Prepare to be Charged, Volta Charged

The first time I met Volta Charge, “she” was actually “he” not in drag, sipping a martini in the corner of a dimly lit bar. I had already had a few, and because there was no one else at the bar (the now defunct Main Street Bar in Laguna Beach), I struck up a conversation with Volta, and her responses were dripping with biting wit and snappy comebacks. She was a worthy conversation adversary, with idioms from Hollywood of yesteryear – I was transfixed. I blurted out, “You are so funny, you should be a drag queen!” Not missing a beat, she chugged the rest of her martini, looked at me, and smiled, “I am, sweetie…I am,” threw her money on the bar, and walked out. Little did I know I was in the presence of Volta Charge, and immediately recognized her from the myriad of flyers on social media.

With her mobile drag kit, she literally pops up all over Southern California with regular gigs at Our Place in Lake Forest, Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, and One Eleven Bar in Cathedral City,  just to name a few. She peppers in pop-up appearances everywhere in between her regular gigs. Her look is unique, capturing elements from classic films to the current trends of the pop culture world. Next time you see her, see if she is wearing her lobster shoes. We are thrilled to feature Volta for our GED August Drag Spotlight…prepared to be CHARGED, Volta Charged!

What is your hometown?

Arvada, Colorado.

How did you come up with your drag name?  

I love Storm from X-Men, so I went with an electric name.

Favorite part about doing drag?  

The audience’s reactions to my performances, and the energy I get back is amazing.

Least favorite part about doing drag?

The heat!

What was your first exposure to drag?

I grew up born and raised Nichiren Buddhist, so I grew up in a very open-minded family and was going to Denver Pride early on. I think my earliest memory of a drag queen was watching To Wong Foo with my mom.

What made you decide to go professional?

I grew up as an entertainer, dancing in my sister’s dance company, Murphy Repertory Dance Company, and later with Radio Disney. Performing was always my life goal. Once I started doing drag, I knew this was the perfect conduit to share my art and would spend the rest of my life doing it.

What was your first professional drag gig like?

It was an LGBTQ+ Veteran Fundraiser at Charlie’s Denver. My mom and best friend came, and I was so nervous. I performed IN FLATS! Definitely baby drag vibes, but my performances were good enough to open many more opportunities around Denver to learn and grow.

What makes your drag different than other queens out there?

I’m not a huge fan of comparing myself to other queens. I am a believer that all drag is valid. I am also a believer in not all drag is marketable. I understand the business side of being an entertainer, not just a performer. My style of drag can be very old-school Hollywood or mainstream top 40, but I run my own shows and pay my taxes. That’s how mine is different [laughs].

You have performed all over, even in ultra-conservative Orange County. Aren’t you scared of the ultra-conservative neighborhoods?

Of course, I am scared of performing in those areas. The main thing to understand when performing in those spaces is understanding that we’re guests in their house. I change my jokes, my numbers, and my costumes to mold myself into something that is palatable for that audience, and it usually goes well. There have been times a problem has come up, but the owners always have my back. Cliff, the owner of Our Place Bar in Lake Forest, has always had my back and has been supportive.

What is the best way we can support the drag community? 

Support local entertainers and businesses. There are so many absolutely fabulous entertainers in SoCal and so many LGBTQ+ businesses that must be seen and experienced. I run shows and work at some of the best gay-owned and operated businesses – Bullet Bar, Ps Air Bar, One Eleven Bar. Supporting your local shows and entertainers supports our local gay bars. Without them, we’d be dancing on Zoom again. 

Craziest drag story?  

That’s not X-rated? [Laughs] Probably having to climb three stories of balconies to break into my friend’s apartment on New Year’s Eve because he didn’t have his keys while I was in drag. I was very proud of not falling and dying. 

Your strangest hobby or talent? 

I can do this two-tone whistle that’s fun. I’m also a great cook.

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover? 

Rosanne Barr (and maybe some therapy).

Favorite LA hotspot?

The Bullet Bar in North Hollywood.

Favorite LA non-profit? 

LALC Cares and The Bullet Pantry. They helped so many people, including me, during the pandemic and still help many.

What is your coming out story?

Oh, my whole family knew before I did. When I was 12, I decided to come out. My entire immediate family was completely supportive. My mom and brother and sisters have all come to my shows. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful family.

What would the name of your biography be?

Fully Charged Mediocrity 

Favorite song to perform to?

Oh gees, ummm. Tory Kelly’s version of “Don’t You Worry About a Thing.” 

What is your after-drag ritual?

FOOD! Lots of food. And a hot shower. 

What’s your favorite pickup line?

I have decent credit, a car, and a job……usually, that works. [laughs] 

What is your message to the drag community?

Stay strong, stay positive, and bring joy and light to the masses when the darkness tries to bring us down. We are the beacons lighting the days and nights ahead of us. And… wash your tights.

Where can we find and follow you?  

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @voltacharge