WELCOME TO CAMP CRYPTID!
Our not-for-profit arts initiative is in its third year and has so far trained over 20 new drag monsters! If you've been curious about getting involved in alternative drag performance but have been unsure where to begin this workshop is for you!
JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF MONSTERS
Camp Cryptid is a summer workshop programme designed to help aspiring performers explore the strange and spectacular world of alternative drag. Delivered over five weeks in Sheffield, the course guides participants through the process of creating their own drag monster persona in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re brand new to performing, already experimenting with drag, or simply curious about the darker side of the art form, Camp Cryptid offers a space to learn new skills, develop creative ideas, and connect with others interested in alternative drag.
The programme is created and delivered by King Confuza, founder of Cryptid Queers and long-time advocate for alternative drag in Sheffield. Since launching in 2024, Camp Cryptid has helped train more than twenty new drag monsters and alternative performers, contributing to the growing alt drag community in the city.
Participants work together throughout the course to develop their characters and will also take part in a photoshoot in their completed drag look, receiving a small set of digital images for promotion or personal use.
Performance Opportunities:
Camp Cryptid participants will work towards a group performance for Cryptid Queers Fest ‘26, taking place on 8th August at FORGE Warehouse.
Graduates of the programme will also receive a performance slot at the Camp Cryptid Showcase on 12th December at The Lughole, a paid opportunity as Cryptid Queers believes emerging artists should be fairly compensated for their work.
Participation in performances is optional - some people join purely to explore the art form or gain creative skills.
Workshops will take place at The Lughole, which is fully accessible with step-free entry and an accessible toilet. Personal care assistants are welcome to attend.
Costs & Accessibility
Camp Cryptid operates without formal funding and runs on a not-for-profit basis. The goal is to grow and support Sheffield’s alternative drag community while keeping the programme as accessible as possible.
To help cover venue costs and materials the workshop uses a sliding scale fee structure:
- £75 -Full price
- £35 - Discounted option for those on low incomes
- £10 - Discounted option for those on lower incomes
- Free places for those who would otherwise be unable to attend due to costs.
Places are limited to 15 participants. The fee tier selected does not affect how applications are considered.
WEEK ONE
Get ready campers! Get to know your new drag siblings and learn about monster history and culture in this first introduction to the art of alternative drag. After a short break you'll delve into what makes a good drag persona and start working towards creating your own drag monster alter ego.
WEEK TWO
Week two gets you thinking about the overall aesthetic of your drag persona and beginning to design your first look. You'll also take part in your first practical lesson - a drag monster makeup demo by MUA Neapolitan Vonschweets and an intro to basic SFX demo from King Confuza.
WEEK THREE
Camp Cryptid week three introduces you to how to create a basic mix and begin learning to create visuals. We will start work on our group act ideas for the Cryptid Queers Fest opening ceremony in this lesson, too.
WEEK FOUR
We delve into how to put your first act together including an element of stagecraft. Be sure to wear clothing you can move around comfortably on stage in for this session.
WEEK FIVE
The final week is our photoshoot! You'll bring your monster persona to life in full makeup and costume and shoot with our resident photographer Heidi Tomlinson who also shoots our Camp Cryptid showcase. Soon you'll be given a full set of high quality promo images which you can use to apply to shows with.
THE CAMP CRYPTID SHOWCASE
Our workshop attendees are offered a spot at the yearly Camp Cryptid showcase. Here they will be joined by some of the most promising up and coming alternative drag artists in the North. This showcase offers an opportunity to try out your drag on stage in a fun and encouraging environment with a crowd who are highly supportive of baby monsters.