League of STEAM
Encyclopedia
The League of S.T.E.A.M. (Supernatural and Troublesome Ectoplasmic Apparition Management), a.k.a. the "Steampunk Ghostbusters", are a Southern Californian performance art troupe popular in the steampunk
community and specializing in live interactive themed entertainment.
, 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
. They are known for their creative steampunk "inventions" (functional props), and have also been written about and interviewed as leading examples of steampunk style.
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.
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
.
. 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
, TheAwesomer.com and Topless robot.
Currently there are 10 episode in "Season One" and the League has announced the intent to produce Season Two.
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.
Steampunk
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s. Steampunk involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usually Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United...
community and specializing in live interactive themed entertainment.
The League
The League of S.T.E.A.M. is modeled after the 1984 film GhostbustersGhostbusters
Ghostbusters is a 1984 American science fiction comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis and follows three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City, who start a...
, translating the idea of a "paranormal pest control service" into a neo-Victorian
Neo-Victorian
Neo-Victorian is an aesthetic movement which amalgamates Victorian and Edwardian aesthetic sensibilities with modern principles and technologies...
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
Abney Park (band)
Abney Park is a band based in Seattle that mixes elements of industrial dance, world music, and steampunk influenced lyrics in their work. Their name comes from Abney Park Cemetery in London...
. They are known for their creative steampunk "inventions" (functional props), and have also been written about and interviewed as leading examples of steampunk style.
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 JarethLabyrinth (film)
Labyrinth is a 1986 British/American fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas, and designed by Brian Froud. Henson collaborated on the screenwriting with children's author Dennis Lee, Terry Jones from Monty Python, and Elaine May .The film stars David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin...
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 AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
area. These shows combine the concept of a Victorian Parlour Evening and a traveling Medicine Show
Medicine show
Medicine shows were traveling horse and wagon teams which peddled "miracle cure" medications and other products between various entertainment acts. Their precise origins unknown, medicine shows were common in the 19th century United States...
. During which the members of the troupe mingle with the crowd, bragging of past exploits, demonstrating their prop gear and telling tall tales
Tall Tales
Tall Tales may refer to:* Tall Tales , 2004* Tall Tales , by American band The Hot Club of Cowtown* "Tall Tales" , an episode of the television series Supernatural-See also:...
.
Past Performances
- Queen Mary Pyrate Daze Festival, Long Beach, CA September 18-20, 2009
- "An Evening with the Unfamiliar: Scientific Investigations of Paranormal Oddities" at Renee's Courtyard Cafe in Santa Monica, CA January 17, 2010
- "An Evening with the Obscure: Scientific Investigations of Paranormal Oddities" at Bar Sinister in Hollywood, CA, March 27, 2010
- Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball, Hollywood, CA, 2010
- "The Boiler Bash:Nothing Bad Can Happen" at Bar Sinister in Hollywood, CA, September 25, 2010
- "Ghost Stories: A Night of Happenings and Hauntings" Beacon Arts Building, October 29, 2010
Conventions and Festivals
- Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball, Hollywood, CA, 2008, 2009
- California Steampunk Convention, 2008
- Comic Con 2009 - Featured steampunk panelists
- Comic Con's steampunk after-party "The Ventricular Engine", at the Radio Room in San Diego, CA, July 2009.
- Maker FaireMaker FaireMaker Faire is an event created by Make magazine to "celebrate arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself mindset".-Past events:The first was held April 22 – 23, 2006, at the San Mateo Fairgrounds...
Bay Area, 2010 - Anime ExpoAnime ExpoAnime Expo, abbreviated AX, is an American anime convention held in Los Angeles, California and organized by the non-profit Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation . With rare exceptions, the convention is traditionally held on the July 4th weekend and lasts for four days...
2010 - Featured steampunk panelists - Comic Con's steampunk after-party "The League of Temporal Adventurers First Society Gala", in San Diego, CA, July 2010.
- DragonCon 2010 - steampunk panelists
- SteamconSteamconSteamcon is one of the largest regional steampunk conventions/symposia in the United States. Located in the Seattle area of Washington state, Steamcon held its first symposium in 2009.-Overview:...
II, 2010
Music Videos
- Appeared in Panic! at the DiscoPanic! at the DiscoPanic! at the Disco is an American alternative rock duo, formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Since its split, the band's line-up includes Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith . Former members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker left the group in 2009...
's music video The Ballad of Mona LisaThe Ballad of Mona Lisa"The Ballad of Mona Lisa" is a song by American rock band Panic! at the Disco, released February 1, 2011 as the first single from the group's third studio album, Vices & Virtues...
. The League's full ensemble cast appear in key roles in the video. They also brought in additional cast members to further populate the scene and create a richer atmosphere with a unified aesthetic. In addition, The League's Creative Director Nick Baumann acted as the production’s primary steampunk consultant.
