Barry Morse, a filmmaker whose short film "Ookie Cookie" will appear in the transvestite-themed Beyond Drag film festival held at Downtown Independent Theatre tonight, gave his sculpted body to the science of Tranimals dressing at a workshop held at Machine Project the other night. The alternative art space in Echo Park played host to about 75 people who lined up, assembly-line style to get stockings pulled over their heads, crinolines draped across their shoulders, wigs on their heads and air-brushed paints sprayed on their bodies in the chaotic workshop led by two transvestite performance artists: Squeaky Blonde and Fade-Dra.

Platformed boots were in abundance, as were lots of fishnet, sequins and false eyelashes. Everyone seemed to be channeling their inner Divine in preparation for the upcoming film festival. A good time was had by all as they lined up to get their photos taken by Austin Young, who had succumbed to the pull of the makeup table and was shooting through a stocking covering his face.

"I love playing with makeup," said one huge guy in the audience, his face barely visible through the fishnets, black paint and wig. "I do it all the time at home."

Photos by Iris Schneider