City of Toronto: Drag Masterclass

The Drag Masterclass is Back!

The stage is calling—and it’s YOUR time to shine! Join us for 10 weeks of FREE in-person drag workshops led by Toronto’s own Paris Matik. Expect fierce looks, choreography, and insider tips on turning your drag into a brand.

• Stage performance & artistic development
• Entrepreneurship: branding, social media & marketing
• Make-up & sewing basics
• Professional photoshoot to build your portfolio

Each week, you’ll grow your skills and prepare for the Drag Masterclass Showcase on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 – performing live in front of an audience at the Opera House one of Toronto's iconic venues!

• The Virgo Queen – Winner of Canada’s Drag Race S5
• Suki Doll – Designer & Drag Queen, Miss Congeniality (Canada’s Drag Race S2), Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale Season 1
  

• Free make-up swag bag valued at $150 for new participants
• Hands-on mentorship & networking opportunities
• Showcase winner gets a professional booking opportunity to perform at Pride Toronto's Drag Ball at the Festival in 2026.

All participants are guaranteed a spot in the Building Skills Through Recreation (BSTR) workshop and Standard First Aid Certification. BSTR helps with resumes, applications, interviews, and gaining transferable skills for future jobs in Parks & Recreation.

• Location: Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne St.)
• Dates: Tuesdays, Oct 7 – Dec 9, 2025 | 6:30–9:30 PM
• Photoshoot: Mon, Nov 3, 2025
• Showcase: Thurs, December 4, 2025
• Extra Studio Practice: Mondays, Oct 6 – Dec 29, 2025 (6:30–9:30 PM)

To apply, follow the instructions below:

Submission Details:

This year we are accepting 15 participants - there will be a screening process, and 15 participants will be invited to join the class. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

Please include the following in your submission:

How to Apply:

✔ Ages 13–24 only
✔ Submit by Oct 2, 2025
✔ Send contact info + public Instagram drag handle
✔ Include a 1-minute performance video (WeTransfer, Google Drive or social media)
✔ Be available for all class dates & showcase

Note: We accept all levels of Drag, the instructors will be providing artist development support based on your level of Drag. This is an excellent opportunity to network with these instructors and be seen! Also, participants that took part in past Drag Masterclasses are welcome to submit, however will not be receiving a make-up supplies.

Application Opens: NOW

Application Deadline: Oct 2, 2025

Application Follow-up: Participants will start getting confirmations of enrollment between Oct 1 - 3. Applicants will be notified with further information including instructions, suggested base make-up products, etc.
Drag Masterclass Workshop Details:

Location: Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherborne Street)

Class Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Class Dates:

• Tuesday, October 7, 2025
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025
• Tuesday, October 21, 2025
• Tuesday, October 28 , 2025
• Photoshoot: Monday, November 3, 2025
• Tuesday, November 4, 2025
• Tuesday, November 11, 2025
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025
• Tuesday, November 25, 2025
• Tuesday, December 2, 2025
• Showcase: Thursday, December 4, 2025
• Program Wrap-Up: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Instructor Biography:

Paris Matik - Lead Instructor

Paris Matik (@theparismatik) is one of Toronto’s most magnetic drag performers, bringing stamped makeup, seductive choreography, and striking costumes to every show. More than just a performance, Paris creates an intimate experience, captivating audiences with her energy, charisma, and natural connection on stage.

Originally from Mexico, Paris made Toronto her home in 2021 and quickly became a staple in the city’s vibrant drag scene. She got her start at open stages in iconic venues like Woody’s and Crews & Tangos, and has since performed across the Church-Wellesley Village and beyond, including stops in Ottawa and Vancouver. In 2022, she cemented her rising star power by winning New York City’s legendary Star Search competition at Barracuda.

Inspired by pop icons like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, Paris blends latina attitude with pop-star charisma. This queen lives for the stage, dazzling audiences with her fierce precision, polished performances, and unforgettable smile.

Paris Matik doesn't just perform—she commands the spotlight.

The Virgo Queen - Guest Instructor

The Virgo Queen (@thevirgoqueen) Winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, The Virgo Queen is a powerhouse of precision, passion, and undeniable talent. A crowned pageant queen and a graduate of musical theatre, her artistry is rooted in rigorous training from the Royal Conservatory and Pegasus Dance Studios.

A top finalist on YTV’s The Next Star, she’s no stranger to the spotlight. Whether flawlessly embodying Beyoncé or channeling Sporty Spice with uncanny accuracy, The Virgo Queen’s celebrity illusions and choreographic finesse captivate every stage she graces.

With a natural flair for hosting and connecting with audiences, she transforms performances into unforgettable experiences. Proudly embracing her Black and Indigenous heritage, she’s a vocal advocate for inclusivity, working to elevate and empower people of colour within the drag and performance communities.

Soft-spoken yet deeply impactful, The Virgo Queen lives up to her name—embodying the Virgo essence of dedication, detail, and quiet strength, always using her platform to uplift, inspire, and lead with heart.

Suki Doll - Guest Instructor

Suki Doll (@_TheSukiDoll) "The Loved One", is a world renowned Drag Artist, fashionista, and sought- after Designer, voted Miss Congeniality on the 2nd season of Canada's Drag Race.

Suki doll is the talent behind some of the most famous looks curated for viral Queens, such as: Miss Fiercalicious, & Brooklyn Heights.

With over 8 years of industry experience, Suki Doll has mastered the art of being a well- rounded, well-dressed Queen with a passion for fashion and all things drag related!

Suki Doll will be sharing their expertise during a clothing design and sewing workshop this session of the Drag Masterclass!

Drag Masterclass History:

The Drag Masterclass was created in 2019 to provide free, assessable, professional training to at-risk 2SLGBTIA+ youth located in the GTA.

The masterclass was led by its head instructor Sofonda who is a Canadian icon who has been in the industry for 20+ years. She is one of Toronto's most bookable Drag Queens and has performed in the US, Brazil, Malaysia, and all over Mexico. She has also gained the attention of RuPaul himself.

Guest instructors include Priyanka who is the winner of Canada's Drag Race Canada and agreed to teach the class right after the filming wrapped for Season one.

Other guest mentors include Kiara, Miss Fiercalicious who are contestants of Canada's Drag Race and resident choreographer Hollywood Jade.

The Masterclass's success is due to it being a safe and welcoming space to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community where they saw familiar faces of people who hold merit in the entertainment industry and the 2SLGBTIA+ community.

Moreover, participants had access to professional training, a welcoming space, other youth with common interests with whom they were able to make meaningful connections with, food, TTC tokens, and tangible resources like a professional photoshoot and make-up that they could use to further develop their craft and entrepreneurship.

The Drag Masterclass has been sponsored by M.A.C Cosmetics, NYX Cosmetics, Jean-Luc Cosmetics, Black CAP, Woody's on Church, The Well and supported by Pride Toronto.

The masterclass is revolutionary as it has proven to break down barriers to participation in recreation programs.

It is the first recreational Drag Masterclass program of its kind in North America.

Drag Masterclass Alumni Success Story:

Sanjina (@sanjinadabishqueen) was a participant in the Drag Masterclass in 2019. She was the winner of the Drag Masterclass Showcase of that same year. Sanjina was a contestant on OUTtv’s new Drag competition Call Me Mother which aired in 2021. The Drag Masterclass helped Sanjina make valuable connections with industry leaders and mentors such as Priyanka, Hollywood Jade and Sofonda. Which helped her gain recognition and job opportunities in the Drag Industry.

For more information contact: [email protected]

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Host or Publisher Sheldon Dixon