WildClaw's Blood Radio

Monstrous Regiment Or Bad girls do it well

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 22:29:00 -0500

This past Monday at Lifeline Theatre in Rogers Park, Chris Hainsworth's adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment premiered.

Chris Hainsworth is one of the Daemon's most favorite WildClaw Artistic Associates. "Something about the scent of his blood..." he said. "Egyptian papyrus, aged tobacco & the ink of an Ancient One." Now, I don't know about all that, but he makes a great mix CD.

I'm not an avid Pratchett reader. Truth be told, I've only read Monstrous Regiment to prepare for the role of Maladict. But Pratchett's Discworld is amazing & rich & HILARIOUS.

If you're in the Chicago area, stop by and check it out!

Our cast and crew are stoopid.

Sarah Price as Polly Perks is new to us in the WildClaw clan, but she's got moxie and we're into it.
Robert Kauzlaric, one-time Deathscribe judge and avid fan of Event Horizon, as Lt. Blouse.
Chris Walsh as Sgt. Jackrum has been known to participate in Deathscribe both as a performer, and in 2011 as a finalist with "Comparing Notes at the End of the World".
Mandy Walsh and I met when I murdered her in Carmilla. "Tonight..." was always hers, and the matches are always hers as Lofty.
Kim Boler is a huge Discworld fan and a regular participant of Bruised Orange's "I Saw You" at the Town Hall Pub. As Tonker, she has a tendency to face off with... Everyone. Always.
John Ferrick is our man of many faces as Corporal Strappi, General Froc, one of Heinrich's biatches & Bernice the washerwoman. He's a friend to the claw and is birthing a monster soon.
Justine Turner is Carborundum. We had to turn down the a/c in the theater to make sure, as the troll, she'd get her lines out in a timely manner.
Katie McLean Hainsworth & I met when I was a bad penny at the very first Deathscribe. As Igor, she's always pulling something out somewhere. Stitching, fixing, lisping.
Matt Engle is our man of many moustaches. He's our Handsome Young Man, Prince Heinrich, Lord Rust, Paul & ... Let's just say he's got to polish himself up a bit. A member of the Factory Theater, he was recently nominated for a Jeff Award for his directorial work on Incident on Run #1217.
Melissa Engle is a sweet dream and our Wazzer.
Oh, and me. I'm Maladict. Yes. Total typecasting.

Edes Prize Winner Depicts Female Pioneer in Radio Sound Effects

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 12:31:00 -0500

There is a great article in the UChicagoNews about the Claire Rosen & Samuel Edes Prize for Emerging Artists that was presented to Lila Newman. Her winning proposal is for a performance piece about Ora D. Nichols who was a pioneer of radio sound effects. A story like this is near and dear to WildClaw's heart and our own glorious radio sound effects crew of women who manage to create magic every year at Deathscribe, the International Festival of Horror Radio Plays.

15 Fantastic Horror Films Directed by Women

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 1 Jun 2014 21:13:00 -0500

Over at Flavorwire, Alison Nastasi has put together a list of 15 horror films by women My personal favorite - NEAR DARK by Kathryn Bigelow. "Finger-lickin' good!"

Whatta Ya Know? Women Like Horror.

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 1 Jun 2014 21:04:00 -0500

Here at WildClaw Theatre we know a thing or two about horror fans. Odds are they're a woman. And now we have the Los Angeles Times reporting on this fact. In this story.

Horror is Good For You and Your Kids

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 29 May 2014 12:49:00 -0500

Over at Tor.com, Greg Ruth makes the case the horror is good for you and even better for your kids.

Image by Greg Ruth

Suspiria, Where have you been all my life?

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 21:57:00 -0600

Believe this movie will melt your mind into the same colorful blotches it flashes on the screen, and know that you should not attempt to resist.
Go to there.
Immediately, if not sooner.

Aside from Suspiria being a horror cult classic that incorporated cutting edge technology (thank you Technicolor) to create nightmare visuals, but the soundtrack was provided by a band of equally outlandish auditory strangeness, Goblin. Goblin... Gob... Lin... I can even begin to describe what-the-what Goblin sounds like. Click this for a taste.

A beautiful & bizarre trip that travels at a drawn & lingering pace, Suspiria provides perplexing intrigue and little logic. A recipe for fantastical art.
Alice? Dorothy?
Shut it.
Suzy Bannion trumps you in hot blooded second. A hot 1977 orange blooded second.
How does this world exist? Are there rules? I thought this was a dance academy?!?

But what's it about?
Witches.
...
If you need more reason than that, I don't know I'll ever look you in the eye again.

Dario Argento, thank you for birthing this strange art baby.
May the minds of whomever read this get pregnant with the desire to take your ride.

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 11:44:00 -0500

WILDCLAW IN THE WILD: STORIES BY THE FIRE - PART III: Rabbits

Tomorrow...they come...eyes flashing...teeth sharp...

WildClaw in the Wild is back tomorrow, Sunday, September 1, huddled around the dwindling fire in the refuge at 3031. The apocalypse is upon us. The final WildClaw in the Wild is here. Sarah Saltwick will be joining us, from both Minnesota and Texas. She hails from many borders and many lands. She is adaptable to many climes. She is formidable and resilient. She is like nothing we've seen before. Keep the fire low...

The WILDCLAW IN THE WILD series takes place on the first Sunday evening of the months of July, August, and September.

Tomorrow's reading begins at 7:30pm at 3031 (3031 N. Honore); doors open at 7:00pm and there will be a special musical guest each month performing before and after the reading. Suggested donation $5.

September 1
RABBITS
by Sarah Saltwick
directed by Carolyn Hoerdemann
Featuring Diego Colon, Steve Herson, Sadie Rogers, and Lisandra Tena
After the collapse of the civilized world, people are struggling to survive. Technology has failed. Food is scarce. Rabbits have grown huge in size and frightening in strength. Cass has fled a compound to hunt for a better life. Her journey leads her to the isolated home of Jackson and his daughter Dove. After these three days, nothing is the same.
Musical guest Sadie and the stark!

SARAH SALTWICK is a graduate of the Michener Center at the University of Texas in Austin and Hampshire College, and is a 2013-2014 Jerome Fellow at the Playwrights' Center. Recently her adaptation of The Scarlet Letter was seen on UT Austin's mainstage. She writes new love stories between people, places, and things. Her plays are built of hope and danger; fantasy and history; that which is impossible and that which is necessary. Her work has been presented, developed or produced by the University of Texas at Austin, Nouveau 47, Westmont College, paper chairs theatre company, TheatreMasters, Scriptworks, WordBRIDGE, Bristol Riverside Theater, Shrewd Productions, and Last Frontier Theatre Conference. She has been a finalist for the Heideman Award and the Bay Area Playwrights Festival and was twice nominated for Best New Play by the Austin Critics Table. She's written plays inspired by giant rabbits, Texas, guacamole, Dolly Parton and more. Her fiction has been published by Escape Into Life and is forthcoming in Timber Magazine.

The Ring Meets Baseball

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:20:00 -0500

Who else would you get to throw the first pitch at your baseball game?

WildClaw Visits Awesomemonster! and AWSM Radio

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:37:00 -0500

WildClaw's lit monster Scott and casting mistress Casey took to the airwaves, visiting podcast Awesomemonster! recently to talk horror, babies, horror babies, and all things WildClaw. Many thanks to Logan, Manny, and Nick (the fine folks at Awesomemonster!) for a great time. Take a listen, and be sure to check out their weeekly podcast at soundcloud.com!

HUGE Birthday shout-out!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:35:00 -0500

Happy Birthday to the one & only H.P. Lovecraft! (August 20, 1890) Your work continues to slither and creep into the psyche of those in this realm and inspires many beyond even what your wild imagination can dream up.

Sadly, from what I know, there is no proper translation for Happy Birthday in R'lyehian. I feel that if I even tried to piece one together, I'd be stating something like "I invite you to meet in a shared space to eat the dreams of the worthless people of the Earth realm"... Either that or I'd wind up opening a gateway to another dimension.

Goblin and The Massacre

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 10:29:00 -0500

I received notice on my basefook page from Lady Morlock with just a single word: "DUDE."

And this image:

Yes, our friends at Terror in the Aisles (no longer at the late lamented Portage Theater, note), have somehow managed to align the stars and shift the tectonic plates so that the Massacre, the 24 hour horror movie marathon to end all marathons, ends just in time for you to have a nap and a blood transfusion and see the first ever North American tour of the prog rock legends that scored Suspiria and Profondo Rosso.

Aly Amidei, can I get a "Ya Ya Ya Ya Ya Amen"? Oh my effing goodness.

WildClaw Theatre and Friends are Abbie Festering This Weekend!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 8 Aug 2013 18:02:00 -0500

Chicago Storefront Elder God Mary Arrchie Theatre is celebrating its 25th year of mad science onstage at Abbie Hoffman Died for Our Sins Theatre Festival, and this year it's bigger and better than ever, with a NEW VENUE and multiple stages! This is an all day, all night theatre festival that runs from Friday at 7 pm until Sunday night/Monday morning at midnight...ish, so spike some coffee and stay up late with WildClaw this weekend, won't you? There are too many fiends and familiars involved to mention them all, but here's a little taste of what our company members and collaborators will have brewing this weekend at the beautiful Den Theatre. Listed in order of performance, to help you plan your trip:

Friday Night August 9, 2013, on Stage 1, at 9:15 PM
AND
Sunday August 11 at 5:00 pm

CAREENING THEATRE presents DREAM CATCHERS & OTHER ODDITIES

3 Macabrities by Dave Skvarla

This horror triptych features GONE FISHING, Directed by Jen Poulin; and DREAM CATCHERS & MAGIC LOVE POTION, Directed by Dave Skvarla. And after the Main Course of Macabrity, they may have a little something special for you for dessert. Featuring WildClaw company member Mandy Walsh, plus Catherine Dughi, Kristin Morris, Brian Pastor, & Dave Skvarla.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday Night/Saturday Morning, on Stage 1, at 1:40 am

WILDCLAW THEATRE PRESENTS: BITS AND PIECES

It's late and though the shop is closed, the Owner is always willing to let you in to see what little knick knacks he has in the basement. In the style of Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow, WildClaw invites you to sample its horror anthology series: BITS AND PIECES. Join our host, Brian Amidei, as Michaela Petro and Josh Zagoren perform three assorted devious little deadtime stories including WildClaw Artistic Associate Christopher Hainsworth's radio play TWO FLAT for those brave enough to enter the Old Curiosity Shoppe. Directed by guest artist Katy Collins.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday Night/Saturday Morning, on Stage 1, at 12:55 am

Factory Theater has been a supporter of Mary Arrchie Theater and Rich Cotovsky for a long time, and we always love kickin' ass at the Abbie. This year is no exception: we're bringing "Guardians of Rock" by Managing Director Carrie Sullivan to the Den. Directed by Robyn Coffin, rock stars Courtney Love, Meg White of the White Stripes, D'arcy from the Smashing Pumpkins, and Ann Wilson from Heart are called on by a powerful Shadowy Figure to protect the world against shitty music. Their target: Taylor Swift!
Starring Laura McKenzie, Jill Oliver, Jen Pompa, Christine Jennings, Kristen King, Blake Dalzin, Johnny Moran, Tim Ballard

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saturday Night on Stage 2B, at 6:30 pm

Sadie and the stark is a chicago based rock group with lyrics based out of fantastical worlds and music with a 90′s influence. At least thats where we are now folks…Hear Sadie and her haunting tunes at Abbie, then catch her again as our special musical guest in our September installment of WildClaw in the Wild!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Saturday Night on Stage Not 2B (no, really!) at 10:30 pm

Looking for Love is the only live dating game show and cabaret in the Universe! Each month we feature special musical and comical guests and your co-hosts slather you with dating advice and good ol' Dean and Jerry antics, with the welcome addition of cleavage. With special guest co-host Mallory Nees and creator and co-host Carolyn Hoerdemann, and of course super sexy bachelors and a bachelorette with magic powers! Music provided by half a snark aka the Grappling Snark!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sunday Night on Stage 1 at 8:00 pm

Join Hobo Junction as they attempt, once again, to catch lightning in a bottle (or maybe just chew open some glow sticks), in this sort-of sequel to last year's Abbie Fest sensation, "An Awful Night of Crap." This year's entry, "An Awful Night of Crap: Miami (Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire)," will explore the world of underground crime in the city - kind of. Trust us, you don't know horror until you've seen Hobo Junction's comedy. Featuring WildClaw company member Josh Zagoren, plus Hannah Alcorn, Tom Daily, Spenser Davis, Sydney Davis, Emily Demko, Ben Hertel, Dan Krall, Isaac Samuelson, Betsy Shirey, and Chris Waldron

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

That's just a tiny sample of what will be going on all weekend, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, August 9th! Check out the Full festival schedule here: http://maryarrchie.com/wordpress/abbie/

Get your 'con on... this weekend!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 5 Aug 2013 14:33:00 -0500

Any Chicago-area DIE-hard fans just chomping at the bits to get up close and personal with your favorite horror celebrities?

