is a visionary choreographer, performer, and artistic director known for his passion for excellence and groundbreaking creativity. From TV and film to international stages, his dynamic artistry has been showcased alongside icons like Meghan Trainor, Snoop Dogg, Estelle, Bebe Rexha, and Keshia Chanté. He also served as artistic director and choreographer to Canada’s Queen of R&B, Jully Black. Hollywood’s on-screen credits include Hairspray, Camp Rock 2, Save the Last Dance 2, and Make Your Move, performing with stars like Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, and Janelle Monáe. These experiences laid the foundation for his transition into choreography. In 2011, he launched Hollywood Jade Presents Urbanesque, fusing burlesque with contemporary flair in multiple sold-out shows. He also directed The Black Diamond Ball and appeared in Canada’s Drag Race as the resident choreographer and guest judge.
Karamilk - Guest Instructor
Karamilk (@karamilk.queen) is a powerhouse drag sensation who captured national attention as a semi-finalist on Canada's Drag Race Season 6, making it to the final stretch of the competition. Known for her magnetic stage presence and electrifying dance performances, Karamilk combines her professional dance background with high-energy artistry that leaves audiences cheering for more. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and now dancing on stages across the country. Her impressive accomplishments include being crowned Ottawa's Next Drag Superstar 2022 and winning Absolut Empire's Ball Season 4. She has also appeared on Crave's Drag Brunch Saved My Life, further cementing her reputation as one of Canada's most exciting rising drag stars. With fierce fashion, undeniable charisma, and unforgettable performances, Karamilk truly is the flavour everyone craves.
Ladies Love Units – Guest Instructor
Willie Bailey (@ladiesloveunits) is a Toronto based hairstylist, creative director, and entrepreneur known for his precision, artistry, and elevated approach to hair design. As the founder of Ladies Love Units, he has built a standout brand specializing in luxury custom units, seamless installs, and transformative color work tailored to each client.
Willie’s work blends technical excellence with a deep understanding of beauty, confidence, and individuality, making him a sought-after name among clients and creatives alike. His portfolio spans editorial shoots, fashion collaborations, and high-profile clientele, consistently delivering polished, camera-ready results.
With a passion for innovation and education, Willie continues to push boundaries in the hair industry while creating experiences that empower his clients to look and feel their absolute best.
City of Toronto Drag Masterclass: History & Impact
The City of Toronto Drag Masterclass was created in 2019 by Community Recreation Programmer Sheldon Dixon with a bold vision: to remove financial and systemic barriers that can prevent 2SLGBTQIA+ youth from accessing professional arts training, mentorship and opportunities within the entertainment industry.
Developed as a free and accessible recreation program, the Drag Masterclass provides youth with more than an introduction to drag. It creates a pathway for participants to develop their artistry, build confidence, learn from established professionals and see themselves represented by successful members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Learning From Leaders in Drag
The program was originally led by Head Instructor Sofonda, a celebrated Canadian drag entertainer with more than 20 years of experience. A viral performer with an international career spanning the United States, Brazil, Malaysia and Mexico, Sofonda brought decades of professional knowledge and lived experience directly into the classroom.
Over the years, the Drag Masterclass has connected emerging artists with an extraordinary roster of Canadian drag talent and entertainment professionals.
One of its earliest guest instructors was Priyanka, who joined the program shortly after filming the inaugural season of Canada’s Drag Race and would go on to become the franchise’s first-ever winner.
Guest instructors and mentors have also included Kiara, Suki Doll, Aurora Matrix, Luna DuBois, Miss Fiercalicious, Makayla Couture, Sanjina, The Virgo Queen, winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, and longtime resident choreographer Hollywood Jade.
Through these connections, participants are not simply watching successful queer artists from a distance. They are learning from them, working alongside them and gaining direct access to the knowledge and mentorship that helped build their careers.
More Than a Drag Class
At the heart of the Drag Masterclass is the creation of a safe, affirming and welcoming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Participants are surrounded by peers with shared interests and experiences while learning from instructors who reflect the communities the program serves. These relationships have helped youth build confidence, develop meaningful connections and find community through recreation and the arts.
Recognizing that barriers to participation extend beyond registration fees, the program has worked to provide participants with practical supports and tangible resources, including food, transportation assistance, professional training, make-up and supplies, mentorship, performance opportunities and professional photoshoots that participants can use to build their portfolios and further develop their artistry and entrepreneurial goals.
The result is a recreation program that goes beyond teaching skills. It creates access, representation, community and opportunity.
Powered by Community
Since its creation, the Drag Masterclass has received support from organizations, businesses and community partners including M·A·C Cosmetics, NYX Professional Makeup, Jean-Luc Cosmetics, Black CAP, Woody’s on Church, The Well, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Mr. Jerk, Toronto Police Service and Pride Toronto.
These partnerships have helped expand what participants can access while keeping the program free and reducing barriers for youth who may otherwise be unable to participate in professional arts and performance development.
Breaking Barriers Through Recreation
The Drag Masterclass demonstrates what municipal recreation can become when programming is intentionally designed around equity, representation and access.
What began in 2019 as an innovative approach to serving 2SLGBTQIA+ youth has grown into a platform connecting emerging artists with some of Canada's most recognized drag performers, professional resources, mentorship and opportunities to perform on major stages.
The City of Toronto Drag Masterclass is believed to be the first municipal recreational drag masterclass program of its kind in North America—challenging traditional ideas of what recreation programming can look like while creating space for the next generation of 2SLGBTQIA+ artists to learn, connect and shine.
For more information contact: [email protected]
Event venue
Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, Canada
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