We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annie Christ a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

The most difficult thing I learned about my craft is learning I can do it by myself on my own terms. Most drag queens have a “drag family”, where other queens take them under their wing and show them the ropes. I never had another performer show me how to do makeup, build a following, or book my own shows. I wanted to host movie screenings and do stand-up comedy so I typically felt like the odd man out.

I never thought my ideas were good enough so I limited myself and my confidence. At the end of the day I was my own worst obstacle. Once I learned to put myself out there and stop doubting myself I realized my ideas were good and they were something that people wanted in the community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started doing drag in 2016 and realized that I didn’t quite fit in. I didn’t enjoy lip syncing or dancing, but I loved entertaining people. It gave me so much anxiety to lip sync that I just quit doing it all together. I thought drag just wasn’t for me. I had told my friends about an idea to host movie screenings in an Elvira meets Mystery Science Theater 3000 style show. After a lot of convincing, I finally asked a local venue if they’d host the show. They loved the idea and decided to book me. Every month more and more people attended. Eventually I sold out every time.

I decided a few months later I wanted to do a drag queen story time. I had watched a Ted Talk and the last slide was “Be the person you needed when you were a child.” I knew telling kids it’s okay to be different and no matter how mean people will be to you, always take the high road and be kind. The very first one I did in Lansdale, PA was HUGE. It received national press, both good and bad. There ended up being a protest with 20 protestors and over 200 supporters. It was an incredible day for the town, and the Mayor would later proclaim that date “Inclusion Day”

When that happened I knew I had to do more community work. It’s what filled my cup and really fueled my artistic drives. Since then I do quarterly food drives, benefits, and fundraisers for whoever I can. I regularly do story time’s, most recently I’ve been working with Amanda Palmer, the lead singer of The Dresden Dolls.

Annie Christ has become a movement and an idea about togetherness and community. Since then 24 people have gotten my face tattooed onto them which is wild to think about. It all started when I took the chance and asked a venue if they’d book my movie night. If you just ask, you may get even more than you thought you wanted.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I personally struggle with anxiety, VERY bad anxiety. As much of an extrovert as I am, I VERY much need my time to sit in my house and stare at the wall. Before every show and interview, there is inescapably anxiety. People spend their hard earned money and time to see me perform and tell stupid jokes. When I think about it, the impostor syndrome kicks in 1,000%. I want every audience member to have fun and not regret spending their night with me. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, good or bad, I have to put on the best show I can. It can be very exhausting. I think people watch a performer on stage and don’t think about the anxiety and self doubt that comes with creating art. We are all our worst critics no matter who we are.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’ve been working on a few new projects I never thought I’d see myself doing. Right now I’m trying to branch out with other writers, artists, musicians, and show producers to make a very new and innovative show. I want to put more art into the world that let’s people know that sometimes we’re weird and anxious. We have good days and bad days. We’re allowed to cry, be happy, and unsure of ourselves. I think with all the hustle and bustle of the world, we often forget to take care of ourselves and do what makes us happy. Self care is the most important care.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anniechrist.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/annie.christ
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/therealanniechist