Flashback Weekend (August 9-11) and Wizard World (August 8-11)are offering fans the chance to come face to face with their favorite stars this weekend. Flashback's headliner is George Romero and cast members from Dawn of the Dead. In addition to many pop culture icons, sci-fi and action stars, Wizard World features stars like Linda Blair and Buffy's James Marsters and cast-members of tThe Walking Dead. You can even purchase tickets for some professional photo ops at both shows via Celeb Photo Ops for both shows -- most stars at Wizard World and one night only with George Romero

The 2 conventions are literally right across the street from each other in Rosemont, IL this weekend, and can be tons of fun during and after the shows, as you are bound to bump into some of the stars at the hotel bars and restaurants as the night progresses. None of this comes cheap though, so if you get starstruck very easily, you may need to break open the piggy bank soon.

Carolyn Defrin's Special Report from The Monster Weekly

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 5 Aug 2013 11:22:00 -0500

Carolyn Defrin is a multidisciplined artist currently based in London, England. She is probably best known to Chicago audiences for her work with The House Theatre of Chicago, where she originated the roles of Wendy in The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan, Emily Book in their bi -coastal hit The Sparrow, and is currently playing Bess in their critically-acclaimed Death and Harry Houdini. We're talking to her today about her work with Chicago artists John Francisco and Kyle Bice on their website, The Monster Weekly, their upcoming gallery show, how monsters can show us at our most human, and What Scares Her.

Why monsters? In what ways are monsters uniquely accessible?

Monsters feel like a great and playful way for us to talk about human trials and tribulations without being wholly literal. It's a kind of mask that lets us play with big ideas but from a new and exaggerated angle. It's also a particularly fun challenge to create what the monster version of human wonders and problems are. Also, lately we've been thinking a lot about why monsters are important--why things that scare us are important…what are we trying to teach kids about being afraid…is it preparation for the fact that there are actual scary times in life…and that it's okay to be afraid and confront that? Or that maybe the thing that scares us also has the power to delight and care for us, or that the thing that scares us might be just as scared of us.

How did you and John get involved with Kyle Bice? What is the division of creativity? Do any of you ever trade hats? Do you ever feature guest collaborators?

Kyle was suggested to us by our dear friend, the very talented comic book illustrator, Chris Burnham. It was a lucky find and worked immediately. Typically John and I write the story and then send it to Kyle to draw, but on a few occasions Kyle has drawn something first and then we'll write off of it. We really enjoy this back and forth relationship. John and I are horrible at drawing, so we probably won't switch hats anytime soon, but we've talked about getting guest writers and visual artists and are particularly interested in opening up to writing stories in other languages, inviting international artists to collaborate in order to make ourselves more accessible and dynamic.

The gallery showing is to renovate the website to make it more interactive for kids and families--can you explain what that means? Are there plans for a book, or to explore additional mediums, at some point?

Ultimately we want to build a site that is more interactive, a platform for kids and families to engage in our model of collaboration by writing and drawing their own monsters. We'll start small with submissions and then eventually we want to develop a cross global and intergenerational collaboration, where a child from one country can draw a monster based on another child's story from somewhere else. A platform where each and every story and drawing can become a catalyst for further collaboration and creativity. And yes, we want a book deal and a tv series and a movie! The dream is to get full time about this.

Do you and John use Monsters Weekly in current work with children? How? Are monsters ever a hard sell, or are kids pretty willing to jump in and play in this world? What are your favorite discoveries the monsters have allowed kids to make?

John and I have taught several children's programs together, though we have yet to use the monsters for material, but we plan to! In fact to start this new website, we'll be working with a small group of students to demonstrate the interactive collaboration model. The hope is that the content of monsters encourages kids to be just as unique as the monster they create. And that the art of collaboration is about one unique person getting together with another unique person to make something even more unique. The kids that we've spoken to about The Monster Weekly are all really engaged in the material. We like to vary the materials so that there are all types of monster--scary monsters, silly monsters, girl monsters, boy monsters, etc.--something to appeal to everyone.

Monster Weekly is pretty all-ages friendly--was that always the plan? Have you gotten more of a following with adults than you had expected? If so, how has that steered the project differently?

Yes it was always the plan to appeal to all ages. It's our goal with all of our work, but especially when we're focused on children we feel it is absolutely essential not to talk down to kids and to appeal to their parents--because parents need entertaining and playful material just as much as kids. I actually think our following is more adult right now. We feel good about that. But it's important to us that we reach all generations and work on how they can enjoy the material together.

Do you have a favorite monster so far? Which one do you identify most with? Which monster scares you the most?

My favorite monster is a duo: "Extraordinary Pair" --it's just so beautiful and was inspired by a picture of two deers that I saw in a National Geographic magazine– one deer had a big pile of hay on its head. But Kyle's interpretation was just so much more beautiful from what I originally imagined as a silly pair, and it made me think about how we love people who uniquely complement us. John's favorite is Crandall. He likes the whimsy and weirdness of this "Thanksgiving Scrooge". I fear that I am a bit like "Judgy Judy"--but "Gemini" is definitely me.

What scares you?

I fear my parents' deaths. Always have. Working on being more eastern about it. I'm also scared of having too much time on my hands and in those times not knowing what my purpose is.

Is there a monster that has helped you deal with those fears, or are there plans for one?

Yes, actually-John and I are just starting work on a play that strings some of our monsters together, but specifically explores the relationship between a young human girl and an older monster and how they both experience the delights and dilemmas they face in the world.

They mostly rock out at night. Mostly.

Carolyn and artist Kyle Bice will be in attendance at the opening of The Monster Weekly art exhibit this Tuesday evening at the Grind in Lincoln Square. There will be snacks, drinks and music, and artwork will be available for purchase, as well! This is a mini fundraiser for them to make some very exciting upgrades to their website. If you can't make it Tuesday, the art will be on display for the next two months.

Interview: Director Casey Cunningham In The Wild

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 1 Aug 2013 11:18:00 -0500

Company member Casey Cunningham is the director for our next installment of WildClaw in the Wild, My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer, by Brian Watkins. Casey has worked extensively with WildClaw as a performer; she recently received rave reviews for her work in our The Life of Death as well as in Facing Angela with The Ruckus Theatre. She has recently directed THE PRICE, a hybrid play/radio play by WC artistic associate Chris Hainsworth, for the late night spooky cabaret Strangers and Strangerers, produced at Hugen Hall in association with WildClaw; assistant directed for Anna Bahow on Scott T. Barsotti's play BREWED, produced by the Ruckus and Tympanic Theatre companies; and directed Hainsworth's radio play TWO FLAT, for a future episode of Blood Radio. We'll be talking with Casey about what drew her to "Hammer," how directing horror is different from other genres, and What Scares Her.

What attracted you to direct this script in particular for WIW? What frightens you most in this piece? What resonates most with you?

I think the relationship between the sisters is what initially drew me in. I have a sister, a year younger than I am, and though we're very close, we're very different. And I understand how family obligation and personal perceptions of the value of the other siblings' contributions to the family can create a sense of division in the relationship and affects family dynamic. What keeps me interested in the story is the notion that one critical decision can have a staggering affect on the outcome of not only that moment, but also your life. The idea that you can get caught in the momentum of that decision, for better or worse, and find yourself drowning in the continued consequences of it is scary to me.

Blogger's rendering. May be totally inappropriate.

What challenges does a reading present versus a full production? What is the biggest challenge for this particular piece?

In this piece, the staging is very, very simple, but also very specific. 3031 is actually a fantastic venue for it, as will be the gradual setting of the sun. But the script also calls for some effects that we won't have the capability to pull off in a reading setting, so I'm working now on figuring out that balance.

What was the most exciting discovery you and your actors made while rehearsing or table-working this piece? What is your favorite insight you hope to take away from this process, about directing as well as horror?

The more I learn about directing, the more I understand just how much of a collaborative process it is. Every person who contributes to a production, no matter the scale or their role in it, helps to shape what an audience ultimately sees, or in our case, hears. My favorite part is thinking I've got something really nailed down and then having that idea turned completely on its ear by a collaborator with an entirely different perspective. The text, the actors, the designers all contribute to making directors look good.

How is directing horror different from directing other genres of theatre, both good and bad?

I think the best horror is that that focuses on the people at the center of the stories. I think you have to care about them before you can care about what happens to them or what they do. Which is not unlike directing any other genre, however the extenuating circumstances no doubt will be. So, in directing horror, part of the challenge may be to cut through the extraordinary elements of the story and get at the heart of the characters. I can't personally relate to monsters and ghosts and vampires, but I can relate to heartbreak and fear and anxiety.

What do you like about horror in theatre versus other mediums?

I love to be surprised by horror onstage. As someone who's created and seen a lot of theater, and someone with a curious mind, I'm often pulled out of the action of a play because my brain tries to figure out how the tech elements are contributing to what I'm seeing. With horror, I love the feeling of "I have no idea how they pulled that off." I think WildClaw is particularly good at that element of surprise.

What's the scariest thing you've ever seen and/or had to do on stage?

The WildClaw productions I've been a part of as an actor have been exceptionally challenging and scary in different ways. KILL ME (written by Barsotti, directed by artistic associate Jeff Christian) required extraordinary mental focus, precision, and heightened listening skills. The text was relentless in structure and it was mighty easy to zone out for half a second and miss 14 cues, jump three pages, something that could derail the show for the entire cast. That show was terrifying every night (and I loved it).

Join us this Sunday, August 4th, at 3031 for My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer, featuring Baize Buzan, Dennis Frymire, Sarah Gitenstein, and extra special musical guest Jessie Fisher.

Deathscribe Deadline Approaches...try a horror prompt to get you going!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:22:00 -0500

So yeah..you still have two weeks to get your spooky on. Plenty of time to wrestle your inner demons onto the page and add spooky sound effects.

There are a wealth of writing tools on ye olde internet to get you started. I like using prompts sometimes to get me going. You can find a TON of horror prompt idea generators in cyberspace. I also enjoy using photos or paintings as prompts. Find a creepy photo of a desolate barn or something and then imagine the horrors that lie within.

http://www.springhole.net/writing_roleplaying_randomators/creepypastaplot.htm

http://nanowrimo.org/en/forums/usa-minnesota-twin-cities/threads/69648

http://nighthagscorner.blogspot.com/2011/02/writing-prompts-for-horror-writers.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=horror+photo+prompt&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=UCv5UYnYF4qqyAG1goGwDw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=681

http://thehorrificallyhorrifyinghorrorblog.com/2013/04/03/inspiration-for-fear/

WILDCLAW IN THE WILD: STORIES BY THE FIRE - PART II: My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 17:44:00 -0500

From the ashes, we return...

WildClaw in the Wild is back this Sunday, August 4, around the fire at 3031. July's reading of Dr. Seward's Dracula was a smashing success, if you couldn't make it out for that one, you can't miss this month's installment. This time we're reading My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer by Brian Watkins. And folks, this chilling tale ain't for the faint of heart. In one hand you'll have your beer or munchies; in the other you'll have the hand or wrist of your companion. Squeeze wisely.

The WILDCLAW IN THE WILD series takes place on the first Sunday evening of the months of July, August, and September. (For you calendar-deprived souls and ghouls, that's July 7, August 4, and September 1).

Each reading begins at 7:30pm at 3031 (3031 N. Honore); doors open at 7:00pm and there will be a special musical guest each month performing before and after the reading. Suggested donation $5.

