League of STEAM
The League of S.T.E.A.M. ("Supernatural and Troublesome Ectoplasmic Apparition Management"), a.k.a. the "Steampunk Ghostbusters", is an American performance art troupe from Southern California popular in the steampunk community and specializing in live interactive themed entertainment. 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 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. The W.A.T.C.H.. The League has a partnership with The W.A.T.C.H. (Worldwide Alliance for the Tracking of Creatures and Haunts) led by Coyote and Ellie Copperbottom. Through the W.A.T.C.H. the League uses Junior League W.A.T.C.H. members who are hopefuls to become a part of the League and go on adventures. They are called by the League, "redshirts". A couple of Junior League W.A.T.C.H. members have appeared in recent web episodes. 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, California. 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. 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, TheAwesomer.com and Topless robot. Season 2 featured guest stars, including  Mythbusters' Grant Imahara and Doug Jones (of "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Hellboy" fame). In 2012, the League was nominated for International Academy of Web Television (IAWTV) awards in three categories: Best Design (Art Direction/Production), Best Costume Design and Best Makeup/Special Effects. They won the Best Costume Design and Best Makeup/Special Effects categories. Their third season began in August 2014, guest starring veteran actor and voice actor Phil LaMarr. 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: