The Studies of a Queen

My name is Alfie Dry and I created the character of ‘Miss Take’ with my Mum in preparation for my upper school talent show. Miss Take is a sultry, glamorous, and irreverent teacher, and I knew that this drag persona would be with me forever. I did not know, however, how much she would teach me about who I am, and what I want to achieve in life. As I fell in love with the art of drag, I also fell in love with the literature and world surrounding it. In short, I couldn't get enough.

Five years on from Miss Take’s birth, I have been lucky enough to study a Master's in Social Anthropology at Oxford University, where I researched the phenomenon of drag artistry. It is a dream come true for a state school student, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity.

Having completed my studies, I am now moving to New York as a student of the Stella Adler Studio - a Conservatory that focusses on both the development of talent and social justice matters. By combining my love of performing with my keen interest in academic study, I am hoping to provide meaningful work to support and uplift the communities who need and deserve to be celebrated.

By working to provide the finances for my Master's, I have been left with little for my time at the Studio and thus would be grateful for anybody who wishes to make a donation. I thank everyone who contributes to my efforts from the bottom of my heart.

All my love,

Alfie x

P.S. Miss Take here (yes, that’s Miss). Do be a good class and settle down, or you might end up with a big red mark. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in my classroom, and I do hope you stay behind for a drink and a fag behind the bike sheds. Until then, I’ll leave you with my most important lesson: love who you are, but love me more x