Drag Performance Lab - Zero to Show
8 Weeks. One Spotlight. Your Debut Awaits.
Ever dreamed of strutting the stage in full fantasy but don’t know where to start?
The Drag Performance Lab at The Bit Theater takes you from clueless to clack‑fan fabulous in eight high‑energy weeks. Whether you’ve never worn a wig or you already own a closet full of sequins, this immersive course will help you find your voice, style, and stage presence.
What You’ll Learn
Your guide on this transformative journey is Jonathan Buckley, also known as the fabulous Felicity St. James. A 25-year veteran of the Chicago drag community, Jonathan has performed all over the city’s vibrant drag scene and brings a wealth of experience, artistry, and heart to every class. Along with guest theater professionals, Jonathan will teach you everything you need to bring your alter ego to life:
- Make‑up Magic: Contour, color, and transform with pro-level techniques.
- Wig Wizardry: Style, secure, and serve hair that slays.
- Costume Hacks: Build unforgettable looks on any budget.
- Performance Skills: Command the stage with confidence, charisma, and choreography.
No experience? No problem. This lab is built for all levels—just bring your curiosity and a sense of play.
We're excited to offer this class, but we need 5 students to reach the minimum required to run it. Signing up now does not charge you, but it does serve as a commitment. Once the class minimum is met, each participant will be invoiced $300 for the class and for the Bit Beauty Bundle if you wanted one.
The Grand Finale: Your First Show
At the end of the program, you’ll hit the stage for a public showcase in front of a live audience.
- Showcase your brand-new persona
- Perform in a glitter-packed, high-energy drag show
- Celebrate your hard work and transformation with family, friends, and fans
Key Details
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Location: The Bit Theater – Aurora, IL
- Instructor: Jonathan Buckley (aka Felicity St. James), 25-year Chicago drag veteran, plus guest theater professionals
- Week 1: Saturday, September 13 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Week 2: Saturday, September 20 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Week 3: Saturday, September 27 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Week 4: Saturday, October 4 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Week 5: Saturday, October 11 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Week 6: Saturday, October 18 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Week 7: Saturday, October 25 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Week 8: Saturday, November 1 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Showcase Rehearsal)
- Final Showcase
- Date: Saturday, November 1 – 8:00 PM
- Showcase: Final public performance included in registration
Space is limited—snatch your spot and unleash your inner diva!
Registration & Pricing
- Cost: $300 per student
- Make-up kit & supplies sold separately or purchase the optional Bit Beauty Bundle at checkout.
- $50 Beauty Bundle includes:
- Translucent Powder
- Eye Shadow
- Blush
- Contour
- Highlights
- Foundation
- Eyelashes
- Lipstick
- Brushes
- Container
INSTRUCTOR WILL HELP YOU WITH THE BEST COLORS FOR YOUR QUEEN
Why Join?
The Drag Performance Lab is more than a class—it’s a safe, supportive space to explore creativity, self-expression, and community. Whether your goal is to launch a drag career or simply have fun, you’ll leave the program with skills, confidence, and a brand-new persona ready to conquer the stage.
- The class will start on time. If you need to be late, there's no need to apologize or explain. Please enter the space quietly and take a minute to arrive and take in what's going on. We'll incorporate you as soon as we can.
- We don't believe that money should stand in the way of you starting your improv journey. If you're interested in a class and cannot afford it, please reach out to us so that we can assist you.
- Class registrations are subject to close approximately 72 hours before the start of the class, so please sign up early if you're interested! Registrations are final.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through our website.
- Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for light physical activity.
- The only thing you need to bring to class is a willingness to be brave and participate.
- Unless otherwise indicated in the class description, the theater opens 15 minutes prior to the start of your class time.
- By your participation in a class or workshop, you agree to our terms and conditions.
- One of the most effective ways to learn improv is to watch improv. As long as you are an active student within our community, attendance at shows is free to you. Attendance is subject to availability, and paying customers get priority.
- We are always looking to make our curriculum more comprehensive, so if there's a course that you think will help you with your improv journey, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- All classes and workshops at The Bit are contingent on a minimum number of student registrations.
- Instructors are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts and restrictions.
- By your registration for a class, you are opting into communication from The Bit about upcoming classes. You may opt out of this communication at any time.
- Our processing fees go directly to our ticket processing provider. We do NOT take a portion of the fee for ourselves.
Inclusivity is important to us, please read our statement. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated in any of our classes.
- All purchases are final.
- Line-up, Teams, and Cast may change without notice
- Unless otherwise indicated in the show description, doors and bar open one hour prior to showtime for most shows. Out of respect for other show guests, please arrive at the theater no later than 15 minutes prior to showtime. The doors may be closed to late arrivals.
- Online ticket sales close ~60 minutes prior to the start of the show. After that time, tickets can be purchased at the box office, if available. Ticket purchases are final.
- Your tickets are general admission, and we seat on a first-come, first-seated basis. Don't hesitate to contact us for reservations, particularly if you have a larger group.
- The Bit is an 18+ club, although younger, accompanied guests are welcome. Though we generally hover around a PG-13 rating, please be advised that most of our content is improvised and set your expectations accordingly. We do have family-friendly options, as well!
- By your attendance at a show, you agree to our terms and conditions.