Meet the Kings of Joy Producers Team

Creating Culture, Uplifting Each Other, and Making Magic Happen Backstage

If you’re new to the world of Drag Kinging and you’ve found your way to Kings of Joy—welcome. You don’t need to know anything. You don’t need a Drag King persona yet. You don’t need to be confident in makeup, dance, or performance.

You just need a little spark—that whisper inside that says maybe this is for me.

Maybe that whisper led you to Google “how to become a Drag King.” Maybe it led you here.

And if you’re curious but also a little hesitant (or even intimidated), you’re not alone. You’re in exactly the right place.

Kings of Joy Is More Than a Stage—It’s a Culture

At Kings of Joy, we do things differently. We’re not just about performing. We’re about community. We’re about making room for all the parts of ourselves that don’t always get seen, celebrated, or centre stage.

We believe exploring gender through performance can be a joyful, liberating, creative act—and we do it together.

Our motto? Kings Uplifting Kings.

No gossip. No cancelling. No undermining.

Instead, we hold each other. We cheer each other on. We make space for emerging Drag Kings to try something they never thought they’d do—and then come off stage euphoric.

We teach each other. We help glue moustaches, fix tearaway pants, and get back up when someone forgets the next move in a routine.

And at the heart of it all?

Our Kings of Joy Producers Team.

Why We Have a Producers Team (And Why It Matters)

The Kings of Joy Producers Team grew out of a real need: to keep the spirit of Kings of Joy alive as we grew.

As more and more first-time Drag Kings stepped forward, it became clear we needed leaders—not to create hierarchy, but to uphold the values that make this community feel like home.

The Producers Team is made up of returning Kings who’ve already been through the Gold Stars or All Stars programs and felt the pull to give back. They’re people just like you—once brand new, uncertain, unsure if they had what it takes to perform as a Drag King.

(Spoiler: they did. And so do you.)

Now, they’re your cheerleaders, rehearsal buddies, backstage support crew, and cultural torchbearers.

Guided by a Vision

Danica Lani, The King Coach aka Dario di Bello

📸 Tanja Bruckner

Kings of Joy was founded by me, Danica Lani—also known as The King Coach. Since 2020, I’ve mentored and choreographed over 145 first-time Drag Kings, creating a movement that empowers LGBTQIA+ people to feel 100% at home in their own skin.

I’ve been performing as Drag King Dario di Bello since 2011, bringing charisma, humour, and grounded presence to the stage—but my real legacy is the culture I’ve built behind it.

As the Founder and Guide of Kings of Joy, I continue to shape the ecosystem, vision, and values of our community. I mentor the Producers Team as they step into leadership and champion the next wave of Drag Kings. With my hands still on the pulse, I remain both the heart and compass of this ever-growing, joy-fuelled space.

Meet the Producers

The heartbeat of community-led Drag King magic

In every show, backstage buzz, rehearsal blooper, or moment of glory under the lights—you’ll find them: the Kings of Joy Producers. These brilliant humans make it all happen, embodying the spirit of Kings Uplifting Kings.

Whether they’re wrangling tech runs, mentoring nervous first-timers, leading by example onstage, or fiercely cheering from the wings, this team is the beating heart behind the magic you see.

Let’s get to know the incredible humans who are holding the space for you to shine:

Becks aka Jim Junkie

Producer Powerhouse & ‘King of Kings’

📸 Tanja Bruckner

Becks is a director and producer focused on queer works, new writing, and puppetry. Previously Artist in Residence at the Barbican Centre and Rich Mix Theatre in London, Becks is now Producer of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas. As Drag King Jim Junkie, they tore up the scene to be crowned King of Kings at the 2021 Sydney Mardi Gras Heaps Gay Drag King comp. Kings of Joy's Assistant Deputy King Coach, Becks is a master of mischief with a deep love for community. They bring vision and lived Drag King experience to every Kings of Joy production.