August 4
MY DAUGHTER KEEPS OUR HAMMER
by Brian Watkins
directed by Casey Cunningham
Featuring Baize Buzan, Sarah Gitenstein, and Dennis Frymire
Trapped on the plains of a dead-end Colorado town, Sarah cares for her bedridden mother while her rebellious younger sister Hannah waits on truckers at a local greasy spoon. Both sisters dream of the day they can escape their humdrum lives. Taking the form of two interlocking monologues, Sarah and Hannah divulge the secrets of their past and their hopes for the future, and a haunting act of violence that will change their lives forever.
Musical guest Jessie Fisher!

BRIAN WATKINS is a Brooklyn-based playwright whose plays have been produced and developed with Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, The Flea Theater, Lesser America, Horse Trade Theatre, b. swibel presents, New York International Fringe Festival, Wide Eyed Productions, Terra Firma Theatre, Little Theatre of the Rockies, and Route 66, among others. Plays include General Store (selected by 2012 Seven Devils Playwrights Conference; O’Neill semifinalist), My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer, a forest a chorus a harvest, The Bison of Kiowa, High Plains, which premiered to critical acclaim at the 2009 New York International Fringe Festival and will have its UK premiere in August in Underbelly's programme at the Edinburgh Fringe. Current commissions with Aruba Productions (Bklyn) and a feature film in development for b. swibel presents (Bway's Xanadu, HBO's upcoming series "Big Dead Place"). He is a staff writer for Curator Magazine and a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Final Weekend of Barsotti's FACING ANGELA

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:20:00 -0500

Don't miss your chance to see Angela in action this weekend! WildClaw literary manager Scott T. Barsotti's play, FACING ANGELA, closes this weekend at the Athenaeum Theatre. Performances Thursday thru Saturday evening, 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Featuring makeup by the Claw's fearless leader Aly Renee Amidei and performance by casting mistress Casey Cunningham. FOUR MORE. Don't miss.

Photo and graphic design by the Ruckus

Factory Theatre's 'Namosaur Opens Friday!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 07:41:00 -0500

Friday is opening for the newest show by The Factory Theatre, 'Namosaur! Conceived as a cross between Aliens and Apocalypse Now, the show catapults us into the middle of enemy territory on the eve of the Tet Lunar New Year, shepherding Agent Weaver and Professor Chaldarhallohapzrd on a mysterious misson. With the VC behind every bush, and their own superiors keeping everything on a maddening "need to know" basis, the elite Fox company is about to learn the true meaning of fear, and discover their philosophy that "it's the shit you don't see that gets ya," has never been more wrong.

This roller-coaster action comedy features WildClaw company member Ele Matelan, as well as the work of previous WC collaborators Eric Roach, Allison Cain, Manny Tamayo and Matt Engle, 'Namosaur runs July 26th through August 31st with performances at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3pm on Sundays.

The Corpse Flower's bloom is simply to die for, with a smell to match!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 14:00:00 -0500

Hey there, boo-tanical fans, here's a spooktacular sight for you: the United States Botanic Garden's corpse flower is finally in bloom!

A native of Sumatra (where all the best flora and fauna come from), the corpse flower, or titan arum, has an irregular blooming cycle--it may not bloom for several decades, no matter how much you beg. Once open, the flower emits a stench like a decaying animal, which attracts the dung beetles and flesh flies that pollinate it. That's bringing a whole new meaning to the term, "fatal attraction!"

titan arumtit

titan arum

The flower bloomed Sunday afternoon, and will remain in open for 24 to 48 hours before it goes back to pushing up the daisies, so steal a peek at the United States Botanic Garden's webcam before it "crocuses!"

Get Out of My Brain, Javier Botet!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 09:37:00 -0500

Captain of the "Lemons to Lemonade" Team in my book, Javier Botet has transformed Marfan Syndrome from a liability into a career-making super-power. Dig the creepy screen test footage for MAMA (a film which Lady Morlock references every time she threatens to toss Baby Morlock out the window.)

Great stuff, but it was the truly fantastic REC, (see it instead of the American remake Quarantine), that thoroughly freaked me out and got me cheering this fellow as Mr. Morlock's second-favorite Marfan-sufferer of all time.

And my second-favorite creepy skitter-et as well. The first place prize goes to WildClaw's Ele Matelan as Dread, the flayed lady in Kill Me.

WildClaw Blood Radio Podcast is relaunched!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 7 Jul 2013 16:38:00 -0500

I know, it has taken forever, after fits and starts, and we have heard you, good people, we have heard, we are very please to bring back out Blood Radio podcast.

I am pleased to say that this first episode of our relaunched Blood Radio Podcast does include part one of Deathscribe 2011. We will have more coming your was soon.

WildClaw Blood Radio Podcast

R.I.P. Richard Matheson -- And Thanks for Opening My Eyes... Again!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 19:28:00 -0500

The world has lost a legend in the true sense today with the passing of American author and screenwriter, Richard Matheson. Based on what I was reading from other friends about Richard's passing and the significance of his work, I was initially a bit ashamed when I thought about how little I thought I knew about him as a writer/author. However, that all changed when I peeked at his wikipedia page and I was taken aback at how much his work has been a huge part of my life -- not just with the classics like I am Omega, The Last Man on Earth, The Incredible Shrinking Man, The Legend of Hell House, Trilogy of Terror, but with more recent fun, scares and schlock like Jaws 3-D, Stir of Echoes, and Real Steel.

Thanks to my mother, I grew up on horror and sci-fi, mostly film and television (as I was never really too keen on reading), and I have always enjoyed being swept up in these fantasy worlds and stories that have been unfolding before me. Sadly, I am realizing, that I have never paid much attention to the people behind the stories. In more recent years, I believe age and experience have begun to open my eyes to the masters behind the magic. My involvement in independent film and theatre production, as well as surrounding myself with more creative types, has taught me to truly appreciate the the creators as well as the creations. So to you, Mr. Matheson, thanks again for opening my eyes as a child and filling my world with wonder and creeping me out, thank you for inspiring others with your work, and thank you for reminding me that the magic needs to start somewhere, and without it, my life would be pretty damned boring.

Factory Theatre's 'Namosaur Launch Party TONIGHT!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 12:29:00 -0500

Chicagoans! Tonight is the launch party for the newest show by WildClaw fiend of the family (yes, you read that right) The Factory Theatre! From 6 pm to 9 pm, join the 'Claws at Chief O'Neill's to enjoy delicious food and drinks, play games, enjoy the vocal stylings of Factory house band The Cain Mutiny, and witness the premiere of the trailer for 'Namosaur! An epic journey into the Heart of Darkness...with dinosaurs.

From the Facebook invite: "Something is picking off the members of Fox Company. What's out there? Bigfoot? Well yes, but he's the demolitions expert. What is in the jungle that is so frightening that even the Viet Cong cower in fear? Find out...in 'NAMOSAUR!!!!!!"

Fifty percent of the restaurant tab for the night goes to benefit the production, which features WildClaw company member Ele Matelan, as well as rock 'em, sock 'em fight choreography by WildClaw collaborator (and part zombie) Matt Engle.

Hope you can join us!

World War Z....show me the Zombie....

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:25:00 -0500

So I think we have all heard about this movie about as much as we can take right? The trailers instill the appropriate amount of dread but are coyly not showing any of the zombies clearly. This seems a strange way to market a zombie film to me...I don't care how pretty Brad Pitt is...but your digitally animated pile of zombie's climbing a wall is not tempting me. Show me the money please World War Z! So the lack of clear shots of the zombies leads me to believe that they are either mind-blowing awesome and they want to save the face-eating magic for your first viewing in the theatre...or the suck hard (like I am Legend hard). So what's it gonna be? And then of course we haven't even touched on the fast or slow zombie debate...don't get my husband started on this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOPnDFjaDkk

Or just read the book...

WILDCLAW IN THE WILD: STORIES BY THE FIRE - PART 1: Dr. Seward's Dracula

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:00:00 -0500

Join WildClaw in the great outdoors this summer as we gather by the fire at 3031 to hear three chilling new plays. Sip on a beer, have a snack, and hear a scary story as the sun goes down and the firepit crackles...what better way to spend a Sunday night?

The series features plays by Joseph Zettelmaier, Brian Watkins, and Sarah Saltwick. Each selection represents a different flavor of Horror than what WildClaw has done in the past. We invite you to join us (and bring a minion!) to hear these exciting new plays read aloud by some of Chicago’s finest actors, and then stick around, have another beer, enjoy some haunting melodies and talk to us about Horror Theatre. Did we mention there’s a fire? There’s a FIRE.

The WILDCLAW IN THE WILD series will take place on the first Sunday evening of the months of July, August, and September. (For you calendar-deprived souls and ghouls, that's July 7, August 4, and September 1).

Each reading will begin at 7:30pm at 3031 (3031 N. Honore); doors open at 7:00pm and there will be a special musical guest each month performing before and after the reading. Suggested donation $5.

July 7
DR. SEWARD’S DRACULA
by Joseph Zettelmaier
directed by Matt Engle
Featuring Amanda Drinkall, John Ferrick, LaQuin Groves, John Henry Roberts, Dave Skvarla, and Greg Wenz
Dr. Seward has cut himself off from the rest of the world after losing his lover and friends to Dracula. He has been contacted by author Bram Stoker, who wishes to tell his story. Soon, a series of murders occur, very similar to the ones Seward fought to stop. The doctor must face demons both real and imagined to find the answers, at the risk of his sanity and his life.
Musical guest Mallory Nees!

JOSEPH ZETTELMAIER is a Michigan-based playwright whose radio play Fish Story won WildClaw's 2012 Deathscribe Bloody Axe Award. He is a four-time nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association Award for best new play, first in 2006 for All Childish Things, then in 2007 for Language Lessons, in 2010 for It Came From Mars and in 2012 for Dead Man’s Shoes. Other plays include Ebenezer, And The Creek Don’t Rise, The All Childish Things Trilogy, Christmas Carol’d, Dr. Seward’s Dracula, Snow Angels, Blackwater Ballad, Night Blooming, Point of Origin, and The Stillness Between Breaths. The Stillness Between Breaths and It Came From Mars were selected to appear in the National New Play Network’s Festival of New Plays. It Came From Mars was a recipient of 2009’s Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award. Dead Man’s Shoes received the same award in 2011. In the 2013-14 season, he will see All Childish Things performed at the Aurora Theatre in Georgia, Salvage at First Folio Theatre in Illinois, The Scullery Maid at the Jewish Ensemble Theatre and The Renaissance Man at the Performance Network (both in Michigan). Joseph is an Associate Artist at Performance Network, an Artistic Ambassador to the National New Play Network and an adjunct lecturer at Eastern Michigan University, where he teaches Dramatic Composition. He was profiled in the March 2012 issue of American Theatre Magazine.

Movies in the Park

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:18:00 -0500

Looking for something to do tonight?

Movies in the Park at Belmont Harbor present Alfred Hitchcock's masterpeice, The Birds, tonight, free of charge!

Get there by 8:30pm to witness a malicious full-scale attack by birds of all shapes and sizes. Then, stay for the movie.

DryHop Brewers opens in Chicago

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:54:00 -0500

Today is the day folks.

Today is the day that the corner of Belmont and Broadway changes for the better.

Today is the official opening of our very good friends, DryHop Brewers.

Congratulations to Greg, Brant and Pete. I will see you tonight.

I am particularly fond of the Wheat IPA.

Barsotti's FACING ANGELA Kicks Off

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:54:00 -0500

WildClaw's literary monster is at it again. Scott T. Barsotti's newest play, FACING ANGELA, opens later this month at the Athenaeum Theatre. The play, featuring WildClaw company member Casey Cunningham, just launched a Kickstarter campaign aimed at raising money for the makeup and mask team, led by WildClaw's fearless leader Aly Renee Amidei.

From left, Casey Cunningham, Christine Vrem-Ydstie, and Susan Myburgh
consider the faces in the mirror. Photo by Gerard Van Halsema.

Considering the warped nooks and crannies of Barsotti's brain, Aly and her team is in for a challenge. If you're interested in contributing, click the Kickstarter link above. The Ruckus has created an awesome video detailing the project and the work ahead.

Tickets to FACING ANGELA available now!

