Today we’d like to introduce you to Dick Von Dyke.
Hi Dick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Drag is my passion! I’m so grateful to be putting on shows all over the Twin Cities, in the hopes of bringing laughter, joy, and gender theater to the masses.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A lot of people probably think the hardest part of being a drag entertainer is gaining acceptance from other people. But I think the hardest part was learning to accept myself, my queerness, and my artistry. And acceptance from other people has come along, in time. I think a lot of times people who hold hate for drag entertainers and even queer people generally, tend to change their tune once they’ve known one. And loved one.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a drag king based here in the Twin Cities and was recently featured as a contestant on King of Drag, the first ever televised drag king competition show. But! You can catch me right here in town; I typically perform in 3-6 shows per week. I produce, emcee, make elaborate performance mixes, and play live instruments. I’m most proud of all of the up-and-coming entertainers who have started performing at shows I’ve hosted or produced! It’s a wild experience to watch someone fall in love with an art form that you live and breathe. So it’s always fun to see where people end up, and hear from them along the way.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for people who wanna start drag is…start! People tell me all the time that “once they have it all figured out” they’re excited to get onstage. But, boo: you’ll never learn how to swim until you get in the pool…so, push yourself in! Be a booger. Be a sponge. Ask questions. Make mistakes! Have fun. It’s the only way to learn. And remember: drag is for everyone!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dickvondyke2?igsh=MXJic2NoYTE3NGN1MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: http://andyfurness.com/shop/dick-pic
