“Steampunk Theatre” poster by Matt Talbot
Posted on August 26, 2010
The first poster for “An Evening of Steampunk and Robot Theatre” is released! The work was created by the talented Matt Talbot!
» Filed Under art, theater | 10 Comments
Update: Steampunk Anthology Project
Posted on August 23, 2010
Hear ye! Hear ye!
I am looking for actors. Want to act in a short play for charity? Want to help out in other ways? Are you already involved and I neglected to mention you below? Send me an email! Let me know what you can offer.
Without further adieu, here is the definitive list of plays to be released in the upcoming Creative Commons licensed steampunk and robot theater web anthology:
Camping by Judi Currie *
Dead Ringer by David Mariello +
Fabrication by Bob Holt *
G.E. Rock and the Telectroscopic Transmission by Phil Kliger +
Oly 33 Motive by Brian Spielvogel *
Pancakes by John Herman +
Progress by Sean Myers *
Ro-Bro by Jon Frazier +
Seven Sisters by Margaret McAleese +
The Smokers by Leslie Poston – Adapted by Leslie Poston and E. Christopher Clark *
Unplugged by Jessa Rowan +
Untitled #1 by The Attic Bits *
Updates by R. Tompkins and Brandon “Our Hero” Gretter +
Victory by Jacquelyn Benson +
War is Coming by E. Christopher Clark +
With Apologies to Doktor Nietzsche by Chuck Galle *
Zylphia by Chris Bujold *
* Plays that will be released online at midnight September 23rd with original music and visual art created by The Attic Bits, Brian Spielvogel, Matt Talbot, robotmonkeyarm, David Chevalier, Sean Hurley, Joseph K. Murphy, Jon Briggs, Phil Kliger, Natasha Duchene, Stephen Bobbet, and Jeremy Couturier.
+ Plays that will be released online at midnight September 23rd as well as staged at The Players Ring Theater in Portsmouth, NH, September 24th through October 10th, 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm Sunday Sept 26th and Oct 3rd, 2pm on Sunday Oct 10th, directed by Tara McDonough, Emily Briand, Chuck Galle, John Herman, E. Christopher Clark, and Justin Scarelli –with robots and other props made by Sean O’Connell and live music directed by Mike D’Errico.
» Filed Under art, theater | 2 Comments
Internship with Media Power Youth (and me!)
Posted on May 7, 2010
WANTED: Media/literacy and tech interns to work with training staff
June – August (fall internship also available)
Internship description:
Media Power Youth, empowering youth to lead healthy, safe lives through smart use of media, seeks a few creative interns to assist staff in working with teens and new media technologies including creating video for the web and radio production.
You will assist Media Power Youth staff in engaging youth around New Hampshire in highly interactive, fast-paced, intense workshops where they explore how media and marketing creates and sells powerful messages and influences their choices.
You will help youth in production of positive media messages including story boarding, digital editing, directing, producing.
You will assist staff with administrative duties and maintenance of website.
Skills Include:
- Ability to interact with teens, media literacy skills
- You need to use for production: story development, script writing, story boarding, production roles, filming, editing, sound design
- Hardware competencies: Must feel comfortable on a Mac or a PC-based editing system,
must be comfortable with many different consumer camcorders, and Flip-cams - Software competencies: Mac editing software used in workshops: iMovie 6 HD, iMovie 9, Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express, Adobe Photoshop, MS Office
- PC editing software: Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere Elements, Adobe Photoshop, MS Office
Not required, but helpful, driver’s license and car for transportation
Compensation: Small stipend and college credits possible
For more information and to submit a cover letter with resume, contact Lydia Henry at l.henry@mediapoweryouth.org. Visit us at www.mediapoweryouth.org
» Filed Under media makers, new media, video | Leave a Comment
Calling All Writers!
Posted on May 2, 2010
Looking for inspiration? I am looking for original 10-minute one-act plays that are steampunk and/or robot comedies or tragedies. All of the submitted plays will be published on the web as a Creative Commons licensed steampunk short play anthology. The publication will include music and comic book art inspired by the work. Selected plays will be produced on stage at The Players’ Ring Theater of Portsmouth, NH, September 24th to October 10th 2010.
WHAT IS STEAMPUNK?
It is a genre set in the 19th century (often Victorian-era England) featuring prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions (and sometimes alternative history) like those found in the works of HG Wells, Jules Verne, or Mary Shelly. Influences of this evolving genre can be found in contemporary books, movies, television, art, and fashion.
THE PLAN:
Nine plays will be selected for performance. Comic book artists and musicians will produce work inspired by the remaining plays. Audiences and readers will have a cross-media world to explore when the show is launched. All of the submitted plays will be published on the web under a Creative Commons license. The title of the anthology and the collected stage show will come from one of the submitted plays.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Sign up (by dropping a comment below briefly introducing yourself). Write a play. Spread the word.