Going to a Stupid baby Shower? The perfect gift: Ken Hite's Mini Mythos

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 6 Jun 2013 10:54:00 -0500

Babies...stupid adorable disgusting babies....

...we at WildClaw are getting to the age were all of our friends are having little squirmers of their own. So you have to go to a billion baby showers and eat chicken salad and drink mimosas. Yum. But what to buy? I prefer to give the gift of Horror whenever possible. So try this as an option...Kenneth Hite's Mini Mythos series of children's stories retold with a Lovecraftian bent. Adorable little elder gods abound.

-Where the Deep Ones Are...
-The Antarctic Express
-Cliffoord the Big Red God

Lovecraftian Interweb Secrets Revealed

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 5 Jun 2013 06:27:00 -0500

http://hijinksensue.com/2013/06/03/tentaculr/

please don't feel bad if you don't understand why this is funny. hell, you should probably feel good about yourself for not concerning yourself with interwebby nonsense.

you should be concerned about the Elder Gods, however. always.

Barsotti is Killing on the West Coast...Night-Tinted Glasses: Kill Me (review)

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 8 May 2013 10:24:00 -0500

Check out a review of our very own Scott T. Barsotti's play Kill Me...currently being produced by Visceral Theatre...check it out if you can!

Night-Tinted Glasses: Kill Me (review): Spoilers ahoy! Kill Me as an original play premiered at the Wildclaw Theatre in Chicago. I mention this because when first learning th...

Tiny Hellboy...Awww Yeah!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0500

C2E2: HELLBOY GETS ITTY BITTY!

Aw Yeah Comics and Tiny Titans creators Art Baltazar and

Franco Aureliani take on Mike Mignola’s cast of characters in a

brand-new all-ages title!

CHICAGO, IL, APRIL 28–Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani have created quite a stir with their work on some of the most fun and ageless comics of all time. They won an Eisner for Tiny Titans, their treatment of DC Comics’Teen Titans, and their recent Kickstarter campaign for their Aw Yeah Comics series surpassed its goal in record time.

Now, this dynamic duo takes on Dark Horse’s best-known character, Mike Mignola’s Hellboy, in an all-new comics series, Itty Bitty Hellboy!

A ghost named Rasputin has been spotted. And Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. are going to find out what’s he up to. Who is Hellboy, anyway? Why does he have such a big hand, and what is it used for? Who’s weirder, he or his friends? What is the B.P.R.D.? And what does chicken soup have to do with all of it? All this and more will be answered in the debut issue, where BIG things happen to Itty Bitty Hellboy!

“Itty Bitty HELLBOY! WOW! Such awesomeness! I haven’t screamed so much AW YEAH SHOUTOUTS in all my life! It is truly an honor to be the next creative team to add to the HELLBOY saga! I have been a fan of Mike Mignola since Hellboy’s early days at Dark Horse LEGENDS! It’s true. Can’t wait! Itty Bitty has never been so HUGE! AW YEAH HELLBOY!” said Art Baltazar, famous cartoonist.

“We get to work on HELLBOY? HELL YEAH!” exclaimed Franco Aureliani. “One of the most iconic characters in all of comics, and we get to bring our own style and story to it! Truly a dream come true! We’re big fans! Itty Bitty Hellboy is going to be a lot of fun . . . and we get to actually say HELL(BOY)!”

“Given the recent developments in Hellboy’s life—falling in love, discovering that he’s the rightful king of England, having his heart torn out and dropped into hell—this is clearly the next logical step in his evolution,” said Hellboy creator Mike Mignola.

For more information, check out the exclusive interview with Art & Franco on Nerdist News!

Itty Bitty Hellboy #1 arrives on shelves at your local comic shop on August 28!

Big Weekend: C2E2, Pat Smillie at 27Live

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:04:00 -0500

Look who's got a panel at C2E2!
WILDCLAW PRESENTS:
DEATHSCRIBE! WRITING AND PRODUCING HORROR RADIO PLAYS
Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location: W473
Speakers: Allison Amidei, Brian Amidei, Casey Cunningham, Chris Hainsworth, Ele Matelan, Michaela Petro, Paul Foster & Scott T. Barsotti
Including a Bonus Performance of Scott T. Barsotti's The Skinny Man!

One of our favorite people, Pat Smillie, who has graced us with performances at several Deathscribes and at our inaugural Wicked Winter Carnival is playing in Evanston at 27 Live, the hot new rock and roll supper club just opened by another one of our favorite people, Charlie Athanas.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 9:00 pm
Location: 1012/14 Church St., Evanston, IL
The joint will be jumping. If you have ever seen Pat work up a sweat, you know what you're in for. If you haven't, oh boy. We'll see you there.

Horror & Lovecraft at Chicago's International Film Festival Oct 10th-24th, 2013

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:13:00 -0500

ZOMBIES, MURDERERS AND H.P. LOVECRAFT SET LOOSE IN FIRST EVER AFTER DARK COMPETITION

Chicago, IL-- The Chicago International Film Festival’s After Dark program��"a perennial October favorite in the lead up to Halloween��"has been expanded in its first ever competitive year to include an international mix of ten thrilling feature length and seven short films: things (human and inhuman) will go bump in the night. A Gold Hugo will be awarded to the jury’s selection for best After Dark feature.

“The After Dark competition this year represents the best new horror and genre cinema, including the first ever Israeli slasher film and the first ever Cuban zombie film. It’s a thrilling opportunity to combine the international focus the Festival is known for with an enhanced late night slate that will have hardcore horror fans and newcomers jumping in their seats…and coming back for more!,” said Festival Programmer Penny Bartlett.

From Juan of the Dead, a uniquely Cuban take on cult favorite Shaun of the Dead to Rabies, Israel’s critically acclaimed first foray into the slasher genre; A Lonely Place To Die, a breathlessly terrifying cat-and-mouse game set in the Scottish Highlands; an eerily deft recreation of 1930’s studio horror fare (Whisperer In Darkness); a thrilling short film program (Shorts 3: Midnight Mayhem) and more, this year’s After Dark competition will take audiences on a journey to the darkest corners of the human soul.

Cold Sweat Argentina (Director: Adrián García Bolagno)-- Online dating? What’s the worst that could happen? Well, apparently, you could find yourself trapped in an old house at the mercy of a pair of aging right-wing revolutionaries turned sadists with a penchant for torturing young women with decaying dynamite and buckets of nitroglycerin. Prolific low-budget horror maestro Bogliano serves up a stylish slice of extreme genre cinema, which also alludes to the troubled state of generational politics in his homeland. Chicago Premiere. Director Adrián García Bogliano is scheduled to attend.

Haunters Korea (Director: Min-suk Kim)-- A young thief’s ability to control minds is frustrated when he meets one just beyond his reach in this fast-paced Korean action thriller. On a routine robbery of a pawnshop, things go terribly awry and an epic cat-and-mouse game quickly ensues, taking the viewer on a supercharged tour of Seoul at night. Chicago Premiere.

The Holding UK (Director: Susan Jacobson)-- After Cassie murders her abusive husband, a manipulative neighbor tries to run her off her land. Help seems to come in the form of gruff Scotsman Aden, but Cassie soon regrets letting Aden into her life when his true nature begins to manifest itself. Stylish direction and taut performances keep adrenaline running high in this accomplished, atmospheric gothic thriller. US Premiere. Director Susan Jacobson is scheduled to attend.

Juan Of The Dead Cuba (Director: Alejandro Brugues)-- Juan is a lovable loser content to loaf around the streets of Havana wisecracking, womanizing, and wiling away the days with a motley crew of fellow drifters. But when what seems at first to be dissident rumblings in the city turns into a full-on flesh-eating zombie onslaught, Juan and his gang go into business as “Juan of the Dead” ��" a crack team of slayers specializing in the undead. This wild romp through the streets of the Cuban capital is a perfectly pitched blend of horror and laughs. Chicago Premiere.

A Lonely Place To Die UK (Director: Julian Gibley)-- A group of friends get much more than they bargained for when a weekend of extreme mountain climbing turns into a terrifying ordeal. This tension-filled thriller makes the most of its setting in the stunning but treacherous landscape of the Scottish Highlands with immersive camerawork, an atmospheric Celtic soundtrack, and imagery straight out of The Wicker Man. Featuring a chilling standout performance from Sean Harris (24 Hour Party People, The Red Riding Trilogy). Chicago Premiere.

Rabies Israel (Director: Aharon Keshales)-- Take the classic horror movie formula - hot girls lost in the woods, marauding homicidal maniacs, and gallons of blood and gore. Add some dark humor, sharp, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists and voilá, you get Rabies, Israel’s critically acclaimed first foray into the slasher genre. Sophisticated enough to appeal to a broad audience but with sufficient splatter to satisfy the hardcore genre fan, Rabies is an exhilarating and highly enjoyable viewing experience.Chicago Premiere.

Smuggler Japan (Director: Katsuhito Ishii)-- From the man who created the celebrated “O-Ren Ishii” animated sequence in Kill Bill, Vol. 1 comes this stylish and outrageous but brutal film that makes Tarantino’s work look like family fare. In serious debt to local yakuza gangsters, Kinuta is coerced into taking a job as a smuggler of dead bodies for the Japanese underworld to settle the accounts, only to find himself caught in the middle of a bloody gang war. Based on the popular eponymous manga, Smuggler has all the makings of a midnight classic. Chicago Premiere.

Snowtown Australia (Director: Justin Kurzel)-- Based on true events, this skillfully crafted psychological thriller centers on 16-year-old Jamie, who lives in a squalid, crime-ridden slum on the outskirts of Adelaide. When John Bunting, a charismatic older man, enters his life, he offers friendship and escape from his deadbeat existence. But as Bunting’s behavior becomes increasingly sinister, Jamie finds himself caught up in horrors he could never have imagined as he realizes his new father figure is actually a cold-blooded serial killer. Chicago Premiere.

The Yellow Sea South Korea (Director: Na Hong-Jin)-- When taxi driver Gu-nam finds himself in financial straits, he accepts a proposal from a local mob boss to travel to Seoul to carry out a hit on a professor. Once Gu-Nam arrives in the capital city, he discovers he isn’t the only person targeting the professor and in a quick turn of events, finds himself on the run. Gu-nam must use every survival instinct he has in order to stay one step ahead of his pursuers in this thrilling man-on-the-run crime drama.Chicago Premiere.

The Whisperer In Darkness USA (Director: Sean Branney)-- Based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, The Whisperer in Darkness is an eerily deft recreation of classic 1930’s studio horror fare. Professor Albert Wilmart, a smug skeptic, is forced to question his views by a series of increasingly bizarre encounters with the supernatural. Genuinely terrifying and highly entertaining, Whisperer is a fitting homage for Lovecraft aficionados and, for newcomers, a perfect introduction to one of the great horror masterminds of the 20th century. Chicago Premiere. Director Sean Branney is scheduled to attend.

Shorts 3: Midnight Mayhem-- Thirty years after a zombie epidemic, the undead are used for cheap labor in the stylish The Unliving (Sweden). A mysterious vagrant is hiding in an empty house in the menacing Ghost (South Korea). There’s a new addition to the family in the form of a benign severed head in the darkly comedic Cropped (Australia). A little boy and a yeti-like monster go on a disturbing adventure in Dream Of 1st Of April 1999. (France). A gruesome scene unfolds in a peaceful home by the sea in Bleeding Hearts (USA). A young mother’s mental state deteriorates rapidly in the nightmarish Foal (Austria) and an army of mutant flies is unleashed in an orgy of bloodlust in Friend Of Flies (Sweden). Directors Christoph Rainer, Dave Wade and Matthew Garrett are scheduled to attend.

###

TICKET INFO

All events, except Opening Night, are at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois Street. Tickets for the 47th Chicago International Film Festival are on sale now. Opening Night tickets and festival passes may be purchased on the Festival website. All individual tickets must be purchased by phone 312-332-FILM (3456), in person by visiting the Festival box office at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.), or through Ticketmaster.

