Applications are now open for The Gold Rush, Miss Taylor Trash’s drag competition which is putting diversity at the forefront
Following the success of its first three seasons, The Gold Rush is returning to The Glory this October. Conor Clark spoke to Miss Taylor Trash about the competition and how it will adjust to running during the pandemic
When and why did you create The Gold Rush?
I created The Gold Rush for several reasons – I wanted to create a competition that inspired new and emerging performers to think differently about their references, that was a big one for me. The other was to foster an environment that cared about every single last person that went on the stage – whether they left the first week or won it and give them all equal opportunities for gigs and any other opportunities that came my way. This was now over two years ago!
What is season four doing differently than the previous seasons you’ve hosted?
We want to encourage a more diverse group of people to apply. I’ve worked hard in all of my shows to promote equality and acceptance and give those who feel they are overlooked the opportunity to shine. For season four, we have a new format for the heats. Each week, two of my previous contestants will select three performers from the people who applied to them, and they will have the chance to get a place in the main competition across eight weeks – back at The Glory. On the ninth week, I will invite back applicants from the heats who didn’t make it through the first time to try out for the last remaining three spots. The idea is that it opens the opportunity up to more people – instead of everyone coming to me, I have sixteen people applicants can approach.
What will the format of the competition look like for those competing?
We have a bit of a formula here at The Gold Rush. Basically, whatever you think is absolutely batshit crazy, we want to see it. I am interested in hearing the conversations that people want to have on stage without the usual memes, soundbites or gimmicks most people use. I like our competitors to think outside the box – it makes for a much more varied scene, more bookable and interesting acts and performances that really have a point of view. We had a week last season called ‘basic drag week’ which included tropes drag performers ALWAYS pull, like pointing at their mouth during a lip sync… I know you know the words, we are watching you lip sync already! I always get bored of all that very quickly.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I am hoping that people who feel they are in the minority know they have a home with us. I want this season to be the most diverse we have had. We are emerging slowly from lockdown, so many people need something to lift them up – and drag does that.
Does the winner of The Gold Rush receive any sort of prize?
At the moment we have some amazing sponsors lined up – but I can’t reveal who they are just yet! So keep your eyes peeled on The Gold Rush Instagram @thegoldrushldn for updates there. Last season the winner won £2200, a slew of paid gigs, the opportunity to be the face of the LuvJus ad campaign, a wig and lash bundle from What A Drag UK, a top-sellers bundle from MAC Cosmetics, a light up travel mirror, accessories and lashes from JML (making every day easier!), and our Most Congenial Person (as awarded by their fellow competitors) won a goodie bag from our friends at Dragr as well as an interview on their app landing page! Phew! So I go all out with sponsors and season four will not disappoint!
How will the competition adapt to the pandemic?
We are operating in line with social distancing guidelines at 
our spiritual home, The Glory and we have limited capacities for the basement to see the heats. Access is sold in tables and we will be sharing details of how to buy tickets on our social media soon so please make sure you are following The Gold Rush on Twitter and Instagram at @thegoldrushldn. If you can’t come to the live event, we produce a web series for every season. We’ve recently released Season 2 on YouTube! New episodes Fridays at 8PM (BST) / 3PM (EST).
Even if you’re shielding, you can enjoy this whacky competition from the comfort of your own home. Anything you need to know about the show is on the web series. We are ambitious and hope for it to get picked up by a production company as we want to create a show that has a huge platform for our performers and is open to anyone, regardless of their identity… All I care about is talent! I just want everyone to have their chance to shine. Everybody deserves it if they want it!
How do potential competitors apply to be on the next season of The Gold Rush?
If you or someone you know wants to be a performer and wants to be welcomed into the warm bosom of a drag performance group who truly support and believe in one another, then you should definitely apply! If you check out our social media you will see the former constants who I have asked back to curate the heats. Check the heat dates, check if you can do the dates, send them a message, tell them who you are, why you want to do the competition, include some pictures or videos and then they will be in touch if they want you on their team or not! There are only three slots per curator, so get in there and dazzle them! You can apply to as many curators as you want – my tip is not to kiss their asses in your application because it’s not about them – it’s about you! We are not here to be glorified, we are here to help and offer support! The Gold Rush is ALL ABOUT YOU. It’s not about what we get out of it. What we do get out of it is helping new talent find their footing, continue to give support to our queer family and create gag-worthy shows.
To learn more about The Gold Rush or to apply for Season 4, follow @thegoldrushldn and @misstaylortrash on Instagram.
