New App Created by Julius Williams and Partner Daniel Hargitay Connects Fans to Drag Shows, Brunches, and Events Nationwide
New York, NY (October 28, 2024) – Werk!, a new mobile app aiming to revolutionize access to drag performances, has officially launched in 14 major U.S. cities. Created by Broadway performer Julius Williams and his partner Daniel Hargitay, Werk! serves as a bridge between fans and the vibrant drag scene, connecting users to local shows, brunches, and special events. For performers, it offers a powerful platform to showcase their talent, attract new audiences, and build financial independence.
Designed to make discovering drag shows simple, Werk! uses a GPS-based map to display nearby events in real-time. Users can search for shows by location or keyword, such as “brunch,” allowing drag fans to find a performance that matches their interests with just a few taps. For many, the app fills a crucial gap: “While traveling, my partner and I struggled to find local drag shows,” said Williams. “We created Werk! to make it easy for fans to discover and support drag, no matter where they are.”
Werk! offers unique features that benefit both audiences and performers alike. In addition to finding shows, fans can tip performers directly through the app, supporting their favorite artists financially. This feature provides a new revenue stream for drag performers, whose incomes often depend on tips collected during shows. The app’s interface also allows performers and venues to update event listings, giving them more control over their outreach and allowing users to see the latest show information.
The app’s reach extends across 14 cities, including New York City, Fire Island, Jersey City, Washington, D.C., Orlando, and Palm Springs, with further expansion planned for 2025. By spotlighting both high-profile events like RuPaul’s Drag Race Live in Las Vegas and local performances in neighborhood bars, Werk! celebrates the full spectrum of drag, aiming to make the art form accessible to fans everywhere. “We want to create safe, accessible spaces for performers and audiences alike,” explained Hargitay.
Since its soft launch in June, Werk! has already received enthusiastic responses from users and endorsements from well-known drag personalities, including RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Brita and Phoenix and stars such as Jaida Essence Hall and Angeria Paris VanMichaels. The app has quickly become a key resource within the drag community, helping performers promote their work and attract wider audiences.
Williams and Hargitay, each with deep ties to the entertainment industry, bring passion and commitment to their mission. Williams, a Broadway veteran, sees Werk! as a way to share the joy and artistry of drag with a broader audience. Hargitay, with over a decade in hospitality and entertainment, was inspired to build a platform that empowers performers and makes drag accessible.
Available on iOS and Android, Werk! is on track to become a go-to platform for drag fans and artists alike, connecting communities and supporting the growing world of drag performances.
