Seattle museum hosts ‘Drag-tastic Summer Camp’ for tween and teen boys

Drag-tastic Summer Camp: The Art of Drag is enrolling for Aug. 8 - 12, 2022.

Parents wanting to enroll their tween-aged or teen-aged children will have to pay $370 tuition until May 31, 2022, and $400 if registered after the deadline.

The description of the summer camp on the museum's website reads:

"Calling all current and future kings and queens! Explore self-expression in MoPOP's week-long, drag-tastic summer camp! Led by Seattle performer Joshua Hancock, you'll investigate drag history and work together with local artists to create your own personas. You'll choose your name, explore hair and makeup techniques, and develop your character's stage presence. At the end of the week, celebrate your new drag personas with a private showcase!"

According to the website, the instructor Joshua Hancock "has been working in theatre, burlesque, and drag for 30 years. He believes drag is for everyone, it is more than one thing, and can be used to heal and to bring joy, sadness, and love to people. He has a Master of Arts from Texas Woman's University in Theatre, and has worked in Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Czech Republic, and coast to coast in the United States. Joshua bases his drag character Parton, on none other than Dolly Parton, and uses Parton's voice to spread love and open minds."

The in-person and weeklong event had been offered previously at the museum in 2021 for grades 9 through 12. A similar class for minors was also offered and sold out in Scotland in 2021, as a part of the Dumfries Youth Theatre Program.

The MoPOP, built to resemble Jimi Hendrix's shattered guitar, is known for its rock 'n' roll as well as pop culture exhibits and hosting the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. The museum is currently featuring exhibits on Pearl Jam and Nirvana as well as a special exhibit, Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume.

Other questionable summertime activities on the radar of concerned parents include a "non-binary" sex ed summer camp for third-grade through fifth-grade children organized by LGBT activists and a virtual "Sexy Summer Camp" led by a self-identified witch that teaches kids to masturbate and promotes sex work.