Hi, everyone! You won’t believe the story I’ve got for you today. It’s about how I stumbled into the fabulous world of Trixie Mattel and ended up getting a BFA in musical theatre. It all started back when I was just a young guy, fresh out of high school. I was born Brian Michael Firkus, a small-town boy with big dreams, and I found solace in the world of fashion and beauty when I was a teenager. At 18, I decided to move to Milwaukee to study at the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Getting Started
So, I packed my bags and headed to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It was a whole new world for me. I was studying musical theatre, learning about acting, singing, and dancing. But little did I know that my life was about to take a dramatic turn.
Discovering Drag
- It all happened when I went to a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Oriental Theatre.
- That night, I was introduced to the concept of drag, and let me tell you, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head.
- I’d always loved performing, but this was something else entirely.
- The idea of transforming into a character through makeup, costumes, and performance? It was like my two passions – fashion and theatre – had a baby, and that baby was drag.
First Time in Drag
I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to try it myself. My first time performing in drag was at LaCage NiteClub in Milwaukee. I was nervous as heck, but the moment I stepped on stage, I felt like I was finally where I belonged. It was exhilarating, terrifying, and everything in between. And the name “Trixie Mattel”? Well, that’s a story for another time, but let’s just say it stuck.
Juggling Studies and Drag
Of course, I was still a student, so I had to find a way to balance my studies with my newfound passion for drag. It wasn’t easy, let me tell you. There were a lot of late nights, a lot of coffee, and a lot of running back and forth between rehearsals and performances. But I was determined to make it work. After all, how many people get to say they’re getting a BFA while also becoming a drag queen? That year I was studying at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2008.
Graduation and Beyond
After a lot of hard work and a few close calls, I finally made it. I graduated with my BFA in musical theatre. And you know what? I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. It was tough, it was crazy, but it was also the most fun I’ve ever had. And it taught me that you can pursue your passions, no matter how different they might seem.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, it’s kind of wild to think about how that one night at a Rocky Horror screening changed my life. It led me to discover a part of myself that I didn’t even know existed. And it all happened while I was studying for my BFA. So, if you’re out there, and you’ve got a dream that seems a little out there, go for it. You never know where it might lead you. Who knows, you might even end up with a BFA and a drag persona of your own!
That’s my story, folks. It’s been a wild ride, and it’s far from over. Thanks for sticking with me through it all. Until next time, stay fabulous!