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• Bookings open for Le Cirque De Nuit 2018

  Mar 22, 2018 0 Comments

  

  Magic sparkles across the skies above Idle Rogue as the beloved production, Le Cirque de Nuit awakens for 2018.

  Basing their work on Erin Morgenstern’s novel, The Night Circus, dance entertainers, Idle Rogue Productions lead enchanted audiences back into a steampunk circus that is traditionally performed over the Easter break, this year on March 30 and 31 and April 1 at 7pm , with an additional matinee performance on March 31 at 3pm.

  The 2018 Production is directed by Blaze DeVivre with the assistance of Sho Kyong.

  Morgenstern’s story, set in the 19th century and traversing Europe and the US, is an intrigue that sees a natural-born magician pitted in ruthless competition against a highly trained illusionist. The arena for their battle is a traveling circus, and each bout adds more dazzling illusion to the wildly popular but always enigmatic Night Circus.

  

   Using the novel’s setting as a background to their own stories, Idle Rogue’s production features dance acts with steampunk, illusion and circus themes, each built, as is the Idle Rogue tradition, by the dancer performing it. True to the novel, the Circus acts, props and costumes are created in black and white.

   Dance acts are interspersed with viewings of art installations constructed in blazing colour and this year’s prestigious roll call sees installations by ToySoldier Thor, Noma Falta, Exhibitionista Nirvana, Candace Kuhn & Tozh Taurog, Gloriana Maertens, Crap Mariner, Voodoo Shilton, Gamma Infinity and Maar Volous.

   This year’s production includes a special guest appearance by Seanchai Library, who will provide pre-show entertainment with readings from The Night Circus by Cale Skytower, whose story-telling skills are unmatched in Second Life, adding a literary lustre we think our audiences will thoroughly enjoy.

   Bookings:

   Bookings for the 2018 season of Le Cirque De Nuit open on March 22nd at 4:00pm. From that hour onward, you will be able to IM Saturday Melody inworld to add your name to the allocation list, time stamps will ensure bookings are processed fairly. Leave a message indicating your first and second performance preferences and the names of those in your booking. Be sure to check the Autoresponse message that will be generated when you open Saturday’s IM for updated details for any scheduling changes.

   Please note: Idle Rogue’s fan group – Guerilla Burlesque Exclusive – receive first and best preference to all shows on Idle Rogue. This affects bookings as follows:

   March 30 – 7pm performance – Guerilla Burlesque Exclusive only

  March 31 – 3pm performance – 20 seats for exclusive group, 20 seats for general admission

  March 31 – 7pm performance – 20 seats for exclusive group, 20 seats for general admission

  April 1 – 7pm performance – 20 seats for exclusive group, 20 seats for general admission

  The sim will be locked to all but those whose names are on the access list at each show, unless the seat limit of 40 guests total is not filled, at which time the sim will be opened for general audience intake. Please allow for the Linden Lab limitation of 10% of the avatar limit (5-10 avatars)held for premium memberships. While we will do everything within our capacity to ensure you can access the sim on the night you have booked, please note this arrangement is a courtesy only and no obligation is implied.

   All performances will include an after-party event featuring steampunk and electro-swing tunes and an opportunity to meet with the cast and crew. No admission is charged to Le Cirque de Nuit, but you are encouraged to consider tipping the production to affray individual and group expenses. When you are attending any animated show in Second Life, please reduce your impact on the sim’s resources by removing scripted huds and devices, and face and body lighting.

   

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   Reprinted by permission from the Idle Rogue Blog

  http://idlerogue.org/2018/03/22/bookings-open-for-le-cirque-de-nuit-2018/

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• A Storyteller's Notebook: September 2017

  Sep 20, 2017 0 Comments

    

  This Month Featuring: Events and Venues Presenting Stories Regularly 

  We are heading into the "High Story" time of year.  That is not intended as a disrespectful co-opting to the Jewish High Holy Days.  Late September to early April seems to be the time of year, at least in the northern hemisphere, when we think the most of stories and sharing them - usually around a crackling fire.  That tradition goes way back to early humans living in caves.  There will be more call for "themed" story events over the next six months, especially as more and more virtual activities find ways to incorporate live stories into their planning. 