Guest Appearances
- Performed with Abney Park at the Knitting FactoryKnitting FactoryThe Knitting Factory is a music venue and concert house with locations in Brooklyn, Boise, Reno, and Spokane. The club originally specialized in jazz and experimental music and has expanded to showcasing all genres of music, performing arts and comedy....
in Los Angeles, August 15, 2009
Web Series
In November 2009, The League began producing a series of comedic webisodes that were released on youTubeYouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
. 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
Supernatural
The supernatural or is that which is not subject to the laws of nature, or more figuratively, that which is said to exist above and beyond nature...
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
Boing Boing
Boing Boing is a publishing entity, first established as a magazine, later becoming a group blog.-History:...
, TheAwesomer.com and Topless robot.
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:- Dragon Con 2010
- World Con 2010
- The Anaheim International Film Festival - New Media Expo 2010
- Valley Film Festival 2010
- The Tri-City Independent Film Festival 2010
- The Fargo Fantastic Film Festival 2010
- The Feel Good Film FestivalThe Feel Good Film FestivalThe Feel Good Film Festival , also known as the Sunflower Film Festival, is held annually in Hollywood, California. The Festival is the largest of its kind showcasing American, international, independent, and family-friendly films from all around the world that leave the audience feeling good...
2010 - The Talent One Media Film Festival 2010
- The Rose City Steampunk Film Festival 2011
Podcast
In January of 2011, the League began a podcastPodcast
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
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:- Crackitus Potts (Nicholas Baumann), Ghoul Containment Specialist - Co-founder of the group, Crackitus carries a backpack (the Phantom Eradication Apparatus) which can deliver bursts of "high pressure steam" to disperse ghostly apparitions. Crackitus has also invented a "hunting utility gun" (HUG) which can fire a detaining net. His stage nameStage nameA stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
is a play on the main character from the movie, Chitty Chitty Bang BangChitty Chitty Bang BangChitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car is a children's book written by Ian Fleming for his son Caspar, with illustrations by John Burningham...
(which in itself was a play on "crackpot", a slang term for an eccentric inventor). - Professor Jager (Scott Folsom), Ectoplasmic Apparition Containment Specialist - Co-founder of the group, Jager's backpack (the Electro-Ionized Matter Cannon) powers a "steam cannon" which can fire a variety of objects. Jäger (ˈjɛːɡɐ as in Yeager) is the German word for "hunter".
- JayAre Jr. (James Lavrakas), Ectoplasmic Auditory Tracking Specialist - The youngest of the group, JayAre (according to the League's fiction) was a student of Thomas EdisonThomas EdisonThomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman. He developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. In addition, he created the world’s first industrial...
. JayAre's backpack (the Electronic Voice Recorder) is supposedly a machine designed to pick up Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs), capturing them with a large phonographPhonographThe phonograph record player, or gramophone is a device introduced in 1877 that has had continued common use for reproducing sound recordings, although when first developed, the phonograph was used to both record and reproduce sounds...
horn and record them onto wax cylinders. - Baron von Fogel (Andrew Fogel), Aerial Tactical Specialist - The Baron's backpack is ostensibly a jet pack for making short controlled flights.
- Sir Conrad Wright III (Conrad Wright), Vampire Elimination Specialist - Known to many colleagues simply as "Vampire Hunter C" (an allusion to the Japanese manga and anime series Vampire Hunter DVampire Hunter Dis a series of Japanese novels written by Hideyuki Kikuchi and illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano since 1983.To date, twenty-two novels have been published in the main series, with some novels comprising as many as four volumes...
), Wright carries an assortment of stakes, crucifixes, garlic and other traditional vampire-hunting apparatus, as well as a wooden stake blunderbuss and twin holy water hand blasters. - Jasper Mooney (Duane Matthews), Lycanthrope Disposal Specialist - The League's expert on were-creatures, Mooney also assists Wright in his vampire-hunting duties.
- Zeddediah (Russell Isler) - Zeddediah, or "Zed" (a slang term for a zombieZombieZombie is a term used to denote an animated corpse brought back to life by mystical means such as witchcraft. The term is often figuratively applied to describe a hypnotized person bereft of consciousness and self-awareness, yet ambulant and able to respond to surrounding stimuli...
), is the zombie twin brother of the League's manservant Thaddeus (also played by Russell Isler), and has been fitted with a restraining collar and trained to be a butler for the group. Like many of the group's "inventions" the collar has been known to malfunction from time to time. - R.O.S.E. (Gail Folsom) - R.O.S.E. ("Reanimate Optimized Search Engine") is the League's clockworkClockworkA clockwork is the inner workings of either a mechanical clock or a device that operates in a similar fashion. Specifically, the term refers to a mechanical device utilizing a complex series of gears....
cyborgCyborgA cyborg is a being with both biological and artificial parts. The term was coined in 1960 when Manfred Clynes and Nathan S. Kline used it in an article about the advantages of self-regulating human-machine systems in outer space. D. S...
, created by Prof. Jager to respond to hazardous situations (such as zombie control) by means of a punch card interface on her back. - Lady Ameliorette Potts (Robin Blackburn), Tactical Coordination Specialist