SUBMITTING YOUR PLAY:
All plays will be submitted to me digitally: john.c.herman“at”gmail.com with the subject heading: STEAM PUNK PLAY SUBMISSION. The final due date for play submissions is July 18th. The roster of plays to be produced will be announced August 1st. At that time, they will be fast tracked into production. The remaining plays will be distributed to visual and musical artists for inspired work creation.
THE WORKSHOP:
Wednesday, July 7th at 5:30pm I will host a gathering for playwrights who want to workshop their submissions. Playwrights are asked to prepare three copies of their work for the event. The physical gathering will take place at Crackskulls, Coffee and Books in Newmarket, NH, and there will also be a live web video chat workshop occurring at the same time for playwrights outside of New England.
Sign up and get writing!
» Filed Under Uncategorized | 13 Comments
Social Media for Authors
Posted on April 19, 2010
I just led a session at Writers’ Day 2010 on the topic of Social Media for Authors. Below you can find my slides which include an overview of resources and general strategies for authors looking to use social media to promote themselves and their work. Thanks to Steve Garfield, author of Get Seen: Online Video Secrets to Building Your Business, and Hugo and Nebula award winning science fiction author James Patrick Kelly for contributing live interviews during my presentation!
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Update: “How to Survive the Strange” web series auditions
Posted on March 12, 2010
How to Survive the Strange web series auditions are this Monday, March 15th at 6pm at Crackskulls in Newmarket, NH. Check out today’s Spotlight entertainment gossip column for some words on the amazing people contacting us.
Now let’s be frank. Open auditions can suck. What, really? It’s true. Listen. They are often characterized by long waits. And actors meet casting directors for only a moment. We, the producers of How to Survive the Strange, have decided to turn the common cattle call (as it is often referred) on its head. We want this audition to be fun! One way we are bringing the fun is that every 15 minutes we will be giving away prizes. Everyone who auditions gets a raffle ticket. And we have more fun planned. Expect the unexpected.
Here are the door prizes:
- Two graphic novels: The Walking Dead and Chew from Double Midnight Comics
- i-ds2 iPod speaker system from Boston Acoustics
- Two Horror themed t-shirts from Bryan White of CinemaSuicide
- The New Dead: zombie short story anthology (signed by two of its authors, including Joe Hill) from John Herman
- $10 Gift Certificate from Double Midnight Comics
- $10 Gift Certificate from Crackskulls
- Two Gourmet Cupcakes Gift Certificate from Old Stove Bake Shoppe
- Soup and Bread Gift Certificate from Souper Moms
- 1 year subscription to NH Magazine from Rick Broussard, editor of NH Magazine
- ArtSpider Advanced-Intermediate level membership from Larry Graykin of ArtSpider
If we collect more prizes, then we will add to the list. Want to offer a prize? Let us know!
(Pictured: Bryan White and John Herman, creators of How to Survive the Strange: the web series. Photo by Brian Turnbull)
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Wheel of Austen, A Winter’s Tale, & Stories I Never Told My Daughter
Posted on January 12, 2010
I am directing “Wheel of Austen” for ImprovBoston. The show is a madcap improv comedy romp in period costume. The show takes the stage every Wednesday in February at 8pm at ImprovBoston in Central Square, Cambridge. Join us for a zany take on Jane Austen’s classic works starring comedians Lisa Cordner, Michelle Boncek, Robert Woo, Chris Bujold, Elyse Schuerman, and Noah Sheola.
Before that, on January 24th I join a great line-up of local writers (Marc Adams, Rachel Forrest, Chuck Galle, Phil Kliger, Sue Poulin, Becky Rule, and Liz Wright) at The Red Door in Portsmouth for an evening of storytelling called A Winter’s Tale. All proceeds ($5 admission) go to the 2010 (H)EAT Campaign sponsored by Seacoast Local. The event starts at 7pm. If you’re a fan of The Moth, spoken-word, or just a good yarn this is an evening not to be missed.
Finally I am acting in “Stories I Never Told My Daughter” February 17th at The Press Room in Portsmouth. The stories include rogues, prostitutes, ambassadors, con men, artists, gangsters, loud-mouths and even an occasional ordinary citizen or two. This is an exciting stage reading of the memoirs of local writer and character Chuck Galle.
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Techno-culture Game Changers in 2010
Posted on December 14, 2009
Remember 2009? That was the year that brought us balloon boy jokes. What will the next year bring? Here are five projections for techno-culture game changers in 2010. What do you think? Make your own projections in the comments.
1. Augmented Reality
You want to eat a hot dog. You type “hot dog” into your smart phone, hold it up, and the screen reveals a real world camera image enhanced with superimposed geo-tagging that not only tells you where to get a hot dog but allows you to rate the hot dog in terms of quality and price. The marriage of the real world and computer data is making people froth at the mouth. And this week Japanese startup Tonchidot announced $4 million in investment for its mobile/social geo-tagging application that boasted 100,000 users in its first four days. Augmented reality is becoming a reality.
