Q+A with Dean Misdale
You won two awards, congratulations! Can you tell us a bit about your shows Life’s A Drag – The Sequel and Yas, Quiz Me Daddy?
TWO AWARDS! I am still in shock! Life’s A Drag is exactly as the name suggest a bit of a story of my life and all things drag. It’s VERY honest and weaves a bunch of my favourite songs with all the different stories and it’s a fun time for everyone. Quiz Me Daddy came about when WAAC asked me to host an event for them and we came up with the idea to have a quiz that was part fun and cheeky and part educational which ties in with what they do in the sexual health sector.
How long have you been a performer and can you tell us a bit about your practice?
I’ve been performing almost my entire life. I joined the school choir in kindergarten and well the rest is history. My love of music and performing has just grown and grown over the years and I can’t imagine it not being a part of life. It really does allow my soul to shine!
You’re originally from Sydney. What inspired the move to Perth and what’s kept you in Perth?
I moved to Perth for a bit of an adventure and accidently never left. There’s just something about Perth that sucks you in and you fall in love with the place. It’s hard to explain to people who have never been here, but the Perth way of life truly is unbeatable!
You first participated in FRINGE WORLD in 2016, how has your experience of the Festival and your practice evolved over this time?
Since 2016 the festival has been such a blessing in my life. It has allowed me to explore my art and perform in front of audiences who might not normally go see a drag show. It’s really opened a lot of doors for me creatively and I have met and worked with some incredible people along the way. Fringe really is my favourite time of year in Perth.
You started off your career using the stage name Feminem, what inspired the name change to Dean Misdale?
Well Dean Misdale is my name and as my career evolved over time and I was doing less nightclub work and more theatre and cabaret performance which I am not always in drag for it just made sense to start using my real name for all my performances whether I was in drag or not. To be honest I think it now kind of sets me apart from a lot of queens because you don’t expect a drag queen to be named Dean.
What’s your favourite part about participating in Fringe World?
The after parties! Haha! Honestly though I love everything about the festival! The creative process, I love being a producer, I get to be on stage pretty much every night, the people you meet and work with and of course all the different audiences members who come see the shows are always such a joy.
Has there been a particular show that you’ve seen at Fringe World that has moved or inspired you?
Now this is a tough one because there have been MANY incredible shows I have seen along the way. Ginava’s Split Lip is at the top of the list for sure. Hans The German, Michael Griffiths, Christina Bianco, Lisa Woodbrook, Clara Cupcakes, Velma Celli, Briefs… I could list HUNDREDS of shows but these are just a few artists who really set the bar high and inspire me to always keep pushing myself to be even better.
Yas, Quiz Me Daddy was a fundraiser for WAAC. How did this collaboration come together?
It all started with an email. They reached out to me with an idea and I was available, so I said yes! I work with a lot of different charitable organizations in Perth and always jump at the chance to be part of worthy cause when I can.
Can you tell us about the work of WAAC?
WAAC were so gracious in allowing me pretty full creative control of Quiz Me Daddy which is always a treat when someone trusts you to do what you do and do it well. It was the perfect partnership. We raised money for them to continue doing their work which is something I fully support. Safe sex education is so important for not only the LGBTQIA+ community but for everyone.
You founded the Proud Awards. Can you tell us about the awards and what is the inspiration behind them?
The Proud Awards is an event to acknowledge Perth Drag Performers and their surrounding community groups. When I first produced the event there was nothing in Perth to celebrate and show recognition to the amazing drag talent we have in WA. It has become a bit of a “night of nights” type event and everyone plans months and months ahead to dress to impress and rock the red carpet. We have 13 awards as part of the event and they range from Entertainer of the Year to Community Spirit and even Hall of Fame to honor long standing excellence in our community.
You’ve recently been studying fashion, have you done any other fun study?
Studying fashion was the first time I have studied since high school! It was amazing and I have actually just gone back to do more fashion study part time. I can’t wait till I am at the point where I can confidently make all my own stage costumes.
Do you have any advice for baby drag queens?
BE YOURSELF! It sounds simple but it really is the one thing that will make you stand out from the rest.
You can keep up with what Dean is up to throughout the year by checking out their website and following them on Facebook and Instagram!