Birthday Girl she/her in drag
When did you did join the cabaret community? What inspired you to become involved?
October 16th, 2021!What is your favourite act to perform?
My favourite act to perform is Linda Eder’s “Bring On The Men” from Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway. I think it embodies the most perfect blend of sexy and funny/camp that Birthday Girl has come to be known for!What trend do you want to see more of? What trend do you wish would STOP?
I LOVE the trend of letting our personalities online see the raw stuff. I love seeing when performers (and people in general) are raw about the things they’re going through. I think it really helps people not only understand that performer better, but ALSO helps show their audience the person behind the performer. The trend I wish would STOP is “gathering” people when they’ve made a mistake. We’re all learning every single day and their is no need to mob folks. We’re all in this together!Can you describe a moment that challenged you as a performer?
The moment I felt the most challenged was when I was told “big girls can’t do tricks and because of that, their gigs are numbered because THAT’S what audiences want. And i just don’t believe that to be true. I think tricks are great for those that can do them, but if you can’t, that’s okay too! I felt challenged to show the world that every body CAN do different things, no matter the size. And thankfully, I proved them wrong!!Have you ever dealt with burn out? How did you manage it?
Yes. during the peak of my rise to the stage, I owned a business that over time was starting to fail. I was working every waking moment (when i wasn’t on stage) and then performing the rest of the time. I wasn’t taking care of myself and as such, I started to slip on the basic things. I wasn’t sleeping (although I was exhausted). I would be late for shows, not reply to emails and overall was struggling to stay afloat. Eventually, we closed the business and I started to take care of myself on the inside and eventually, I came back from it. I am incredibly thankful to my friends in our industry who supported me during that time (especially CabCo!).From where do you draw inspiration to create new art?
I try to put myself in the audiences shoes. If I enjoy hearing/seeing/acting it for the first time, I know it will be a hit.Did you ever consider an alternative stage name? What was it? Who would that person have been?
Initially, my stage name was Shirley Bottoms. It was hilarious in the moment, BUT I believe it would have held me back and put me in a box. If I had continued, she would have been a classic drag diva, mainly in gowns and pageantry. I’m thankful to her, but thankful I left her behind.If you could learn one new performance skill what would it be?
I would LOVE to learn how to be sexy without the humour. I think that’s an area I struggle in because of my body size (and maybe) an internalized fear of failing.What is your DREAM SHOW? Money is no object. Who is your DREAM CAST? (dead or alive)
I would LOVE to do a Vegas style show. Fully produced, lights, costume changes, chorus lines. With the divas of country music. Dolly, Reba, Shania, etc.Do you have a mantra or philosophy that defines this moment of your performance career? Has this changed over time?
My philosophy is and has always been that for those 3 minutes we are on stage, everyone in that room is on the exact same, level playing field. Status, money & connections, political beliefs don’t matter. We are all there, all equal.Would you share your goals for yourself, or any advice for others in the community?
My goals change daily. Birthday Girl’s future is unknown, and I love that. If you’re coming up in the community and bring the box with you, you’ll always only fit inside that box. Get a new box, find a new box, trade your box, BURN your box. Every day is a new adventure, get after it!!