Today we’d like to introduce you to Pippin Panic.
Hi Pippin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been involved in theater since christmas church plays in elementary school. I got through clown college, was a TikTok influencer for a long period of time, and now I’m a drag king and have produced more than a dozen of my own shows. Someday, I’d like to own my own home and take care of foster children.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have quite debilitating mental health issues, plus being trans when your family is very very religious can tear you apart. I was groomed and assaulted by a teacher in my late teens, made internet famous by a massive bullying and hate campaign, was forced to stop going to college when the pandemic completely eliminated my current major, was forced into homelessness when my then-husband lost his marbles and kicked me out in order to get someone else pregnant, and yesterday I tripped and spilled my milkshake in the grass. I think that’s everything though.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a drag king! I play with gender and theatrical, homosexually charged queer performance art. I’m not sure what I’m KNOWN for, but I make my own costumes, write my own music, and enjoy telling a good story. I’ve won a few awards, I’ve lost a bunch of competitions, and I’m the head of a Haus (kinda like a troupe but more familial) of 8 artists in the Midwest, mostly centered around Minneapolis. I’m most proud of… Hm, I guess it’s my closet. Haha, I’ve got at least 50 fully customized outfits from my years in costumes and silly dance.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
That’s a great question. I think I’d have trouble deciding what success is when we are talking about me versus other people. Maybe success is just a feeling, when you look at the big picture. Or maybe it’s for other people to decide you have. I think I have completed my goals and I continue to accomplish and surpass my wants and needs. I will keep doing that. But at any point it could also be taken away from me. We live in a world where anything can happen. That’s showbiz, baby.
On a small scale, success is what you find when you finish your goal.
Pricing:
- I don’t think so.
- I think I’m happiest when a venue doesn’t put me in a closet and pays me at least $100. Sometimes I get fed and then I feel very spoiled.
- But I’ve worked for less.
- Lots of times.
- I just never work for free. 😉
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/pippin_panic
- Facebook: Panic P Matthews
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pippinpanic
