The Academy

Our Full Curriculum

Welcome to the core of MAISON ST's educational mission. Our curriculum is designed not just to teach, but to fundamentally transform. Rooted in the vibrant, raw, and industrial energy of Marseille’s underground scene, we offer a comprehensive, avant-garde journey into the art of drag and live performance. Here, we do not merely replicate existing tropes; we deconstruct them to forge entirely new modes of expression.

We believe that drag is a profound form of self-discovery and a potent vehicle for political expression. Our pedagogical approach is holistic, blending rigorous technical training with deep emotional and psychological exploration. We don't just teach you how to paint a face or construct a garment; we guide you in unearthing the persona that resides within, waiting for the spotlight. Our instructors are seasoned veterans of the stage, bringing decades of lived experience, technical mastery, and an unwavering commitment to the craft to every single session.

"Drag is the armor we wear to reveal our truest, most vulnerable selves to the world."

MAISON ST Pedagogy
Students participating in an intensive drag makeup workshop at MAISON ST

FIG 1. — ADVANCED CONTOURING MODULE

Technical Mastery: Makeup & Costume

The curriculum dives deep into the technical aspects of the craft, demanding precision and encouraging radical experimentation. In our makeup modules, students learn everything from basic facial anatomy and structural contouring to avant-garde, editorial-style transformations. We explore the rich history of drag aesthetics, understanding how past icons have shaped modern trends, and how we can subvert those trends today.

Costume design is treated with equal rigor. We teach the fundamentals of sewing, garment construction, and the innovative use of unconventional, upcycled materials sourced from Marseille's industrial sectors. It's about creating silhouettes that command attention, defy gravity, and tell a compelling story before a single word is spoken or a lip-sync begins.

"In this room, every identity is a masterpiece waiting to be illuminated by the stage lights."

A student working on a complex costume design using unconventional materials

FIG 2. — TEXTILE MANIPULATION & SILHOUETTE

Inclusivity & Community Impact

At the absolute heart of our program is an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. MAISON ST is a sanctuary for the LGBTQIA+ community and its fiercest allies. Our workshops are meticulously curated safe spaces where vulnerability is celebrated, and every facet of identity is validated. We actively dismantle the gatekeeping often found in traditional performance arts, ensuring that our high-level training is accessible to all, regardless of prior experience, financial background, or social standing.

Ultimately, our curriculum is a catalyst for radical artistic expression. We empower our students to take up space unapologetically, to challenge societal norms through their art, and to use their performances as a powerful tool for advocacy and visibility. By fostering this raw creativity, we are not only enriching the cultural landscape of Marseille but also building a resilient, highly visible, and fiercely proud community. The stage is yours; we provide the tools to build it, light it, and own it.

End of Curriculum Overview

Step into
the Light

Join MAISON ST and become part of our vibrant community. Whether you're looking to perform, volunteer, or collaborate, your journey starts here.