Today we’d like to introduce you to Anderson Wells.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been involved in theatre for almost my entire life. I did my first play when I was 9 years old and I’ve been involved with theatre in one way or another ever since. Along the way, I got introduced to the art of drag when my mom and I watched the first season of Drag Race together. I found it fascinating and utterly impressive.
I studied theatre as my major in college (at UMBC) and then took an apprenticeship at Studio Theatre in their education program. I furthered my acting studies there as well and eventually became a teacher within the program. I continue to take classes when new or advanced courses are offered.
In 2016, I attended an alumni event with some friends and we decided to attend in drag – just for a fun little gag. We performed a number as a surprise for the audience. It was supposed to just be a one-time thing but during the performance, I fell in love. Something woke up inside and I felt a connection I’d never felt before. I realized that drag was where I wanted to house my artistic expression. I worked to hone my craft and had my first semi-professional performance in the spring of 2018. Ever since then, I’ve been working regularly and have become a staple of the DC drag scene (including Baltimore and parts of Northern Virginia). I’ve won competitions and earned titles. I even became the very first National Bearded Empress.
In late 2019, I founded a theatre company that would eventually be called Highball Productions. We create drag parodies of movies, musicals, and plays. I serve as a director, designer, choreographer, and performer within the company. Then, in 2022 I became the managing director for a DC theatre called Constellation Theatre Company – a place that tells “Big stories in intimate spaces.” While running these two companies, I continue to perform as a drag artist and to teach acting at the Studio Acting Conservatory. I’m so grateful that everything I do every day involves some form of theatre. I don’t plan on that ending anytime soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggle 1: My mother. She loves lgbtq+ community – especially drag. When I told her I was becoming a drag queen, she was very excited. When I told her I was going to be a bearded drag queen, she couldn’t wrap her brain around it. Our conversations about my drag were always full of criticism. Once she finally saw me perform and saw how much joy it brings me, she came around. Now she’s one of my biggest supporters.
Struggle 2: Work/Life Balance. After winning National Bearded Empress, there were a number of opportunities that came my way that I was unable to seize because of my full time job (before I started my current job at Constellation). Eventually (and for MANY reasons) I left that job and was able to find more flexibility and freedom to pursue my drag. Now I struggle because while I have more flexibility, I am stretched too thin between my full time job and my other jobs. It has turned me into a “Jack of all trades, master of none” example.
Struggle 3: Staying relevant. My skills as a drag queen improve as I push myself and learn new things. I am never complacent with where I am – I want to keep growing. However, my community does not support me in the way I believe it should. Before the pandemic, I would have gigs 3-4 times a week. Now I have a few every couple of weeks. I am looked over for performers who are financially more successful than I am and/or ones with ties to Drag Race. I am now working to build my own legacy through independent work such as being a guest performer in Sasha Velour’s play, Travesty. I will continue to fight for my spot because Drag is what I was meant to do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an arts administrator – I excel at being an advocate and supporter; helping bring 0thers’ visions to life
As an acting teacher – I excel at motivating students; getting them excited about the work they get to do. Fueling their passion.
As a performer – I excel at telling stories. I am the best ballad performer in the area and I have some of the best comedy numbers in the country. I take the audience on a journey and captivate them with my performances.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
To be perfectly honest, the people in my life who have played significant roles all either have been uplifted by the community already or they have taken advantage of their relationship with me. I am grateful for what they have done for me but most of what I have accomplished was done by me. Once I finally have my flowers, I will start looking at bringing people up with me.
Pricing:
- Drag performance booking – $150+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vagenesis.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_vagenesis
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/vagenesis.stone.3