  Yet, stories happen regularly, around the grid every week, every month.  Before we plunge into the season, let's take a moment to look at the places and people who present stories in Second Life all year round.  The variety of different types on venues is interesting, as are the genres presented. This list includes primarily English speaking events - there must be more all across our international Second Life grid.  Imagine!

  Be sure and scroll all the way to the bottom of the list for some additional notes on poetry events and where many of these events are listed.  All times listed are SLT.

  

  EVENTS WHICH REPEAT DURING THE WEEK

  2AM, MONDAY through FRIDAY - READING WITH CATA, WBH Imagination Island - MIE Literary Salon

  Cata Charisma gives an open invitation for people who want to share what they are reading and discuss it as they go.  This event is great for English-Second-Language readers, and people who want to improve their understanding if what they read.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Inspiration%20Island/61/19/22

  3:15PM,  MONDAY & THURSDAY - BOUDICCA Reads .... The Chronicles of Narnia, Bou's Reading @ Peregrine's

  Journeys to the end of the world, fantastic creatures, and epic battles between good and evil—what more could anyone ask for in one book?  The book that has it all is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, written in 1949 by Clive Staples Lewis. But Lewis did not stop there. Six more books followed, and together they became known as The Chronicles of Narnia.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Evanescent/221/218/22

  7PM, MONDAY through THURDAY - SEANCHAI LIBRARY, Seanchai Library at HollyKaiPark

  Literature and original stories presented live in voice by one of the grids longest presenting spoken word venues.  Seanchai Library is a library out loud.  Check the website for specific titles and schedule details. www.seanchailibrary.com

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/215/43/27

  9AM, TUESDAY & THURSDAY - READINGS FROM THE FOREST TRADITION - BUDDHISM, Buddhism - Art & Meditation

  The BuddhaCenter offers, each Tue & Fri (exceptions announced), an enjoyable and informative presentation read  live in voice.  We'll be drawing our texts from Ajahn Sumedho's transcribed oral teachings, which always prove enlightening & entertaining.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Buddhism/128/129/22

  5 PM, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, & SATURDAY - H.P. LOVECRAFT READINGS. Innsmouth Visitors Center

  Innsmouth's Visitor Center Overseer, Virginia, reads live from selected works of HP Lovecraft.  Join us at SL's legendary Innsmouth, tribute to the Granddaddy of Horror and Weird Fiction.  

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Innsmouth/15/246/54

  

  TUESDAY

  11:30AM - STORYCIRCLE at Brithombar Havens. Brithombar Havens of the Falas

  Teren and Imi will be sharing  poems and stories from the fantasy genre: currently reading from the "Guardians of Flame" series by J. Rosenberg. Come and listen, or read. You are always welcome!

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pinkwater/126/79/29

   

  WEDNESDAY

  2PM - WRITTEN WORD OPEN MIC, Waterstage and Writer's Circle on Cookie

  Sing a song, recite a poem or read a play. Do you have a novel to share? We would love to hear your voice, your words or a favorite author. We will read for you if needed, until you dare.  Come one, come all!

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cookie/15/244/22

  2PM - HARRY POTTER READINGS @ Book Island, Book Island Main Square

  Selina Greene will be reading from Harry Potter Series in the main square on BookIsland. Come and listen to one of the most universally well known modern classics of our time. Relive Harry's journey to wizardhood and Hogwarts and the new friends and adventures that lie ahead.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/171/198/36

  5PM - TALES with FRIENDS. Seanchai Library at HollyKaiPark

  A  time for friends to gather once more to share their stories.  Join Fayleen, Ian, and Corwyn in the Fireside Room at Seanchai Library.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/215/43/27

  9PM - STORYTIME AT SLACKER'S CAFE & COFFEEHOUSE, Slackers Cafe & Coffee House

  Join us for Storytime at Slackers! Enjoy donuts and coffee or tea and an eclectic mix of Science Fiction stories.

