About this Event
Youth Week 2026 – Eventbrite Description
City of Toronto Drag Masterclass – Youth Week 2026
Learn the fundamentals of Drag artistry, design, and performance through the City of Toronto’s Drag Masterclass.
The Drag Masterclass returns for #YOUTHWEEK2026, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level.
Join us for a 3-DAY Extravaganza of FREE and FIERCE hands-on workshops designed to elevate your Drag, build creative skills, and connect you with industry-leading artists.
DAY 1: Wig Making Workshop – Build Your Crown 👑
Start your journey by learning the art of custom wig creation with Willie Bailey, founder of Ladies Love Units (@ladiesloveunits).
• Learn the fundamentals of wig construction, styling, and customization
• Gain hands-on experience creating your own unit
• Walk away with a custom wig made by YOU
📍 Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne Street) – Room F
📅 Monday, May 4, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
DAY 2 & 3: Sewing & Garment Design – Create Your Look ✨
Step into the world of Drag fashion with Suki Doll (@_sukidoll), international Drag performer and designer to the stars.
• Learn foundational sewing and garment construction techniques
• Design and create your own Drag garment
• Receive mentorship from a Drag Race icon
• Walk away with a custom garment created during the workshop
📍 Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne Street) – Room F
📅 Tuesday, May 5 & Wednesday, May 6, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Who Can Join?
These workshops are FREE and open to youth ages 13–24 from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
All levels of Drag experience are welcome, whether you’re just starting or already performing, this program is designed to meet you where you’re at and take you further.
Incentives
• 👑 Walk away with a custom wig from the Ladies Love Units workshop
• 👗 Walk away with a custom garment from Suki Doll’s workshop
• 🍽️ Dinner and refreshments provided
• 📸 Exclusive access to celebrity mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities
Submission Details:
As there are only 15 spots - 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:
· All applicants must be from the ages of 13 – 24 years old to be considered.
· Full contact information including your Instagram handle to your Drag page. Your Instagram profile must be public so that we can view your page.
· Tell us about your Drag!
1. How long have you been doing it?
2. Why would you like to be in the class?
· Finally, all applicants must be available on May 4th, 5th and 6th for the entire class
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! Participants who took part in past Drag Masterclasses are welcome to submit.
Application Opens: NOW
Application Deadline: April 30th, 2026
Application Follow-up: Participants will start getting confirmations of enrollment on May 1st, 2026. Applicants will be notified with further information including instructions, and suggested supplies to bring, etc.
Suki Doll - Bio:
Suki Doll is a celebrated finalist international All Stars drag performer and designer to the stars, known for her designs featured in over 19 Canadian and international seasons of Drag Race. She is a recurring guest mentor on Canada’s Drag Race and the mother of the House of Dolls. Being a 2 time Miss Congeniality nationally and internationally, Suki champions AAPI representation and mentors the next generation of drag artists.
Willie Bailey - Bio
Willie Bailey 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.
Drag Masterclass History:
The Drag Masterclass was created in 2019 to provide free, assessable, professional training to at-risk 2SLGBTIA+ youth located in the GTA.
The masterclass was led by its head instructor Sofonda who is a Canadian icon who has been in the industry for 20+ years. She is one of Toronto's most bookable Drag Queens and has performed in the US, Brazil, Malaysia, and all over Mexico. She has also gained the attention of RuPaul himself.
Guest instructors include Priyanka who is the winner of Canada's Drag Race Canada and agreed to teach the class right after the filming wrapped for Season one.
Other guest mentors include Kiara, Miss Fiercalicious who are contestants of Canada's Drag Race and resident choreographer Hollywood Jade.
The Masterclass's success is due to it being a safe and welcoming space to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community where they saw familiar faces of people who hold merit in the entertainment industry and the 2SLGBTIA+ community.
Moreover, participants had access to professional training, a welcoming space, other youth with common interests with whom they were able to make meaningful connections with, food, TTC tokens, and tangible resources like a professional photoshoot and make-up that they could use to further develop their craft and entrepreneurship.
The Drag Masterclass has been sponsored by M.A.C Cosmetics, NYX Cosmetics, Jean-Luc Cosmetics, Black CAP, Woody's on Church, The Well and supported by Pride Toronto.
The masterclass is revolutionary as it has proven to break down barriers to participation in recreation programs.
It is the first recreational Drag Masterclass program of its kind in North America.
Drag Masterclass Alumni Success Story:
Sanjina (@sanjinadabishqueen) was a participant in the Drag Masterclass in 2019. She was the winner of the Drag Masterclass Showcase of that same year. Sanjina was a contestant on OUTtv’s new Drag competition Call Me Mother which aired in 2021. The Drag Masterclass helped Sanjina make valuable connections with industry leaders and mentors such as Priyanka, Hollywood Jade and Sofonda. Which helped her gain recognition and job opportunities in the Drag Industry.
For more information contact: [email protected]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, Canada
CAD 0.00
