Chelsea invites you to her casting couch

Drag performer Chelsea Bun has played an instrumental role in the development of Sydney’s drag community.

With a motto based on giving newcomers a go, it’s not surprising that she is hosting Arq’s new competition, The Casting Couch.

Bun exploded onto the scene in 1993 after taking out second place in a Flinders Hotel drag competition. Since her Sydney debut she has combined talents with Amelia Airhead and Tess Tickle in a group called the Frockaholics.

Although Bun’s position in the gay entertainment industry is up there with the best, it’s her eye for new talent and recruiting potential drag queens that has, to date, gone unacknowledged.

Her self-referred babies -” Minnie Cooper, Kitty Glitter and Charisma Belle -” are just a few of the many performers who have grown up under her tutelage.

Tonight, 31 July, Arq will open its doors to budding performers from around the country for the 12-week talent competition, sponsored by Sydney Star Observer.

Bun said she is looking for drag queens, singers, circus performers -” anyone who can capture the attention of the judges.

It’s a great opportunity to break into the gay entertainment industry, she told Sydney Star Observer.

It’s an ongoing competition and an important chance to encourage younger talent to come through and show us what they’ve got. Arq offers the best prize around -” a contract, which is essential for any up and coming performer.

Miss Tiffani took out last year’s grand prize and now stars in the Beyonce Experience production at Arq on Thursday nights.

When it comes to performing on stage Bun said that it was important to be yourself and have fun.

Take the competition seriously, but enjoy yourself at the same time. There is so much more to drag than wearing a dress and miming to lyrics -” it’s all about creating a persona, she said.

Also, there is still the older generation that doesn’t give the younger generation many opportunities to have a go. I like wanting to give people a go and am proud of finding talent.

This competition is the prefect avenue. I believe you have to give them a go and give them advice.

info: The Casting Couch is held every Thursday night at Arq. The grand prize includes $2,000 and a three-month show contract in the Arena. Weekly prize includes $100 plus a Raw gift pack. For more details about entering the completion pop into The House of Pricilla or log on to www.arqsydney.com.au