Born and raised in southern California, Bryan Watkins has been performing and dazzling audiences as Shannel, a female illusionist and drag queen for over twenty years.

At the age of 15, Bryan entered and won a Halloween contest in drag- there, Shannel was born. A year later, he began working with Glamour Shots as a make up artist and a hairstylist, providing his expertise on photo shoots. Soon after, he was discovered by a representative of the Chanel Corporation and was hired on as a beauty adviser for Chanel cosmetic.

Shannel’s career took off and he resided in Las Vegas as a host and headliner for over 9 years. In 2009, he was cast in the first season of Logo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race. After noticeable recognition from the show, Shannel returned to Southern California and continued touring around the United States. In 2012, he was chosen to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars.

In March 2013, Shannel became a part of CeeLo Green’s “Loberace” at Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas strip. As springtime finished, it was announced that he would be a returning co host with Frank Marino and his Las Vegas show "Divas". In addition, he continues to travel and work with the Dreamgirls Revue Shows and special guest appearances in clubs all around the U.S.
 

In 2014, he created a dinner and drag spectacular at VLVT Lounge in Santa Ana, California. Lipstick & Lashes is a thoroughly designed dinner show, complete with an amazing cast, male dancers, props, character illusions, top 40 and some of your favorite Broadway hits. With the success of the show, it has spawned off two more full production shows: Halloween Madhouse and Cinematic. 

As Fall 2016 came to a close, Las Vegas called back to Shannel as Chippendale's new cabaret show, "53X" hit the boulevard at the Paris Hotel. Finishing its limited run and winning Las Vegas' "Best Of Las Vegas" award, Shannel joined the cast of Frank Marino's "Divas" nightly impersonating Barbra Streisand and Adele. 

2018 has been an amazing year for Shannel. He has teamed with Voss Events as the host of "Drag Brunch" at Senor Frogs at the Treasure Island Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.  Selling out almost every weekend, "Drag Brunch" provides a unique experience with audience interaction and close encounters with favorite RuPaul's Drag Race alum. Due to the success of the show and now being the only drag show on the Las Vegas Strip, "Drag Brunch" runs 3 days a week, with 5 different shows to choose from. In addition, the cast has recently opened up "Drag Supper Club', a full choreographed production that runs every Saturday evening. 

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Shannel hopes to see what 2019 brings and in the meantime, will  continue entertaining the masses, while trying to visit Walt Disney World with friends and family every once and while.