Casting call for international drag queen singing competition begins.
Hot off the press, a US based casting agency is looking for the best and most talented international drag performers for a new TV show. The casting call is out now, and you can sign up!
World of Wonder, the production company behind the Emmy award winning show RuPaul’s Drag Race, is looking for drag queens with a talented voice from all over the world. The show, most likely the highly anticipated Queen of the Universe, promises to be a “singing competition like no other” with queens competing on stage. The GayTimes mentions “the official synopsis for the series reads: “high heels, high octaves, high competition — this drag queen singing competition will blow your wig off.” No cash prize has been announced yet, but we’re assuming a lot would be on the line when someone is crowned the first “Queen of the Universe”.
While the casting director can’t confirm this casting call is for this show, the language makes it obvious. After all, how many drag queen singing competions are there? Variety reports that similar to the new AllStars season, Queen of the Universe will air on Paramount Plus, ViacomCBS’ new streaming service. These two shows would be the first RPDR related shows to air on streaming beyond the WOW Presents platform.
With seasons of Drag Race in countries all around the world from Australia to Holland, this would also be the first global drag competition for international queens to compete in. Watch out though, your voice should be better than Adore Delano and Courtney Act combined!
GayIceland chatted with Goloka Bolte, the Emmy award winning casting director behind RPDR and a few other amazing shows, to find out more about the competition
This is a casting call worldwide. It’s for a show that will be made in LA and aired only in the US? Or will it most likely be available on the WOWPresents platform available globally?
“This series is not intended for WOW PRESENTS. It will air in America as well as in other countries on a Major Mainstream Streaming Service.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race and the queens are taking over. After 2 seasons of UK Drag Race, Spain, Canada, Netherlands, and now Australia, how will this show be different?
“While RuPaul’s Drag Race is a competition for the best all-around queen, this will be a global music based extravaganza where a queen’s path to the crown is based on her singing talent!”
What you’ll need for the application is:
Your Drag Name
Your Legal Name
Basic Contact Info
A photo of you in drag
A photo of you out of drag
A video of you singing acapella
Links to your social media accounts
A list of languages you speak
Crowning a first-ever Queen of the Universe?! So is it a show like the Voice or American Idol, or is it a pageant-type competition?
“Participants will be judged on their singing and performances first and foremost, but of course judges will also be considering their drag presentation.”
How many competitors will there be?
“You will have to watch and find out!”
Is this going to be the Eurovision of drag?
“Some people have likened it to that, but this is going to be a unique and original program.”
Drag queens from the US are already so fierce and many can sing very well. Is this open to everyone in the US too?
“This is an international casting, so of course queens from the US are included! We want to see queens from around the globe, Iceland included of course, showing what they can do!”
Most drag queens are lip syncers or their music is heavily auto-tuned. How will this come into play? These competitors can’t rely on pre-recorded audio?
“We are looking for vocal superstars and incredible performers! I’ve been casting RuPaul’s Drag Race for the last 10 years, so I know there are such incredible singers in the drag community. We’ve seen everything from operatic divas to country singers to hip hop and R&B artists. This show will give those musically inclined queens a chance to really shine!”
The entry form requires a video of an acapella song. What exactly are you looking for?
“We’d like to see something that shows range and highlights their strengths as a vocalist. Don’t choose a safe song, show us your whole octave range henny!”
What are some qualities or things that are a big NO for casting and auditions? What do you hate to see applicants do?
“I know this is cliché – but be yourself. That being said, it also helps to be a louder caffeinated version of yourself if you are selected for an interview! And when you fill out an application, take some time to tell us who you are. Sometimes people rush and give short answers, so it’s hard for us to get a feel for who they are. We want to know what makes you great, but also what your fears are – we’re looking for likable human beings with real stories, passions, and struggles.”
“We want to see queens from around the globe, Iceland included of course, showing what they can do!”
What have been some of your favorite casting moments?
“Every season of Drag Race is a favorite! Another all time favorite memory was surprising a group of amazing couples with a live wedding at the Grammys for the Same Love wedding ceremony: Queen Latifah was the officiant and Madonna as their wedding singer! We were crying our eyes out backstage, as it was such an emotional moment celebrating marriage equality and love.
One of the things I love about casting real people is no two days are ever the same, and you find incredible people in the most surprising places. One day I might scout a food delivery driver for a game show with Snoop Dogg without ever leaving the office, and on another day I might have to ride an airboat through the swamps of Louisiana looking for off the grid characters for a show like Swamp People. It’s never boring!”
What was it like winning an Emmy for Outstanding Casting?
“A dream come true! Being recognized by the industry for your work is amazing, but it’s so much more special because it was for RuPaul’s Drag race, a show that’s close to my heart. The show celebrates & champions the LGBTQ community, has a message of love and inclusivity, gives hope to so many people, and makes the queens who participate into global superstars! And the queens are absolute stars and the reason for the award – their talent, heart, personalities and artistry continue to amaze me year after year!”
You’ve also worked on many other shows. Tell us a bit about the most fun one to work on.
“In addition to this show, right now I’m also working on The Real Magic Mike. Everyone keeps offering to “help” screen guys, thinking it’s all just sexy half naked men. I’m not saying that’s NOT part of the job, but really it’s a heartwarming project about men looking to find their mojo more of a makeover series.
I’m a huge fan of real estate, so I’ve loved casting for the whole Million Dollar Listing franchise. But really, I love it all and have cast all types of shows over the years. As long as it’s fun and positive and something people will walk away from with a happy memory, a cash prize, unforgettable adventure – or maybe even a crown and title of queen of the universe!”