   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jeogori/51/182/104

  

  FRIDAY

  2 PM - VT READS from DISCWORLD, Library at the i-Patch

  VT Torvalar reads from the fertile canon of author and imaginative genius, Terry Pratchett. 

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Neomah/141/179/27

  6PM - BIRDIE'S STORY HOUR, Birdie's Reading Circle, Birdie Wilderness, Satori

  After playing on the beach it grows dark and we gather 'round the fire for thrilling stories of 'Occult Mysteries', ' the Golden Age of Weird', 'Spook Stories', and other thrilling, chilling short stories of the fantastic, and mysterious.  Only adult or fantasy avatars please.  Some stories contain adult themes and content.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Satori/199/29/24

   

  SATURDAY

  7AM - 100 WORD STORIES w/ R. Crap Mariner, Reading Room, ClocktreePark, Edloe

  One a day, until the day I die (dot com). Stories from the podcast, new and old.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Edloe/139/124/71

  8AM - C.S. Lewis' OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET at Amatsu Shima, Amatsu Attic

  Here begin the adventures of the remarkable Dr. Ransom who is abducted by a megalomaniacal physicist and his accomplice and taken by spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra. He doesn't realize that their purpose is his sacrifice. "First published in 1943, 'Out of the Silent Planet' remains a mysterious and suspenseful tour de force."

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Amatsu%20Shima/23/56/863

  11AM - COLD SHOT PLAYERS - Writers and Readers, WholeBrainArtsCenter

  1st and 3rd Saturdays a scene writing dash. 2nd and 4th Saturdays reading scenes in open mic.   Cold Shot Play Readers and Writers is an Ensemble for people who love the theatrical arts. We get together to read and write short scenes and one act plays. We love to chat about scenes, characters, classic plays, experimental theater, and anything else related to the theatrical arts.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Inspiration%20Island/209/218/702

  

  SUNDAY

  8 AM - STORYTIME on Outer Island, Outer Island

  Having a story read to you is the best!  Gemma open the door to their own personal clubhouse/library space as Gemma's Dad share great adventures, foul and fair. Very kid avatar friendly event. Note: This event happens on private land which is opened just for this weekly session,  if you are interested in attending you should contact John or Gemma Morland.

  10AM - STORIES WITH SOKI @ SLC, Second Life Children - Youthspot

  Everyone is welcome at the SLC Playground for storytime, even "grnups" ... bring your friends and be prepared to sit back and enjoy!  Very kid avatar friendly event.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Owasco/254/153/57

  1PM - BOOK ISLAND OPEN MIC, Book Island

  Selina Green and other denizens of BookIsland host this weekly open mic to share works in progress and favorites.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/55/44/25

  1:30PM - TEA TIME, Seanchai Library at HollyKaiPark

  Enjoy a virtual tea time with readings from the Sherlock Holmes canon as well as other literature. Check the website for specific titles and schedule details. www.seanchailibrary.com

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/215/43/27

  5PM - MERE CHRISTIANITY  by C.S. Lewis, Aloha Promises - Tiki Hut

  Please join Ally and I on Sunday night for an evening to honoring Christ through a reading from "Mere Christianity" as written by C.S. Lewis and read by me, Michael Romani.  There will be an opportunity to discuss the readings

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whispers/240/215/21

  6PM (Bi-Weekly) - MAGICLAND STORYTIME, The Golden Horseshoe, MagiclandPark

  Storytime at this popular venue in the Disney tribute region focuses primarily on the original source material that inspired the Disney Company to produce live and animated feature films, occasionally wandering into the realm of conjecture to read stories we're sure Walt Disney would have wanted to make into features had he known about them, or if they had been written during his lifetime.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bracket/180/56/31

  

  ***

  Every event takes a break.  So be sure and check in SLEvent listings, or at the venue for updates on what is being presented. These postings are accurate as of today: October 20, 2017

  All of these events are listed in the daily notecards distributed to my Stories Unlimited! subscriber information group (send me - Caledonia Skytower - a notecard with your name if you'd like to be added).

