Drag Storytime is just what it sounds like! Drag performers reading books to kids and families in libraries, bookstores, at events and all around! Drag Arts Lab readers have been trained, background checked and fingerprinted and are committed to the work of showing kids that imagination, reading and self expression are core values we want to cultivate in our every day lives. Please consult our FAQs below or feel free to reach out if you want to know more or if you want to bring a Drag Storytime to your community!
FAQs
What is the age group for Drag Storytime and how long is it?
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Drag Storytime is appropriate for all ages! Storytimes usually include about 20-25 minutes of reading followed by time for meeting and greeting and photos. Storytimes are a strong tool for building imaginative as well as literary capacity across a broad range of ages. For Drag Storytime in Los Angeles, we calibrate our programming with kindergarten and first grade California reading standards, so the exact age range is about 4-7, but babies and even teens enjoy the program because drag is visual and interactive. You can access the Drag Storytime Curriculum Here.
Is drag appropriate for kids?
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Just like every art form that exists, there is drag programming that is meant for adults and drag programming that is meant for kids. We work hard to ensure that our programs are not just age appropriate, but specifically designed to engage youth based on California educational standards as well as best practices for kid-centric entertainment. Think of drag the way you think of movies—we do not recommend you take your children to a bar to see a drag show meant for adults anymore than we recommend you take your children to see R rated movies. One of the goals of Drag Storytime is to create a space for kids to interact with drag in a way that is appropriate, fun, and in sync with their own cognitive faculties and sensibilities. Note: Drag Arts Lab does not facilitate ALL drag storytimes and does not speak for any program we are not involved in.
What books do you read?
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The books we read are unique to the performer, but generally are picture books that celebrate self-expression, humor, diversity and joy. Our titles range from “It’s Ok to Be Different” by Todd Parr to “The Book With No Pictures” by BJ Novak. You can always reach out directly to us to find out what books will be read at a specific program, but sometimes readers pick from the library’s kids section as well.
Are Drag Storytimes sensory friendly and accessible?
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Yes! Our Drag Storytimes are engaging, but we avoid overwhelming sensory experiences. For example, we only use mics and amplification if the space is large, and the program is focused on interactive, slow paced storytelling rather than proscenium entertainment. Children respond well to environments that are specific to them, so we like to try to respond to the participants’ needs in the moment. For accessibility accommodations, you can reach out to us directly and we will coordinate with our partner institutions to ensure you and your family are able to enjoy our programs. Most of the institutions Drag Arts Lab partners with have accommodations available for a diverse spectrum of accessibility.
Unless otherwise noted, our public drag storytimes are free. If you are interested in donating or would like to support our work, we appreciate any and all contributions! Drag Arts Lab is a 501c3 organization.