FESTIVAL SPONSORSLed by Presenting Partner, Columbia College Chicago, the 47th Chicago International Film Festival’s sponsors include: Premiere Partners-- American Airlines, Lincoln; Producing Partners-- AMC Theaters, DePaul University's School of Cinema and Interactive Media, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Major Partners-- Allstate, Intersites; Supporting Partners-- Applitite, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Brugal Rum, Kodak, Second City Computers, WBBM, and the Festival's Headquarters Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago. ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGOCinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Chicago International Film Festival is part of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the International Screenings Program (May-September), the Hugo Television Awards (April), CineYouth Festival (May), Intercom Competition (October) and year-round Education Outreach and Member Screenings Program.
For images and press materials go to http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/press/ ;
Follow us on facebook or Twitter!

R.I.P., Jonathan Winters

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:15:00 -0500

Writing to celebrate a brilliant comedian and one of the most twisted minds I've ever had the privilege to see at work. I like to think that Jonathan Winters would have been Deathscribe's Number One Fan. Thanks for everything, Mr. Winters.

Arcade Brewery: Zombie Crawl, Evil Dead Brew & Tweet, and C2E2

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 10:41:00 -0500

From the fine folks at Arcade Brewery...

This Saturday, we'll be hosting our second monthly Brew and Tweet. The event will begin at 8:00 pm CST. Location? Basically anywhere you have access to Netflix Instant.

So, what is Brew and Tweet?

We, as a community, decide on a movie that's playing on Netflix Instant. We use a Netflix Instant title, so more people have access.
Everyone who wants to participate presses play at 8:00 PM CST
We all tweet our comments (e.g. MST 3000) and also talk about the brews we have in hand. Don't forget to hashtag #kiltscreen after each tweet so we can all follow the same feed.

If you missed the first Brew and Tweet. we watched Highlander to celebrate the William Wallace Wrestle Fest design competition. This week, we've selected a few movies that we think would be fun for the event and need your help deciding what we watch.

Here are the options for this month's Brew and Tweet:
Evil Dead (1981), Tremors, Double Dragon, 13th Floor, & Shoalin Soccer.

To vote, go to our Facebook Page this week and tell us what we should watch together this Saturday!

Coming up next for Arcade Brewery:

We are providing some secret Arcade Brewery zombie swag, including a Tony Moore signed print and signed shotgun shells at this year's ph Productions' Zombie Pub Crawl on April 20th.
Come see us at this years C2E2! We will be on a Beer and Comics panel with Revolution, 3 Floyds, Goose, Barnaby Starve, CB Cebulski, Tony Moore and more! April 27th, 6:30-7:30 PM.
The brewery is moving along on schedule and are currently in review on our license. We can't wait to get our brews in your hands!

Evil Dead yall...

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 5 Apr 2013 16:35:00 -0500

So who is going this weekend? We are... Tell us what you think. I am pretty excited to have the snot scared out of me.

http://www.evildead-movie.com/?hs308=EVD6186

And just to wet your whistle...here is the red band trailer. SCARY! BLOODY!

Innsmouth Equivalent of the Bich-Poo

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 07:19:00 -0500

Learn more about the boutique pet that all the fashionable families in Innsmouth will be parading about town on leashes this season.

Chicago being attacked by the Working Dead

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 1 Apr 2013 16:05:00 -0500

Grab your swords and crossbows Chicagoans, the Loop will be invaded by the Working Dead this week!

The Tribune is reporting of a print ad campaign for Solixir, an Evanston-based herbal supplement-infused drink company, is hitting the CTA trains this week, and will be enhanced by a Zombie invasion at certain train stops in the Loop.

More details are available here at tribune site or the Solixer site

Give Until It Hurts

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:31:00 -0500

Horror fans are always sniffing out fresh blood, so WildClaw is hoping you'll check out this kickstarter campaign for Yellow: A Modern Giallo Horror Film.

Gialli, the Italian psychological thrillers known for slowly building tension that culminated in grand guignol displays of gore, were named for the yellow-spined, mass-marketed paperback books that became synonymous with mystery and suspense thrillers in Italy. The Giallo movement is considered to be the predecessor to the American 1970’s slasher movie craze.

Filmed in Chicago and featuring WildClaw collaborator H.B. Ward, Yellow tells the story of a woman whose new life in the big city has barely started before it begins to unravel. Then the bodies start piling up.

Check out their trailer, read up on the cast, and donate some cash if you can. If anyone should be responsible for bleeding you dry, it’s these guys.

Tomorrow Night, The Curtain Falls on Kill Shakespeare!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:55:00 -0500

Tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. are your last chances to catch WildClaw Theatre company members Brian Amidei and Steve Herson in Hugen Hall's awesomely ambitious comic-kaze midwest premiere of Kill Shakespeare!

Image by Andy Berlanger

William Shakespeare's most notorious villains have decided to destroy their creator and become masters of their own fates, and it's up to his greatest heroes to stop them! Will Lady MacBeth and Iago cheat their way to the top? Is Richard III as big a dick as everyone thinks? Will Hamlet finally decide living is worth killing for?

Originally a graphic novel, this page-to-stage transfer allows the audience to watch Andy Berlanger's beautiful artwork while by Anthony Del Col & Conor McCreery's dialogue is voiced by some of Chicago's finest voiceover talents, directed by Strawdog Theatre's own Anderson Lawfer. Hailed as, "Your chance to be entertained by a Shakespearean action adventure," this wildly innovative production combines the epic scope of a comic book with evocative sound design to bring this clever play on classic plays to life before your eyes.

Go HERE to buy tickets and for full event details.

Catch a Creepy Flick This Weekend!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:26:00 -0500

Looking for a dark, brooding noir to block all this sunshine from your eyes? Look no further this weekend than the Music Box, where Orson Welles' THE STRANGER is screening Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24. In Welles' 1964 tense noir, he casts himself as an incognito war criminal, dodging the vigilant eye of Nazi hunter Mr. Wilson, played by Edward G. Robinson.

If you're looking for an all-day movie experience, head to the Portage Theater on Saturday for the Universal Monster Party. Doors open at 11:30am for a noon screening of ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, followed by FRANKENSTEIN, THE WOLF MAN, DRACULA, JAWS, and DEMON KNIGHT. All monsters, all day! You cannot have more fun for $10.

And running at the Siskel March 29-April 4, catch a double-bill of Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO and Sacha Gervasi's 2012 film HITCHCOCK. Get a discount when you purchase tickets for both.

Hemlock Grove Trailer: Netflix Series by Eli Roth

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:04:00 -0500

Famke Janssen! Pennsylvania! Monsters! I am excited for this yall...starts April 19th.

Our Panel at c2E2 yall! BE THERE!!!-WildClaw Presents: Deathscribe! Writing and Producing Horror Radio Plays

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:19:00 -0500

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) 2013 Session Details - WildClaw Presents: Deathscribe! Writing and Producing Horror Radio Plays

WILDCLAW PRESENTS: DEATHSCRIBE! WRITING AND PRODUCING HORROR RADIO PLAYS #35

Date: Saturday, April 27
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

Location: W473

Speakers: Allison Amidei, Brian Amidei, Chris Hainsworth, Paul Foster, Scott T. Barsotti

Description:
WildClaw Theatre, Chicago's Horror Theatre Company, brings you a small taste of its Annual Deathscribe Horror Radio Play Festival! Our panel of Chicago actors, playwrights, foley artists, and artists will discuss the challenges of writing and producing audio dramas with a focus on creation, execution, foley work, voice acting, and finding your audience. Then watch and listen as we perform a spooky radio play complete with foley work!

Tracks:
Performance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Plague Pit in England...Ring a bell?

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:09:00 -0500

Plague victims' skeletons are unearthed during the constructions of the Crossrail train link in London. Photograph: Crossrail/PA

Another WildClaw play becoming a reality. First zombies...now some plague pits...what's next? My vote is for sexy lady vampires...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2013/mar/15/black-death-victims-city-london

EVIL DEAD reviewed by Dr. AC

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:46:00 -0500

So I guess this is happening. I guess we're going to have to see the remake of EVIL DEAD. Too many signs have been pointing towards it:

The film is name-checked and pimped in this week's episode of SciFy's Face Off (go J. Anthony! Final Four: time to bring the big guns!)

Charlie Athanas stirs up the interfacewebs by posting rumors of Army of Darkness 2.

And the good Doctor, our friend and emeritus founding member, has given his stamp of approval from a pre-screening at SXSW.

Read his literate and spoiler-free review here. Return to this blog often.

Now to convince Grandma and/or Grandpa Morlock to mind the baby evil one and convince Lady Morlock that an afternoon with Deadites but NO BRUCE CAMPBELL is not squandering precious moments of child-less freedom.

idle hands

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:13:00 -0500

I wanted to share some of the ghastly and gorgeous pieces of art I've seen trapped in the 'webs recently:

Fashion designer duo the Blonds' 2013 Fall line was inspired by classic horror movies. Can you guess all of the movies? Or, more importantly, isn't that shower curtain trench coat truly to die for?

How long does it take for bones to knit? artist Shanell Papp has a very literal take on that question. Go here to help bring her upcoming book out of your nightmares and into reality.

Speaking of knitting, yarn seems to be the preferred medium these days for turning creepy and crawly into cuddly and comforting. I'm blaming the weather.

But are scarves and hats enough to contain the deep ones? I'm a frayed knot.

And as long as you're on etsy, don't forget to visit WildClaw favorite Heron and Lamb, whose delicate and haunting Victorian-inspired designs were a huge hit at our Clockwork Nightmare Benefit last year.

Have more fun and frightening projects we should sink our teeth into? Post them in our comments section!

Scott T. Barsotti's BREWED is now open!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 16:03:00 -0600

WildClavian Scott T. Barsotti's newest play BREWED just opened at Theater Wit (1229 W Belmont in Chicago), and we think you should check that out. In fact, we think you should check it out soon.
You can get your tickets on Theater Wit's website and The Ruckus and Tympanic are offering $5 off the next two Thursdays (3/7 and 3/14) with the discount code SISTER.

New City Chicago says "RECOMMENDED. When the first line of a play is “motherfucker,” you know you’re probably in for a good time. Brewed is a lively production full of everything from ultra violence to the supernatural and even some dark family issues." Read full review.

Splash Chicago Magazine says "Brewed is recommended for its very dark satire and wickedly awesome fight scenes...My brother and I sometimes fight, but in the world of Brewed the sisters look like they are auditioning for "Fight Club" (by the time the play was over there were mangled feet, bloodied noses, and blackened eyes). Read full review.

WildClaw company member Casey Cunningham assistant directed this beauty, and you may recognize Erin Myers from our 2011 production of Carmilla.

If you've ever watched a family drama on the stage or screen and said to yourself, "I might have liked that better if there were more actual punches thrown. Or more mysticism. Or more body horror," then BREWED's the play for you. It's dark, it's funny, it's violent. What more could you want from a night out, friends of the Claw?

Tympanic Theatre Company and The Ruckus present

BREWED

by Scott T. Barsotti

directed by Anna C. Bahow

March 2-24

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm

@ Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

The task is stirring a pot…all day, every day. The sisters don’t share it as they once did. With Nannette busy racing stock cars and Roxette off doing her own thing, the others are left to shoulder the burden. But Paulette is fed up; Collette is clueless; and Babette, crippled in more ways than one, is volatile. Juliette does her best to maintain order and civility…for now. But why must they do this? And where else can fights go when you already use your fists? When Roxette brings her new girlfriend home and calls everyone together, old venom bubbles up and grievance flares, setting into motion an impossible moral struggle. BREWED is a play about gatherings, sacrifice, and the dark art of obligation.

Scott T. Barsotti's website
The Ruckus Theater's website
Tympanic Theatre Company's website
(Photos by Gerard Van Halsema)

Scott T. Barsotti's BREWED

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:52:00 -0600

Opening March 2nd.

Mr. Morlock has a vague memory of seeing a workshop production of this piece several whiles ago at Chicago Dramatists. Most of Mr. Morlock's memories are vague, but he does remember quite clearly digging the hell out of that script.

Witchcraft!
Female bad-assery and violence!
Lots and lots of the Barsotti(TM) clever!

And funny. Funny and clever: not always the same thing, folks. But this show will have both, plus mean, wicked, and awesome.

Run, do not walk, to Theatre Wit. Presented by our friends at The Ruckus and Tympanic Theater.