  If you are interested in poetry (which also tells a story) there are a wide range of weekly poetry events and open mics.  Klannex Northmead publishes a weekly notecard - The Apple - on Saturdays. The Apple covers over two dozen poetry events throughout the week.  Contact Klannex if you would like to be added to his distribution list.  The Apple weekly card is also included in the Sunday Stories Unlimited! notice.

  Know of a cool spoken word venue or project?  Send me a notecard (Caledonia Skytower) with the basics and a landmark, and I will be happy to check them out as a possible feature.

   Locations pictured in this article, from top to bottom:

  • Slacker's Cafe and Coffeehouse
  • The Buddha Center
  • Seanchai Library at Holly Kai Park
  • Book Island, Main Square
  • The Clock Tree, Edloe
  • The Golden Horseshoe, Magicland Park

  This Month's Quote:  “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

  ― May Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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• POETRY OF THE PLANETS Opens on LEA 4

  Apr 2, 2017 1 Comments

  

  A new project opens on Linden Endowment for the Arts Region 4 Sunday, April 2nd.  Poetry of the Planets is a community poetry project conceived and created by Caledonia Skytower, known best for her work with Seanchai Library.  Skytower combines her decades of real world professional experience in theatrical design, with a life long involvement in both vocal and instrumental music, to conjure an installation whose intent is to inspire the writing of poetry.

  No stranger to writing Skytower, who has self-published nine titles of of fiction, poetry and reflective essays, sees this as a re-arrangement of something she has been doing for years. "This goes back to the beginning of my career, before i designed my first musicals and operettas.  I would always come up with a play list of music to have running while I worked on a show. I was weened on Disney's Fantasia, and I have a keen appreciation for how music can heighten a creative journey."

  Inspired by Gustav Holst's symphonic suite The Planets, Skytower has created seven "planets"  in the air above LEA 4, each themed to a different movement:  Venus; the Bringer of Peace, Mercury: the Winged Messenger, etc. Residents can teleport from the terrain level to each location, use a URL link station to play that particular movement of Holst's symphony in their internet browser, explore the environment that has been inspired by the music, and are then invited to be inspired themselves to write poetry.

  Poems can be submitted  to be the featured poem of the day on the  Poetry of the Planets project blog, which will also be shared on facebook and Google +. Writers retaining full rights to their compositions.   In May, Skytower will select poems to be featured at a live reading event.  Additionally, a poetry resource center is available at LEA 4 for those interested in cultivating their muse.

  Information can be found on the project blog, and at the installation itself.  Poetry of the Planets will be open through the end of May on LEA 4.

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA4/130/119/30

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• FILLING THE CAULDRON: Artists, Musicians, and Creators Come Together to Support One of Their Own

  Mar 29, 2017 0 Comments

  

  Residents are familiar with the large scale fundraising activities on the Second Life Grid: mustering a world-wide volunteer base on an economic virtual platform to raise thousands of dollars for such causes as the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Live and Learn in Kenya's "Feed a Smile," Creations Park’s work to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Hundreds of volunteers donate time, talent, and treasure to make these virtual activities have a real world impact. Every now and again the opportunity comes along for such efforts to be personal. Filling the Cauldron - Saturday April 1st through Sunday, April 9th - is such an opportunity.