2. Project Natal
Controller-free gaming. Let me say that again. Controller-free gaming. What’s possibly next? Remember when Marty McFly showed future kids how to play the shoot ‘em up game? “You mean you have to use your hands? That’s like a baby’s toy!” Rumors point to a November launch, so it’ll be a late year game changer. Nevertheless: Don’t worry future kids, we’re catching up.
3. Rupert Murdoch
The media mogul (with a net worth of $4 billion) wants to take something that is free and charge for it. Specifically he wants to take his news (see: Wall Street Journal) out of the hands of search engines (see: Google) and make others (see: Bing) pay for it. It will be interesting to see him try. Bye bye, Wall Street Journal?
4. Cloud Computing
You are in Best Buy. You ask an employee: “Hey, how much hard drive space does this have?” She answers: “There’s no hard drive space. Everything is saved on the web.” Well, there you have it. Call me crazy? I refer you to the Google Chrome OS. If you’ve been using Google Documents for the past few years, then a transition to complete cloud computing could be refreshing. And the potential for cloud computing in the education field is immense. Just think: students never lose their homework!
5. Apple’s iPad/Tablet/Thingy
It doesn’t matter what it turns out to be. It will be a game changer if it provides the best of the iPhone with everything a Kindle and Nook can do. Bye bye, books? Not yet, but the brand recognition alone will drive this kind of device into the mainstream.
(Hot dog photo by Richard Holden – Remixed – CC BY 2.0)
» Filed Under new media | 4 Comments
Let’s make a difference: right now.
Posted on August 16, 2009
(photo: Lulu, my cat)
The NHSPCA (NH Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a non-profit organization that receives no federal or state funding. They depend solely on community support to care for the 4000 animals that are surrendered to them on a yearly basis. Just this week I visited the NHSPCA and saw the many animals (sheep, horses, cats, bunnies, etc.) that are being cared for. For the next few weeks, I am volunteering my time to drive the Ford Fiesta around the state collecting donations. That’s right. If you want to donate kitten milk replacer, dog food, and cat litter, then I will come to you. Let’s make a difference: right now.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
1. Look at the NHSPCA wish list, purchase items, and contact me for pick up. Every item makes a difference. Want to go a step further? Spread the word. Collect items from friends, family, and co-workers over a few days. I’ll come and pick everything up.
2. Consider donating a special item or service (average value: $300+) for the NHSPCA’s annual silent auction to be held October 16th. Ask me how.
3. This Monday, August 17th, I will be in downtown Peterborough, NH at Club Cannon from 9am to 11am. Stop by and make your donation.
4. This Tuesday, August 18th, I will be performing improv comedy at The Players Ring of Portsmouth at 8 PM. Stop by. Drop off your donation in the theater lobby.
5. This Wednesday, August 19th, I’ll be in downtown Newmarket, NH, this from 5 PM to 7 PM. Stop by and make your donation. I’ll be beside the bright green one-of-a-kind-in-NH Ford Fiesta.
Ready to donate? Email me at john.c.herman “at” gmail.com Tell me where you are, and I will come and get your donations. It’s that simple. I plan on driving everything over to the NHSPCA by the end of the month, so act soon! I’ve been seeing their urgent requests for items, and I really want make a difference.
DO YOU GET TO BE IN ONE OF MY VIDEOS?
If you want to be in a video, then you will have the opportunity. I have a lot of people asking me if they can be in one of these monthly videos. Now is your chance. While I drive around, I will be making a video that will be distributed on Youtube and the Fiesta Movement site.
» Filed Under Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Writing on Golden Pond
Posted on August 8, 2009
(Academy Award Winner Ernest Thompson and John Herman, Photo by P.T. Sullivan)
I attended Ernest Thompson’s inaugural workshop entitled ‘Write On Golden Pond.’ Thompson is the writer of ‘On Golden Pond’ and the writer/director of countless other projects. He’s currently developing a feature length film and web series in NH. For the workshop, the celebrated writer and director literally opens his farm to a collection of writers, putting them through an unexpectedly emotional journey to sincere writing. Everyone present wrote a play over the course of the weekend. The plays were performed at the workshop’s conclusion by a group of talented actors. Thompson colored the weekend with his stories of Hollywood icons like Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn, James Earl Jones, and Julie Andrews. Writers traveled from as far as Walla Walla, Washington to experience the weekend. The workshop is being offered again August 21st through the 23rd. Find out more info at WhiteBridgeFarmProductions.com The workshop is pricey, but it is worth every penny.
In the past year, there has been an explosion of creative activity in New Hampshire. The amount of collaboration and shear creative energy seen at NH Media Makers seems to grow with each month. The NH film scene is on the rise. Writers are coming out of nowhere to join us at All Things Out Loud. Creative minds are really coming out of the woodwork. With people like Ernest Thompson to guide the next wave of creative minds, I feel like our best work is yet to come.
» Filed Under Uncategorized | 2 Comments