Happy Valentine's Day!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:21:00 -0600

Pirate Ghost Closes This Weekend!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0600

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett

Theater-goers (and your kids!), you only have FOUR more chances to catch company member Casey Cunningham in Scott T. Barsotti's THE MYSTERY OF THE PIRATE GHOST at Lifeline Theatre before it disappears February 17th! AND you can get discounted tickets through Chicago Theatre Week! Get to!

Happy Ash Wednesday!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:16:00 -0600

A Scarily Good Short Film

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:06:00 -0600

While the Oscar nominated short films seldom stray beyond straight comedy or straight tragedy, there are the rare gems that defy such pigeonholes. So imagine my delight when this year's "other" nominee in the live-action category turned out to the the other-worldly Death of a Shadow, a steampunk-infused mystery about the afterlife and the sacrifices we make for love.
And if you loved Christopher M. Walsh's Deathscribe 2012 nominee, "Comparing Notes at the End of the World" as much as I did, you should also check out this animated nominee, Head Over Heels, which shows us the lighter side of houses with upside-down spouses.

Apparently I am a Time Traveling Naval Cyborg

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:59:00 -0600

who once won a medal of honor for beating up Mexicans, and am now equipped with a High-Energy Laser capable of beating up an unmanned tug boat.

(This clip is filmed from the deck of the USS Paul Foster):

Not very Schwarzenegger. Not even very Glau. But still kind of creepy that I've been leading this double life without my own knowledge.

ElvisBride hits the Double Door on Tuesday, and a Kickstarter!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:17:00 -0600

Friends of the Claw, hear ye, hear ye. Next Tuesday, WildClaw's own Casey Cunningham takes the stage at the Double Door with her band ElvisBride. If you've been to Deathscribe, you've heard Casey sing, last year she performed in ALABAMA MERMAID and treated the room to a haunting rendition of "Bang Bang." This year, she and Matt Kahler teamed up on the sultry duet "I Want You." There they are:

(photo by Venus Zarris)

Casey and ElvisBride are headlining a show at the Double Door on Tuesday, February 5. Doors open at 7:30, first act is at 8, ElvisBride at 10:30. $7 ticket. Some of ElvisBride's songs are about things like sleeping in, failure, and misplaced vehicles, while many others center on such WildClaw pastimes as head-piking, accidental cannibalism, hand-severing animals, swearing, and wrist stumps (of Hell). They're catchy, they're quirky, they're dark. And they're fucking awesome.

You can also get into that whole "ElvisBride thing" by participating in their KICKSTARTER. ElvisBride is nearing completion of its first album, and you can help them finish it! A $10 pledge gets you a digital download of the completed album; $20 gets you a hard copy CD; and pledges at higher levels get other sweet EB prizes.

WildClaw at C2E2 again!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:48:00 -0600

Mark your calendar kids and get your tickets...WildClaw will be back again at C2E2 this year. Our panel will be all about writing horror for radio plays and we will even be doing a little performance for you. You won't want to miss some insider tips as you start to work on your entry for this year's Deathscribe 2013!

I will be stalking Peter Davison....and hopefully getting Phil Hester to sign my damn Wonder Woman books finally!

Dream Theatre: Tribute to Arch Oboler

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:40:00 -0600

People should go see this....

And if you are saying, "Who is Arch Oboler?"...then first you should feel the crisp slap I just delivered across your face for being so dumb....then you should drop what you are doing and go listen to these radio plays.

Sci Fy's Face Off

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:11:00 -0600

Lady Morlock and I watched the first episode of season 4 of Sci Fy's Face Off a night or two ago. Great stuff for fans of fantasy, horror, movie making and geekery.

Although this bizarre love child of Crispin Glover and Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg here is plenty earnest, entertaining and talented, the real standout is, of course, J. Anthony Kosar.

He handily won both the Immunity Challenge and the Achievement Challenge and was gracious, professional and cool throughout. If this show features any "Survivor" style back-biting, bitching and ganging-up, he'd better watch his back. If it's a purely talent-based competition, it might be a bloody, latex-y cakewalk.

Either way, it's pretty fun viewing, and this from a man who loathes reality television. Although if Lady Morlock twists his arm enough, he might admit to having enjoyed an episode or two of Project Runway -- although that was mostly because of the company in which he watched it.

WildClawians Create Spooky Fun for Kids!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:40:00 -0600

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett

Last week, WildClaw's literary manager Scott T. Barsotti and casting director Casey Cunningham opened THE MYSTERY OF THE PIRATE GHOST at Lifeline Theatre in Rogers Park! The show is a brand new adaptation of Geoffrey Hayes' children's book, directed by Paul Holmquist and crafted by our own Mr. Barsotti. Cunningham plays the role of Otto, a young alligator hungry for excitement. Otto embarks with his uncle and friends on an incredible adventure to catch a thieving ghost who's been wreaking havoc on the sleepy sea town of Boogle Bay. The show has already received great press and features exciting original music from two of Casey's ElvisBride bandmates, Troy Martin and Matt Test! You can watch a preview here! The show runs every Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 1pm at Lifeline Theatre, through February 17th. Congratulations to Scott and Casey, we can't wait to get spooked!

Rent The Loved Ones for a really weird movie date night.

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:09:00 -0600

Seriously. This movie is WEIRD but fantastic. I was genuinely disturbed and haunted by it. It gets into some pretty intense torture terrain (though 'refreshingly' not about torturing women)...but it is more the story, the great cast, the acting, and the great camera work that kept me uncomfortably interested in this film. I would love to hear your take on it.

The Life of Death: Best Ensemble

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 8 Jan 2013 15:54:00 -0600

Over at Sheridan Road Magazine, Brian Kirst was looking at theatre in chicago for 2012 and singled out WildClaw's The Life of Death for Best Ensemble.

Oceans of Blood: Averted.

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:22:00 -0600

Congratulations on surviving b'ak'tun 13, y'all.

Face!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:39:00 -0600

Speaking of J. Anthony Kosar's faces -- here's a pretty frightening look at ordinary people's faces under kind of extraordinary circumstances.

Just because.

J. Anthony Kosar of Face Off!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:20:00 -0600

Congrats to our friend J. Anthony Kosar for getting is face on FACE OFF!!!!

Scott T. Barsotti Writes for the Storefront Playwright Project

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 6 Dec 2012 11:30:00 -0600

This month, passersby of Expo 72 (72 E. Randolph St.) will see a different kind of holiday window display... Through the Storefront Playwright Project, a creation of the League of Chicago Theatres, the public will be able to watch emerging and established Chicago playwrights at work, and read their play-in-progress as it's being written in real time. This Friday, WildClaw's literary manager and playwright Scott T. Barsotti joins in the fun, working on his adaptation of THE SHADOW OVER INNSMOUTH, based on the story by H.P. Lovecraft, which will receive its premiere production in 2013 with WildClaw Theatre!!

Join Scott this Friday, December 7th from 2:00-6:00pm! Come by and see, stare, point, take pictures, and keep his wife company! We guarantee he'll be the only playwright writing about a cult of fish people...

FISH STORY WINS DEATHSCRIBE 2012!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 4 Dec 2012 14:47:00 -0600

All of us here at WildClaw wish to extend our most sincere congratulations to Joseph Zettelmaier, whose radio play FISH STORY took home the coveted Deathscribe Bloody Axe last night!

Three desperate men and a prehistoric, many legged fish with necrosis-inducing bites made for a kickass piece of radio horror. Many thanks to the director Kevin Theis, and the cast of Joe Bianco, Chris Rickett, and Dave Skvarla.

We will have photos from the evening soon, courtesy of Joe Mazza at Brave Lux, which if you haven't seen Joe's work, go check him out. If you've seen photos from our Clockwork Nightmare benefit back in September then you know how awesome he is.

Coming soon we will have podcasts of DEATHSCRIBE 2011, and we'll be working on getting last night's recordings on the blog as soon as possible.

Thank you to all of this year's directors, actors, musicians, foleyists, and artists. Thank you to our sponsors, our friends, and you, the show-going horror-loving public for sharing your evening and your enthusiasm with us!

And as always, thank you to the Deathscribes. DEATHSCRIBE could not exist without all of the delectably demented writers who bravely venture into the dark, carving out their stories in text and sound, grappling with their nightmares so that we too, can enjoy the thrill of a well told scary story. Last night, we got five of them.

Submissions for DEATHSCRIBE 2013 will open up in the spring of 2013. Be you playwright, horror writer, novelist, professional, hobbyist, student, teacher, doctor, engineer, taxidermist, nice nurse, creepy nurse, evil barber, firefighter, firestarter, or outer god. We don't care who you are or where you live. If you've got a horror radio play you've been wanting to write, get to it. What are you waiting for? 2013 may be your year, just as 2012 was the Year of the Fish.

Congrats, Joe!

MEET THE DEATHSCRIBE 2012 FINALISTS (part 5 of 5)

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 3 Dec 2012 11:30:00 -0600

Last year, playwright Jessica Wright Buha and director Carolyn Hoerdemann teamed up to bring you Alabama Mermaid, a harrowing horror radio play with music, that combined sweet vocal melodies with the sounds of snapping arms and legs to weave a cautionary tale about menacing mermaids and snatched children in the South. This year, the winning team from DEATHSCRIBE 2011 have found each other again to tell another scary story...

Only this time, it isn't the bubbling, ringing sounds of the river bed. This year, they want you to hear THE CRY OF THE ROSE.

Murder. Battery. Torture. War. There is no shortage of horrors that human beings can enact upon each other. Perhaps the most terrifying idea in the world, something we're all acutely aware of, is that our peaceful lives can be so easily torn apart. It may be over the course of years. Or minutes. Or even mere seconds.

2011 Bloody Axe Winner Jessica Wright Buha transports you to 19th century Mexico for this lush tale of love and vengeance that is part murder ballad, part origin story.

EL GRITO DE ROSE
Written by Jessica Wright Buha

Directed by Carolyn Hoerdemann

Jessica Wright Buha’s writings have been performed by The Plagiarists (I Am Saying This Right Now) of which she is a company member, WildClaw Theatre (Alabama Mermaid, winner of Deathscribe 2011: The Fourth Annual Festival of Horror Radio Plays), the Whiskey Rebellion (Wake: A Folk Opera, Sign of Rain, Tennyson Spade), and Tooth and Nail Ensemble (Under Ground, directed by Marti Lyons). Locally, she is a solo performer (2011 Fillet of Solo Festival), a props designer (Lifeline Theatre’s Treasure Island), and a dramaturg (Lookingglass Theatre's Our Future Metropolis). She is also a founding member of the Lifeline Storytelling Project, a spoken word group performing weekly in Rogers Park. Current writing projects include The Feast of St. McGonagall, which is being performed by The Plagiarists through December 29.

COME HEAR 'EL GRITO DE ROSE' PERFORMED LIVE AT DEATHSCRIBE 2012

MONDAY DECEMBER 3RD AT THE MAYNE STAGE!

MEET THE DEATHSCRIBE 2012 FINALISTS (part 4 of 5)

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 2 Dec 2012 12:06:00 -0600

So there you are, enjoying what appears to be a nice, normal day in the city. But...doesn't something just feel a little...off?

It's probably just the weather changing. You know how you get. But something's nagging at you. Does gravity seem stronger somehow? Is there something in the light? Everything looks familiar and yet...horribly strange.

Maybe those strangers over there know something. It's probably just the air pressure playing tricks on you. Then again, it could have something to do with those sinister fluttering sounds in your ear...or that massive, dark structure that wasn't there yesterday...
Our fourth Deathscribe of 2012 takes you to the Chicago of your fever dreams, where many things are as they were but nothing is as it should be. Three strangers in the city latch onto each other in attempt to retain their sanity, and try to make sense of this nightmare-scape the only way they know how, by COMPARING NOTES AT THE END OF THE WORLD.

COMPARING NOTES AT THE END OF THE WORLD
Written by Christopher M. Walsh

Directed by Robert Kauzlaric

Christopher M. Walsh published his first short story, an embarrassing bit of swords-&-sorcery called "Highway Robbery," in 2001. Since then he's crossed the finish line of National Novel Writing Month three times and made his debut as an adaptor with Lifeline Theatre's 2011 production of The Count of Monte Cristo. His second play, an adaptation of China Miéville's The City & The City, will open at Lifeline in February 2013. Chris's torrid relationship with horror began in 1985, when he couldn't sleep after reading "The Mangler" by Stephen King. However, while he will greedily consume the terrors of the written word, he is ashamed to admit that still can't watch scary movies without covering his eyes. Ask Mandy. She'll tell you.