  

  Elicio Ember is a brilliant Second Life creator and artist, known for highly imaginative plants and fantasy designs provided through his Cerridwen's Cauldron brand, and for his generous spirit and his involvement in charitable events such as Fantasy Faire. A serious stroke suffered by his father has left Elicio and his sisters with profound medical expenses. The medical situation in Mexico, where Elicio and his family reside, does not provide reasonable medical support for the care and rehabilitation that will be required. Dozens of artists, musicians, and creators who only know Elicio through his creations and generosity have banded together to fill his "Cauldron" - raising money to help Elicio and his family.

  Filling the Cauldron is a week-long celebration of Elicio's work in Second Life beginning this Saturday, April 1st. The nine day jubilee will feature live performances, music, over 20 vendor stalls (including Roawenwood, Ozimals, and Fallen Gods), an Art Show with the work of supportive artists as well as Elicio's own works, and both silent and live auctions of unique items contributed to the fundraising effort by their creators.  Live events kick off at 9 am slt Saturday with musician Lazarus Doghouse.

  

   The Holly Kai Estate is host to all these features and more.  Over half a dozen designers have created fanciful gardens using pieces from the Cerridwen's Cauldron catalogue for the Design a Garden Contest.  Visitors can vote for their favorite garden creation, as well as place their votes in the Filling the Cauldron Photo Contest. Cerridwen's Corner will provide an opportunity to purchase a sampling of Elicio's creations, and to visit his main store.

  This amazing gathering of talent clearly pays tribute to Ember's contributions to Second Life as both artist and generous spirit, including pieces from his real world artworks available in the silent auction.  "So many people have been touched by Elicio's kindness, and found joy in his art," said Inara Pey, organizer, "This is such a tremendous tribute to the many lives he has touched."  "There are so many unique one-of-a-kind items to be got at this event," added Saffia Widdershins, also among the organizers, "I hope that people will take advantage of the opportunity to get some of these items and have it benefit such a wonderful person and his family when they really need the help."

  Filling the Cauldron officially opens at 12:00am slt on Saturday, April 1st and continues until midnight on Sunday, April 9th.

  More information on the event including schedule, and letter from Elicio himself, can be found at: https://cauldronweb.wordpress.com/

  Letter from Elico: https://cauldronweb.wordpress.com/about/a-letter-from-elicio/

   

  SLURLS

  FTC Entertainment: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/53/152/23

  FTC Main Welcome Area:

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/198/104/29

  CERRIDWEN’S CORNER

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/126/132/2002

  All Images provided by Inara Pey

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• Final Series Begins at Baker Street

  Nov 5, 2016 0 Comments

  

  Sunday, November 6th marks the beginning of the final story series at Seanchai Library's Baker Street build, currently a guest at the University of Washington iSchool in Second Life.  Kayden Oconnell, John Morland, and Caledonia Skytower will begin Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Sign of Four at 1:30pm (slt), live in voice. The series will be presented in four one hour sessions each Sunday, at the same time, concluding November 27th.

  The story is set in 1888. The Sign of the Four has a complex plot involving service in East India Company, India, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a stolen treasure, and a secret pact among four convicts ("the Four" of the title) and two corrupt prison guards. It presents the detective's drug habit and humanizes him in a way that had not been done in the preceding novel, A Study in Scarlet (1887). It also introduces Doctor Watson's future wife, Mary Morstan.

  Like all of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes novels, excepting The Hound of the Baskervilles, the story is presented in two major sections: the present, in which a seeming crime is committed; and the past where in the real crime was committed.

  The novel first appeared in the February 1890 edition of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine. The British edition of the magazine originally sold for a shilling, and the American for 25 cents. Surviving copies are now worth several thousand dollars.

  

  Seanchai Library's Baker Street was built for its Crazy Eights anniversary project at Linden Endowment for the Arts last winter and spring. Ran Hinrich, of the University of Washington invited Seanchai to bring Baker Street to the iSchool and to present a "summer stock" series which has extended into the fall.  The build, which features a number of information and resource links related to the Holmesian canon, will remain on UW Avalumni Island until the end of December. 

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/UW%20Avalumni/168/182/22

  For more information on Seanchai Library visit http://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/

   

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