Drag Queen & Impersonation Pay Rates
July 19, 2023 7:03 AM Subscribe
I'm looking to hire a drag queen to dress up as a celebrity for a book launch party in Portland, OR. How much should I charge per hour?
They'd really just be doing their impression of the celebrity, taking photos with folks, and possibly reading trivia questions.
Considering all that goes into drag makeup and costuming, as well as impersonations, how much should I offer per hour?
I don't want to be insulting to the craft, so I would love any educated estimates of what a good price would be. Thanks in advance!
They'd really just be doing their impression of the celebrity, taking photos with folks, and possibly reading trivia questions.
Considering all that goes into drag makeup and costuming, as well as impersonations, how much should I offer per hour?
I don't want to be insulting to the craft, so I would love any educated estimates of what a good price would be. Thanks in advance!
There are booking agencies. Call a drag club, ask for a referral to a booking agency. Agencies take a cut, but will know who has the skills. If you know someone specific, just ask, as greta simone recommends.
posted by theora55 at 7:50 AM on July 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by theora55 at 7:50 AM on July 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: (I should have clarified that I've already contacted someone, and they asked me what I have to work with!)
posted by knownassociate at 7:57 AM on July 19, 2023
posted by knownassociate at 7:57 AM on July 19, 2023
Best answer: $60 - $200 an hour is what people I know make. Depends on the length of the event and the expected amount of performance.
posted by Bottlecap at 8:16 AM on July 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Bottlecap at 8:16 AM on July 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
I would say 1k/day for 10hr day, so $100hr fee only, NOT inclusive of costs. So 100/hr for labor only + whatever costs for materials/transport/meals etc. (My background is commercial/social/branded content producer, and this is probably where I would start for non-union, non-famous, non-specialized talent. But since there is a special skillset you're after, I would maybe bump it higher).
Also consider if you're paying under the table in case or contract/taxed. If the latter, maybe a higher rate also.
posted by greta simone at 8:34 AM on July 19, 2023
Also consider if you're paying under the table in case or contract/taxed. If the latter, maybe a higher rate also.
posted by greta simone at 8:34 AM on July 19, 2023
ugh, missed the edit window. Mean to say under the table in *cash*.
posted by greta simone at 8:39 AM on July 19, 2023
posted by greta simone at 8:39 AM on July 19, 2023
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by greta simone at 7:43 AM on July 19, 2023 [8 favorites]