COME HEAR 'COMPARING NOTES AT THE END OF THE WORLD' PERFORMED LIVE AT DEATHSCRIBE 2012

MONDAY DECEMBER 3RD AT THE MAYNE STAGE!

MEET THE DEATHSCRIBE 2012 FINALISTS (part 3 of 5)

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sat, 1 Dec 2012 11:30:00 -0600

So, how do you feel about isolated houses in the woods?

Pretty cool? You're on board with that? How about the basement? You feel like headin' down there?

Yeah ok, it's not so bad, just a little spooky, nothing to worry about. But wait...what's...down...um...there?

Our next 2012 Deathscribe, Travis Williams, wants you to know. Go ahead, hold his hand. Seriously, he's a very nice-looking guy, very gentlemanly. Follow him, it's easy. Look, no tricks. He's not gonna show you anything in particular. It's no big deal, what's back here. It's just your worst nightmare. Love makes you do crazy things, and two lovers and would-be criminals confront each other, themselves, and their horrifying future when faced with THE WALL. Christy Arington directs this plunge into modern terror.

THE WALL
Written by Travis Williams

Directed by Christy Arington

Travis Williams is very excited to join the amazing writers of Deathscribe! Hailing from Ohio, Travis has been active in the Chicago arts community for several years, and is a proud company member with Theatre Seven of Chicago. He has been writing stories and plays from a very young age, and has always been a fan of the strange and scary. Thanks to my wife Elizabeth for her love and support, and thanks to WildClaw for creating this horrorific event!

COME HEAR 'THE WALL' PERFORMED LIVE AT DEATHSCRIBE 2012

MONDAY DECEMBER 3RD AT THE MAYNE STAGE!

MEET THE DEATHSCRIBE 2012 FINALISTS (part 2 of 5)

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:02:00 -0600

Fish are scary.

We can just agree on that. Everything that lives underwater is terrifying.

Here in Chicago, we just know something, someday, many-tentacled, many-eyed, and flesh-hungry is going to crawl out of that big ol' lake. Someday.

Our next 2012 Deathscribe is an award-winning dramatist who hails from the wind-chapped apocalyptic wasteland once known as "Michigan." (Or as WildClaw founding artistic director called it, "Mitch-igan.") Joseph has treated us to a dark tale of greed, deception, and the wickedness of nature itself. Three men find themselves alone in a snowstorm, with only each other for company (or competition), and what may be an unknown species in the bathtub. You're heard about the one that got away, and about the catch that was this big!, but this here ain't no ordinary FISH STORY. This delicious creature feature is directed by Kevin Theis.

FISH STORY
Written by Joseph Zettelmaier

Directed by Kevin Theis

Joseph Zettelmaier is a Michigan-based playwright and three-time nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association Award for best new play, first in 2006 for All Childish Things, then in 2007 for Language Lessons and in 2010 for It Came From Mars. Other plays include Dead Man’s Shoes, And The Creek Don’t Rise, The All Childish Things Trilogy, Dr. Seward’s Dracula, First Snow, Blackwater Ballad, Night Blooming, Point of Origin, and The Stillness Between Breaths. The Stillness Between Breaths won Best New Play 2005 from the Oakland Press and was selected (as was It Came From Mars) to appear in the National New Play Network’s Festival of New Plays. He also co-authored Flyover, USA: Voices From Men of the Midwest at the Williamston Theatre (Winner of the 2009 Thespie Award for Best New Script). It Came From Mars was a recipient of 2009’s Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, and won Best New Script 2010 from the Lansing State Journal. Dead Man’s Shoes won the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award in 2011, and won both a Lansing Pulsar Award and Wilde Award for Best New Script. His newest script, Ebenezer, will be performed this winter at Williamston Theatre. He is an Associate Artist at Performance Network, and an adjunct lecturer at Eastern Michigan University, where he teaches Dramatic Composition. Joseph was recently profiled in the March 2012 issue of American Theatre Magazine, and can be reached at www.jzettelmaier.com.

COME HEAR 'FISH STORY' PERFORMED LIVE AT DEATHSCRIBE 2012

MONDAY DECEMBER 3RD AT THE MAYNE STAGE!

MEET THE DEATHSCRIBE 2012 FINALISTS (part 1 of 5)

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:00 -0600

Alright kids. DEATHSCRIBE 2012 is right around the corner, ready to haunt your dreams and make you think of things like this:

And this:

But see the thing is, all that shit's IN YOUR MIND. Our intrepid crews of actors, musicians, and foley artists aren't gonna show you any of this, they're going to make you see it in your own dark, lonely, twisted, terrifying imagination (we love you) through the wonders of sound.

But before any of those insane artists dive into creating such sonic scares, some asylum escapee has to think that stuff up and write it down using...I'm gonna say ichor. Just like every year, this year's DEATHSCRIBE features the work of five sagely psychos, five tormented souls who know all too well what the world is, what it was, and what it is certain to become. And they want to share.

Our first Deathscribe of 2012 is a fella name Brandon Zachary. Brandon invites us to a poker game at the table of Hell, where nothing is as it seems and no one truly wins. Is this game hosted by a demon? Is it an insane billionaire? Or is it AN ABSTRACT THOUGHT WITH SINISTER INTENTIONS? Damon Kiely directs this five-card mindfuck.

I'd also like to note that Brandon is the youngest Deathscribe finalist to date. Hear that, college students across the world? Get to writing. We want your nightmares.

AN ABSTRACT THOUGHT WITH SINISTER INTENTIONS
Written by Brandon Zachary

Directed by Damon Kiely

Brandon Zachary is a student at Columbia College in Chicago, currently working on a screenwriting concentration. He is a graduate of the Second City sketch writing program, and a staff writer for Ain't It Cool News. All these things combine to form a twenty one year old slacker who watches too many films.

I never got a headshot from Brandon, so I can only assume he looks like this:

COME HEAR 'AN ABSTRACT THOUGHT' PERFORMED LIVE AT DEATHSCRIBE 2012

MONDAY DECEMBER 3RD AT THE MAYNE STAGE!

Terror in the Aisles this Friday!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:08:00 -0600

Deathblow Productions - Monday, Nov 19th

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:11:00 -0600

This looks like great fun.
Ryan Oliver is a great filmmaker and a quality dude. I remember him talking about "Air Conditions" way back when; I'm excited to see it fully realized.
And although archival video of live theatre productions are rarely super-polished, I've been hearing about Factory Theater's "Among the Dead" for years. This show sounds off-the-wall bonkers and incredibly bad-ass.
A fantastic night of weird.

Neighborhood 3 at Strawdog

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 8 Nov 2012 15:47:00 -0600

Three more chances to check out this cool show from our friends at Strawdog!

Limited 2 for 1 Tickets Available

through the weekend!

Use code THREE

when ordering online and get

two tickets for only $28!

Tickets going quickly! Click here to order now:

http://www.strawdog.org/index.php?section=history&production=neighborhood3

Every Thursday is Industry Night

$10 Tickets - use code word: INDUSTRY

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm

$28 regular, $20 seniors & $15 students

Life of Death Dramaturgical Guide

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:03:00 -0500

You have seven more chances to see it. Here is a little extra info and deep thoughts sort of thing for you...also good for the school kids out there. Bring your id to get a student discount! Industry discounts on thursdays and sundays as well!

A Monster Rally, Trucks Optional

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:25:00 -0500

Carolyn Defrin, friend of the 'Claw and company member with The House Theatre (which is probably a haunted house, anyway) is one of the masterminds behind the new website The Monster Weekly, which promises to chronicle the ordinary and extraordinary lives of monsters. Every week, you will be given new insight into the world of monsters, as they live, love, share and scare, by way of original artwork and stories.

Now, ordinarily, one of the Claws could be expected to roll eyes heavenward, heave a haughty sniff, and say, "ADORABLE MONSTERS? Monsters aren't supposed to be ADORABLE."

But in this instance, I believe you will agree that we must make an exception.

Adorable.

Jack O' Turnip

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:44:00 -0500

From Wikipedia.org:

Jack-o'-lanterns in Kobe, Japan

Development of artifacts and symbols associated with Halloween formed over time. The turnip has traditionally been used in Ireland and Scotland at Halloween,^[38]^[39] but immigrants to North America used the native pumpkin, which is both much softer and much larger – making it easier to carve than a turnip.^[38] Subsequently, the mass marketing of various size pumpkins in autumn, in both the corporate and local markets, has made pumpkins universally available for this purpose. The American tradition of carving pumpkins is recorded in 1837^[40] and was originally associated with harvest time in general, not becoming specifically associated with Halloween until the mid-to-late 19th century.^[41]

The imagery of Halloween is derived from many sources, including national customs, works of Gothic and horror literature (such as the novels Frankenstein and Dracula) and classic horror films (such as Frankenstein and The Mummy).^[42] One of the earliest works on the subject of Halloween is from Scottish poet John Mayne, who, in 1780, made note of pranks at Halloween; "What fearfu' pranks ensue!", as well as the supernatural associated with the night, "Bogies" (ghosts), influencing Robert Burns' Halloween 1785.^[43] Elements of the autumn season, such as pumpkins, corn husks and scarecrows, are also prevalent. Homes are often decorated with these types of symbols around Halloween.

Halloween imagery includes themes of death, evil, the occult, and mythical monsters.^[44] Black and orange are the holiday's traditional colors.

The Celtic traditional or American update: both are damn tasty.

WildClaw's Weird, Grandma!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:07:00 -0500

WildClaw is proud to present a One-Night-Only unholy alliance with Chicago institution Barrel of Monkeys.

Barrel of Monkeys uses theatre, dance, spectacle and comedy to present creative writing from CPS elementary students as original sketches and songs.

Tonight, WildClaw joins BOM as special guests in their cross-cultural and cross-community extravaganza, Chicago's Weird, Grandma!

WildClaw company members and some extended family will be putting their own devilish spin on an Untitled piece by Francisco V from the Loyola Park After School Program, which shows what happens when a zombie horde meets Kid's Best Friend.

SEE Casey Cunningham as a young girl who laughs in the face of bedtime!
SEE Michaela Petro as the most loyal pet a kid could ever hope to have in a zombie apocalypse!
SEE Dave Skvarla as the leader of the zombie horde!
SEE Moira Begale as the ambassador from beyond the stars!
SEE Mandy Walsh as a mom who knows how to keep her family safe!
SEE Ele Matelan in jeans and a t-shirt!

Say “Rombies!” at the Box Office for discounted tickets.

Anderson Lawfer talks Pontypool! Opening October 13th at Strawdog Hugen Hall

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 8 Oct 2012 10:34:00 -0500

Why Pontypool Is Important To Me
By Anderson Lawfer

I love Zombie Movies. Love em. I love the idea of different races, ages, socioeconomic
statuses of people banding together to battle a common enemy. Sort of like Star Trek! I
love the use of found objects as weapons. I love how easy zombies die. I love the fact the
no one in a zombie movie has ever seen a zombie movie. I love the inescapable end all
characters face. They may live through the movie, but you know where they are headed.

The compass has only one direction. This is a real life truth, as well.

But, my favorite part of every zombie movie is the first 25 minutes. When the disease
starts in a small place, possibly spread by a corporation, or the Government. Maybe it
started on a farm! Maybe it is from Aliens! It never really matters where it starts, and the
good ones never let us know, because our protagonists do not know.

What excites me is the speculation, paranoia, and confusion.

It’ is a theme I find myself being drawn to in most of my favorite pieces of work. Kafka’s
The Trial was my first experience as a young adult with this theme. Why is Joseph K.
being arrested? WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING OOOOON?!

In zombie flicks as in Real Life we are, more often than not, not given the information we
need to make a proper decision. We have to rely on information from news channels and
friends, tweets and text messages.

Do you remember the morning of September 11th? We all turned on the news expecting
them to have the answers, but nobody had any answers. All we knew was that some shit
went down that was going to change everything. It took us a good 8 excruciating hours
to have ANY actual information, but during those 8 hours, it was an endless stream of
theories and designs we made in our brains that meant nothing and almost none of those
ideas ended up being the real answer.