Jo aka Bad Boy Cameo

Community Builder & Relentless Stage Animal

📸 Sarah Malone

Jo has been performing since she could stand (rumour has it her Love Shack lip sync still makes appearances at family events). A prolific improvisor and former Artistic Director of Playback Theatre Sydney, Jo brings storytelling soul to the team. With a PhD in performance theory and a heart rooted in connection, Jo found home in Drag Kinging in 2022. As Bad Boy Cameo, she lights up stages from Drag Kingdom to Hot Nonsense—and proves it’s never too late to make a damn good entrance.

Max aka TEABOI

Choreographer & Gender-Bending Performer

Max has been on stage since age 3, from tap to musicals to HSC accolades. After studying at NIDA and AMPA, they discovered Drag Kinging as a space for creative gender expression. As TEABOI, Max brings fluidity, confidence, and grounded fun. Since June 2024, they’ve stepped into the role of Kings of Joy's Assistant Choreographer, working side by side with first-timers and lifting every King into rhythm.

Angel aka Fine China

King Violinist & Cultural Creator

📸 Tanja Bruckner

Angel is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a proud Chinese queer creative. By day, they’re a violinist and music producer. By night, they transform into Fine China: a swoon-worthy, show-stopping Drag King who’s graced venues like The Red Rattler, Qtopia, and The Bearded Tit. Angel is driven by joy, connection, and representation, and brings their deep artistic heart to everything from Kings of Joy to They Will Be Kings.

Kaitlyn aka Maggot Banks

Rocker, Giver, Chaos-Maker

Offstage, Maggot Banks is all heart—passionately volunteering in the queer scene and helping coordinate the iconic Drag Kings Mardi Gras float. Onstage? Pure chaos. Maggot thrashes, grinds, and high-kicks their way into your memory with fierce presence and softness behind the scenes. Part of the leadership team for the 2026 Mardi Gras float, Kaitlyn is dedicated to making sure every King has their moment.

Charlie aka Bear Back

Theatre Wizard & Joyful Maker

Charlie has one foot in traditional theatre and the other kicking up dust on the Drag King stage. From touring Shakespeare across the UK to running community storytelling projects in Spain, they’ve built stages, characters, and whole worlds. As Bear Back, they bring boldness, playfulness, and big-hearted energy. Now stepping into their role as Producer, Charlie is all about creating joyful spaces where every performer belongs.

Keep an eye out for our next launch: Bois Night Out—a bold new monthly Drag King night, starting 23 October at The Factory Theatre, Marrickville, Sydney. It’s where seasoned Kings and fresh faces share the stage—and the only thing more electric than the performances is the vibe in the room.

Each Producer has their own style, strengths, and vibe. But what unites them is this:

✨ They’ve chosen to lead in service of joy, belonging, and uplifting others. ✨

What This Means for You

If you’re feeling unsure, here’s what I want you to know:

• You don’t have to do this alone.
  
  
• There’s a team already in place to welcome you.
  
  
• You get to grow at your own pace.
  
  
• There’s no such thing as being “too much” or “not enough.”
  
  

Whether you’ve just discovered Drag Kinging or you’re already dreaming about your debut, the Producers Team is part of what makes this community feel safe, generous, and wildly fun.

You’ll find them running rehearsals, replying to messages in the WhatsApp group, gently reminding people of community agreements, and shouting the loudest from side of stage on show night.

They’re here to champion you—because someone championed them, too.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Maybe this is your moment to say yes to the spark. To your curiosity. To trying something brave and new.

✨ Want to be part of this culture of joy and generosity?

If you’re ready to give back or contribute to Kings of Joy in any way, reach out through our contact form and let’s start a conversation. ✨

With joy,

Danica Lani, Your King Coach 👑

P.S. Did a particular Producer’s story resonate with you? Or are you feeling nervous about taking the leap? I’d love to hear where you’re at. Send me a message—I’m listening.