League of STEAM

League of STEAM

The League of STEAM. Shown, L-R: Lady Ameliorette Potts, Jasper Mooney, Crackitus Potts, Baron von Fogel, Sir Conrad Wright III
Name League of STEAM
Formed 2008
Location(s) Southern California, U.S.
Members Nicholas Baumann
Andrew Fogel
James Lavrakas
Conrad Wright
Duane Matthews
Russell Isler
Robin Blackburn
Glenn Freund
Sheyne Fleischer
Katherine Blackmoore
Website League of STEAM
Genre(s) Performance art, Steampunk, Web series

The League of S.T.E.A.M. (Supernatural and Troublesome Ectoplasmic Apparition Management), a.k.a. the "Steampunk Ghostbusters",[1] are a Southern Californian performance art troupe popular in the steampunk community and specializing in live interactive themed entertainment.

Contents

The League

The League of S.T.E.A.M. is modeled after the 1984 film Ghostbusters, translating the idea of a "paranormal pest control service" into a neo-Victorian steampunk setting. The four main members of the League have created backpacks reminiscent of the Ghostbusters' backpacks, each allegedly performing some necessary paranormal investigative function. The League has performed at conventions, steampunk festivals, nightclubs and corporate events, and have performed alongside such notable steampunk musical groups as Abney Park.[2] They are known for their creative steampunk "inventions" (functional props), and have also been written about and interviewed as leading examples of steampunk style.[3][4]

History

The idea that would eventually become the League of S.T.E.A.M. came from Robin Blackburn’s desire to make a ghost costume that actually glowed for the 2008 Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball in Hollywood, CA. Her husband, Nicholas Baumann (a costume and prop maker for theatre, film and TV, specializing in foam fabrication and leather work), was more interested in steampunk, and came up with the idea to make a “steampunk ghostbuster” costume to match her. The costumes were created in collaboration with Scott and Gail Folsom, James Lavrakas and Aimee Chaouch, and the group’s appearance was a phenomenal success. Robin, Nick, Gail, Scott and James were so pleased with their reception that they decided to continue to improve and develop their costumes and personas. Gail and Scott came up with a list of possible names for the group and The League of S.T.E.A.M. (Supernatural and Troublesome Ectoplasmic Apparition Management) was the unanimous choice. Since then, new members, props, sets and equipment have been added, and the characters became “monster hunters,” to include a wide range of supernatural prey.

Live Shows

The League has performed several live shows in and around the Los Angeles area. These shows combine the concept of a Victorian Parlour Evening and a traveling Medicine Show. During which the members of the troupe mingle with the crowd, bragging of past exploits, demonstrating their prop gear and telling tall tales.

Past Performances

Appearances and other work

Conventions and Festivals

Music Videos

Guest Appearances

Web Series

In November 2009, The League began producing a series of comedic webisodes that were released on youTube. Called "The Adventures of the League of STEAM", the series chronicles the League on various adventures where they attempt to locate, capture or neutralize supernatural creatures. The webisode, "Fool's Gold" was one of YouTube's Spotlighted videos on Saint Patrick's Day (March 17), 2010, and was also featured on Boing Boing,[17] TheAwesomer.com[18] and Topless robot.[19]

Currently there are 10 episode in "Season One" and the League has announced the intent to produce Season Two.

Film Festivals

Selected episodes from the League's web series have appeared in the following Film Festivals:

Podcast

In January 2011, the League began a podcast which they titled “STEAM Geeks”. In these podcasts members of the group gather to discuss topics of interest to members of the steampunk community, conduct reviews and answer mail from the audience.

Members

The League has several main members that constitute the "ghostbusters", as well as support performers that perform as vampires, werewolves and poltergeists. The main performers of the League are:

References

  1. ^ Liz Ohanesian (Mar. 31 2010). "Steampunk Ghostbusters Mash-Up Featuring The League of S.T.E.A.M.e". LA Weekly. http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/mash-up/steampunk-ghostbusters-remix/. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  2. ^ "League of Steam onstage with Abney Park". March 9, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4c5y5o0Xd4. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  3. ^ KMB (July 31, 2009). "Steampunks Elucidate Their Universe!". FrockTalk.com. http://frocktalk.com/?p=1293. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  4. ^ Erik Davis (Jan 12th 2009). "Fan Made: Steampunk Ghostbusters". LA Weekly. http://www.cinematical.com/2009/01/12/fan-made-steampunk-ghostbusters/. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  5. ^ Liz Ohanesian (Sep. 20 2009). ""Best of" Awards: Pirates Versus Steampunks at Pyrate Daze". LA Weekly. http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/events/pirates-versus-steampunks-at-p/. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  6. ^ Liz Ohanesian (Jan. 19 2010). "The League of S.T.E.A.M.: Steampunk Interactive Paranormal Performance". LA Weekly. http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/synthful/league-of-steam-steampunk-inte/. Retrieved 2010-07-22. 
  7. ^ Jeff Rector. "The Labyrinth of Jareth Fantasy Masquerade Ball XII Review - A weekend of Enchantment, Inspiration and Fantasy". LA Splash Magazine. http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Entertainment/cat_index_la_events/The_Labyrinth_of_Jareth_Fantasy_Masquerade_Ball.php. Retrieved 2010-04-07. 
  8. ^ "League of S.T.E.A.M.'s Boiler Room Bash Pt. 01". January 5, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPBOXO63DcU. Retrieved 2011-01-27. 
  9. ^ "ArtSlant - October 14th, 2010 - November 7th, 2010, Beacon Arts Building". http://www.artslant.com/la/events/show/126656-ghost-stories-happenings-hauntings-and-curiosities. Retrieved 2011-01-27. 
  10. ^ Greg Stacy (August 22, 2009). "Who shall you call, good sir? Why, none but the League of S.T.E.A.M., but of course!". Monsters and Rockets. http://www.monstersandrockets.com/2009/08/who-shall-you-call-good-sir-why-none.html. Retrieved 2010-04-07. 
  11. ^ "Steampunk Ghostbusters from the California Steampunk Convention". March 9, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnkCHhQpMU0. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  12. ^ Angela Carone (July 28, 2009). "Steampunks Raise the Costume Bar at Comic-Con". KPBS.org. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/jul/28/steampunk-style-raises-costume-bar-comic-con/. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  13. ^ a b Liz Ohanesian (Jul. 27 2009). "Comic-Con's Steampunk Revolution, It's Coming". LA Weekly. http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/comic-con-2009/steampunk-revolution/. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  14. ^ "The League of Steam and their Zombie, Zed". May 26, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h6giZnqgbM. Retrieved 2011-01-27. 
  15. ^ "League of Steam @ Steamcon II". November 22, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q43fIfYmIhs. Retrieved 2011-01-27. 
  16. ^ http://www.mtv.com/videos/panic-at-the-disco/619867/the-ballad-of-mona-lisa.jhtml#id=1518071
  17. ^ Cory Doctorow (March 15, 2010). "Steampunk St Patrick's day video". http://www.boingboing.net/2010/03/15/steampunk-st-patrick.html. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  18. ^ "League of STEAM: Fool’s Gold". March 17, 2010. http://theawesomer.com/league-of-steam-fools-gold/28554/. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  19. ^ Rob Bricken (Mar. 31 2010). "Who Are You Going to Call... on Alexander Graham Bell's New-Fangled Electric Telegraph Device?". http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/03/who_are_you_going_to_call_on_alexander_graham_bell.php. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 

External links