Man, 96, holds pre-emptive wake

BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- A 96-year-old photographer in Oregon said he decided to plan and hold his own wake prior to his death so he could attend the event.

Hugh Ackroyd, 96, said he held the wake for family and friends Sunday at the Beaverton home of friend Edda Sigurdar, The Oregonian reported Monday.

"Well, why not?" Ackroyd said of leading his own wake. "Why bother when (I'm) dead?"

Ackroyd, a father of two whose wife died about 12 years ago, sat in his padded wheelchair and greeted his friends as they arrived for the event. He said one of his favorite items at the wake was a wreath bearing a ribbon reading: "Eventually, Hugh, rest in peace."

"It's quite magnificent," Ackroyd said of his wake.

via upi.com

Now we can advertise the Bumpers Crossroads episode "Bradbury's Funeral Home" as being "ripped from tomorrow's headlines". Although, Ron, I have to say I'm sorry you didn't think of that wreath.

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Phrenotherapy on the go

via techeblog.com

Apparently they've chosen to go with the "happiness hat" instead of "electroyamulke" or "phrenobeanie".

Is this a joke? I'm not sure, but I don't think so.

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Breaking Radio Silence! ARTC News

Greetings everyone and welcome to the ARTC newsletter, published on or around the first Tuesday of each month! The purpose of a newsletter is to bring news, so let's begin with news about...

Studio Productions:
We're working hard to have An Atlanta Christmas on CD and Audible.com by the holidays. Other titles nearing completion include Throne of Shadows, Country of the Blind, and the return of Kissed by a Stranger. We're also booking studio time for early next year.

What will we record? You tell us!
(Only the first 100 responses will be accepted due to account limitations. Want to sponsor ARTC's surveying capabilities? Let us know!)
(Hrm...Surveymonkey...MailChimp...lotta primates around here lately...)

And don't forget our already extensive catalog!
Think CDs are old hat? ARTC is available by download at Audible.com, iTunes, and Amazon!

The Newsletter:
The first newsletter sent out via MailChimp was a smashing success! We've begun the process of replacing the subscription links that previously went to PHPList (our old provider) with links that go to the brand-spanking-new MailChimp signup form. As before, if you have any trouble let us know so we can make with the fixes.

Live Performances:

ARTC's next live performance will be at the Academy Theatre on December 5 and 6 where we will once again bring you An Atlanta Christmas by Thomas E. Fuller. If you've never heard this one, then you're in for a real Southern treat as we bring you a regional look at the holidays throughout history. Brimming with that unique Southern perspective, An Atlanta Christmas will bring back memories of Christmases past, our city's past, and our past in this family-friendly celebration of the season.

Welcome, welcome one and all to our family Christmas! To every family Christmas that ever was or ever will be! Behold the traditional Christmas tree weighted down with ornaments and decorations! Every five year old's Christmas morning writ large and come true! For one day a year, the Theater of the Mind gives way to a warm hearth and a bowl of gingerbread – and when from the roof there arises a clatter, it's neither a faceless monster nor a Martian. It's Christmas.

In January we'll be returning to Chattacon (programming to be announced) and in March we'll wrap up the Academy Theatre season with The Last Dragon to Avondale (also on Audible.com)by Thomas E. Fuller.

More details to be included in future newsletters. As always, expect more great audio drama and occasional musical guests at these public performances!

Handy reference link for the ARTC performance calendar.

Getting Involved:
Ever wanted to help out ARTC but you weren't sure how? Email us and let us know! There's all kinds of things that can be done from anywhere in the world. Or if you have an idea for something you'd like to help out with, let us know that, too! We're always eager to welcome new people into our fold in whatever way works best for them!

ARTC Podcast:
The ARTC podcast for October featured, fresh from our Dragon*Con show, the first part of The Call of Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft, adapted for audio by Ron N. Butler. If you missed it at Dragon*Con AND at the Academy Theatre, here's your chance. But I have to tell you...we really missed you at those shows.

Tune in on the second Thursday of each month at 8pm for more free audio drama from ARTC!

