Drag Heals

A new group of Kings, Queens and Monarchs begin crafting their personal stories into a stage show by asking themselves, "What was a pivotal moment in my life and how did I change because of it?" Tracey Erin Smith spends time with her mom, Jodi in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

The drag artists explore aspects of their inner most selves; the good, the bad and the ugly and put them all on 'theatrical steroids' in an emotionally powerful exercise called, The Exaggerated Self. Isaiah enjoys time with his drag family in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Tracey asks the drag artists to share part of their story on stage for their peers in a song or lip-synch for the very first time. Callan spends time with a friend and discovers new personal strength in their story-telling.

Designer Lucinda Miu drops by with a challenge – to create a runway ready look using only crafting supplies. Jerico gets a confidence boost from his agent and through a costume fitting with his designer.

Tracey works one on one with the drag artists on story-crafting. Dev dives into the past and struggles to decide which story to share.

It's time for some professional help from choreographer Steven Chau who helps the cast make a final number for the show. Anthony dances as fast as he can to pull his final show together – meeting with his choreographers Justin and Nick and fashion designer Denisha.

The show in front of a live audience is just one day away. Pressure mounts to learn lines and choreography. The cast runs through a tech and final dress rehearsal. Tracey returns to Birchdale, Nova Scotia for a visit with her partner and fellow theatre director, Sarah Garton Stanley.

Nerves are high and so is the energy as an audience of friends and family watch the drag artists bare their souls and show off the new skills they've learned live, on stage, without a net!