Snippets from the Static:

• The pictures are pretty, but we selected this link because it mentions Loch Ness and Lake Vostok and has a picture of a Shoggoth.
• Butterflies with ears on their wings. Now everybody can enjoy a little audio drama.
• 12 Unfinished SF novels. What's this got to do with audio drama? Well, one reason is that we like classic SF as much as anyone. Another is that we do adaptations from time to time. The third is a secret.

Off-dial Programming:
ARTC has had dozens, if not hundreds, of members in its run since 1984, and they don't just do radio drama. Look for these ARTC members in performances around the Atlanta area...and beyond!

• The Academy Theatre hosts more performances than just ARTC! Check out their performance calendar!
• Need that special feeling that only live Christmas caroling can bring to your holiday event? Check out the Toast of Christmas Past! Owned and operated by longtime ARTC member Fiona K. Leonard, these acapella carolers can be contacted and booked by calling 404-313-3491.
• Former ARTC President Geoffrey M. Brown in his production company, Dancing Monkey Cabaret!
• One of ARTC's favorite musical guests, Juliana Finch, is touring around the country. Full tour calendar here!

Got something for Snippets from the Static or Off-dial Programming? Broadcast it this way!

As always:
Remember that more information about us and audio drama in general can be found at www.artc.org. Please feel encouraged to forward this newsletter to any and all who may have an interest in New Old-Time Radio, audio drama, or just using your imagination. You can contact us through the website or by emailing info@artc.org. Archives of these newsletters as well as other information may be found at blog.artc.org.

Handy social networking links:
Follow ARTC on Twitter!
Become a fan of ARTC on Facebook!
Check out our random updates on LiveJournal!
See pictures of audio drama in our Gallery!
and continue your support of audio drama with ARTC merchandise at Woodrow's Mercantile (hosted by Cafe Press)

There is Adventure in Sound!

The Amazing Adventures of Lil' Cthulhu

via toplessrobot.com

I'm... speechless.

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Lovecraft 101: Get To Know The Master of Scifi-Horror

You've heard about Cthulhu, and you've probably heard about the man who created this tentacled horror, H.P. Lovecraft. Now you want to try delving into the world of Lovecraft, but where to start? Let us help you.

via io9.com

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Noises Off II

via newsfromme.com

Last December, the above-referenced production of That Christmas Play went before the boards, although according to Mark Evanier it might have been better to have the boards go first and let the play follow as best it could.

Ya wanta know the topper? The same producer is trying to put it together again this year as a road show (as if the technical and mechanical problems will be easier to fix in a different venue every two or three performances), but two of the six planned cities have not booked yet, and a third just cancelled. 

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

ARTC on PBA Atlanta

• This is Atlanta with Alicia Steele

Atlanta Radio Theatre Company

The popularity of radio theatre waned with the advent of television, but a group of actors, writers, and sound technicians in Atlanta is maintaining this largely forgotten art form.

The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company (or ARTC, pronounced “Art-see”) has entertained, amused, thrilled, and terrified audio drama enthusiasts since 1984. Although specializing in horror and science fiction, ARTC shows its mastery of the art and craft of audio drama in any number of genres. Bill Ritch, the group’s president, says the appeal of radio theatre lies in the storytelling tradition. ARTC is just spinning a spooky tale around the campfire, so to speak, but with sound effects!

ARTC shows have been featured on a number of radio stations in Atlanta, but currently the best way to experience them is via CD or podcast. Or, for the full-on ARTC experience, you can attend one of their live shows at Stage Door Players in Dunwoody. There, you can see just how they craft their sound effects and manipulate microphone placement to achieve their atmospheric audioscapes and create adventures in sound.

www.artc.org

artcpodcast.org

www.stagedoorplayers.net

Watch the video here »

via pba.org

Hey, Mom, I'm on TV!

Actually, these days, our live shows are at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates. In fact, there's one coming up this Saturday and Sunday, and you should drop everything and head over there. Right now. Hey, you want a good seat, right?

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master