So to me, Pontypool is the perfect piece. It is the clearest horror allegory for the world
we live in now. No answers, only a relentless storm of horrifying information with no
discernment.

The War Of The Worlds on crack.

To me, there is nothing scarier.

-Anderson Lawfer

Get more info and tickets here!

The Life of Death is Open!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 23:07:00 -0500

Here's a little peak...use the code BRINGOUTYOURDEAD for two for one tickets at the box office.

Photos by Kevin Mullaney.

Happy Birthdays

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:04:00 -0500

to WildClaw Artistic Associate Karen Tarjan

Clive Barker

and "The Life of Death"

secret code phrase "BRING OUT YOUR DEAD"

gets you two for one tickets at the box office!

(first two weeks of the run only)

Haunted Chicago at the Chicago History Musuem

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 2 Oct 2012 12:55:00 -0500

There are so many cool things to do in Chicago at any given time...but I for one think October is the very best time to be a Chicagoan. The Bears are playing. The leaves are turning. And the dead are often rising. Oh and Wildclaw is doing a little play! In addition, check out some of the awesome tours and events at the Chicago History Museum. I am planning to go to a couple myself.

Chicago's Deathly Past
Unwrap the eerie history of our neighborhood at the Museum. You might not see dead people, but you will certainly be surrounded by them.
Garden of the Dead: The History of Lincoln Park’s Elusive Graves
Thursday, November 1, 6:30 p.m.

Chicago’s early dead were trafficked into and out of its first municipal graveyard, the Chicago City Cemetery. Pamela Bannos of the Hidden Truths Project shares stories of grave robbers, improper burials, and the confusion that led to Lincoln Park.
Cost: $10, $8 members

Haunted History of the History Museum
Wednesday, November 7, 6:30 p.m.
Take a ghost tour without leaving your chair. Curators Jill Austin and Naomi Blumberg will introduce you to some of the Museum’s creepiest artifacts and its haunted past.
Cost: $10, $8 members

Unfolding Tales: The Lingering Legacy of the Chicago City Cemetery
Tuesday, November 13, 6:30 p.m.
On this spine-tingling evening, Pamela Bannos digs up Lincoln Park’s hidden haunted history.
Cost: $10, $8 members

Creepy Cemetery Tours
Meet at the cemetery entrance.
Rosehill Cemetery West
Sunday, October 7, 1:00–3:30 p.m.

Al Walavich guides you through the west side of Rosehill Cemetery. Tour meets at 5600 North Western Avenue.
Cost: $16, $10 members
Graceland Cemetery
Saturday, October 27 and Sunday October 28, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m.; Wednesday, October 31, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Experience old Chicago via the graves of Marshall Field, Louis Sullivan, Potter and Bertha Palmer, and George Pullman. Tours meet at Irving Park Road and Clark Street.
Cost: $16, $10 members
Saturday, October 27, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 28, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 28, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 31, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Bohemian National Cemetery: Locked In After Dark!
Sundays November 4, and November 11, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
This unique opportunity to tour Bohemian National begins as the gates are locked and concludes after dusk. Headlamps or flashlights recommended; please bring your own. Reservations required, space is extremely limited!
Cost: $35, $30 members
Sunday, November 4
Sunday, November 11

Eerie Bus and Trolley Tours
Devil in the White City
Saturdays, October 6, November 3, and December 8, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Experience the excitement of 1893 Chicago on this unique tour based on Erik Larson’s best-selling book. Follow Daniel Burnham’s plans and learn about the devilish doings of H. H. Holmes as you explore the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Cost: $50, $40 members
Saturday, October 6
Saturday, November 3
Saturday, December 8

Chicago Sinister: Spiritualists, Spooks, and Memento Mori
Saturday, November 10, 3:00–7:00 p.m.
Venture into the parlor of the infamous Bangs sisters, learn the truth behind Resurrection Mary, and ponder the murderous objects collected by the Whitechapel Club and the Noose Coffee Shop.
Cost: $50, $40 members

Scene of the Crime: Infamous Chicago History
Saturday, November 17, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Richard Lindberg leads a brand-new bus tour of infamous murder sites, gangster hideaways, and the deep underbelly of the city.
Cost: $50, $40 members

Paranormal Pub Crawls
BOO-ze! Haunted History Pub Crawl
Wednesdays, October 17 and October 24, and Thursday, October 18, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Travel by trolley to Chicago’s most haunted drinking establishments with supernatural expert Ursula Bielski.
Cost: $30, $25 members
Wednesday, October 17
Thursday, October 18
Wednesday, October 24

Booze, Bars, and Bootlegging! Prohibition Era Chicago
Sundays, October 21 and November 18, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Find out what makes Chicago untouchable. Get a taste of infamous speakeasies frequented by some of Chicago’s infamous gangsters like Capone, Moran, and Dillinger. On this trolley tour, learn how prohibition came to be, some fascinating facts about the era, and how it ultimately shaped the city and its image.
Cost: $30, $25 members
Sunday, October 21
Sunday, November 18

Scary Special Events
Mysterious Museum and Garden of the Dead
Friday, October 12, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
This night of fright begins with a curator-led flashlight tour of the eerier parts of the Museum. From there, the journey moves outdoors to Lincoln Park’s plagued past. Bring your own flashlight; reservations required for this very rare opportunity!
Cost: $25, $20 members

Tomb Talks and Ghost Stories
Fridays, October 19 and October 26, and Tuesday, October 30, 6:30 p.m.
Join us for some spooktacular stories! We'll gather on the grounds of the original city cemetery and cozy up next to the only remaining tomb - the Couch Tomb. The first half of our bone-chilling hour will introduce you to the history of the cemetery while the last half focuses on ghost story telling. All Chicago centered, of corpse! Flashlights and blankets are a must as we'll be in the park at night!
Cost: $15, $10 members
Friday, October 19
Friday, October 26
Tuesday, October 30

Free Horror Movie Nights
Get ready for Halloween with two horror classics on Sundays at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Beer garden at Sheffield's, 3258 North Sheffield Avenue
Cost: Free. No reserved seating, so come early!
Silence of the Lambs
Sunday, October 21
Halloween
Sunday, October 28

Pints, Pumpkins, and Painting
Tuesday, October 23, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sheffield’s, 3258 North Sheffield Avenue
Make your own Halloween monster by creating a carved or painted pumpkin. This evening will combine history, art, and spirits (of both kinds). Fee includes craft instruction and materials; beverages and food not included.
Cost: $25, $20 members

Tap into History: Haunted Chicago Beer Dinner
Thursday, October 25, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Location: Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park
1550 N. Kingsbury
Chef Won Kim pairs beer and food at Whole Foods Lincoln Park for this evening of spookily good culinary delights, supernatural brews, and hair-raising history.
Cost: $35, $30 members

Abracadabra! A Night of Magic
Monday, October 29, cocktails 6:30 p.m., show, 7:30 p.m.
Marvel at strolling and fully staged performances by Suzanne the Magician and David Kovac the Modern-Day Vaudevillian, while enjoying cocktails from a cash bar.
Cost: $35, $30 members

City of Ghosts: A Historic Seance
Wednesday, October 31, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Spend Halloween uncovering the dark secrets of Chicago’s macabre past, with an interactive program of spine-tingling stories, eerie histories, and inexplicable supernatural occurrences. Space is extremely limited; reservations are required.
Cost: $35, $30 members

Wicked Walking Tours
The Wizard of Oz
Saturday, October 20, 5:30 p.m.
On this enchanted stroll, focus on the real story behind L. Frank Baum’s flying monkeys, wicked witches, and wild wizards. Tour meets at Webster and Burling.
Cost: $16, $10 members

How about a yummy plate of boils?

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 2 Oct 2012 11:08:00 -0500

The cast and crew of Clive Barker's The Life of Death had a glorious tech weekend doing weird and disgusting stuff. During downtime, many folks took part in the undignified task of making the boils...you heard me....boils! Here is a little sneak peak of what you are in for....get your tickets now!

Yummy.

The Massacre

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 1 Oct 2012 15:34:00 -0500

MASSACRE FANS: Are you ready for THE MASSACRE (Oct. 20-Portage Theater)?!!
NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST. 3, HALLOWEEN II, FRENZY, HAUSU, PRINCE OF DARKNESS, CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF, PHANTASM II, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD
and more on 35mm film for only $20!

more at http://www.facebook.com/terrorintheaisles;

tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/268053

WildClaw's Kickstarter Campaign...KEEP THE BLOOD FLOWING!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:00:00 -0500

So we announced our kickass Deathscribe lineup. We just had an awesome time at our benefit. And now we are just a week out from loading into the theatre for Life of Death tech rehearsals. Opening looms and we are psyched. We are also doing a little fundraiser. We need your help to keep the blood flowing. So if you can toss a few bucks (or a lot of bucks)...we will be eternally grateful! Also, tell everyone you know to toss a couple of bucks into the pot. And hold onto to your hats for another awesome fall and winter of scary good times with WildClaw Theatre....

DEATHSCRIBE 2012 LINEUP!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:46:00 -0500

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! GHOULS AND GHOSTS! OUTER GODS AND ELDER THINGS! CENOBITES AND LYCANTHROPES! YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!

We are thrilled to announce the lineup for DEATHSCRIBE 2012:

Comparing Notes at the End of the World by Christopher M. Walsh
Directed by Rob Kauzlaric

An Abstract Thought With Sinister Intentions by Brandon Zachary
Directed by Damon Kiely

Fish Story by Joseph Zettelmaier
Directed Kevin Theis

El Grito de Rose by Jessica Wright Buha
Directed by Carolyn Hoerdemann

The Wall by Travis Williams
Directed by Brandon Bruce

We got nearly 100 submissions and these five wonderful nightmares rose to the top, ready to thrill and chill. A Lovecraftian apocalypse, a mischievous demon, a gory Arctic creature, an ode to murder ballads, and a dose of modern terror. It all will make a one-of-a-kind evening of live horror radio.

And you may have noticed...our 2011 Bloody Axe winning playwright/director pair, Jessica Wright Buha and Carolyn Hoerdemann, who brought you ALABAMA MERMAID last year, are teaming up once again. We daemons squeal with delight.

More info will be posted here in the coming weeks about our finalists (and the directors who love them), and we hope to see YOU at the Mayne Stage on December 3.

Silent Auction at the Clockwork Nightmare Benefit

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:03:00 -0500

Seriously...this stuff is amazing. If you guys don't show up and bid on this stuff...I will be buying ALL OF IT myself.

Here are a few of the wonderful items or vendors who have been so generous!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54784310/patient-spider-cutout-dark-matter

http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppyandfern

http://www.wildeimagination.com/default.aspx?skinid=5

http://www.etsy.com/shop/isette

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbotsHollowStudios

Let CLOCKWORK NIGHTMARE be your ANTIBODY

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Check out this trailer for the upcoming short film "Antibody."

Our friend Ivan Diaz over at Eye Sprocket Productions made this film, and will be screening it soon. One such screening is coming up on October 30, and what do you know? If you come to our Clockwork Nightmare benefit tomorrow night, you can bid on tickets to that screening, which is paired with a 'Scary Wine Tasting.'

Sounds like our kind of date night.

But that's only one of many many wonderful items you could walk away with at Clockwork Nightmare. There's lots of tantalizing stuff to bid on, we will have an original, unreleased, signed Tony Fitzpatrick print, an original hand drawn signed Tim Burton "Nightmare Before Christmas" sketch, a mini JAWS movie poster signed by Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Steven Spielberg, Peter Benchley and John Williams, VIP passes and a guest role at FEAR City Haunted House, a Zombie jacket, jewelry, theatre tickets, photography packages, and much much more. Go to our Clockwork Nightmare page to see all of the wonderful merchants who have donated to the WildClaw cause.

Advance tickets are only $40, and includes food, drink, music, entertainment, and dark revelry. And who couldn't use more dark revelry?

Hope to see YOU on Saturday night!!

Confessions of a Foley Girl! And A Special Invitation

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:32:00 -0500

When I was nine, my eleven-year-old sister came home, full of news from her field trip to the county courthouse. Her favorite part had been the withered, creaky-drawled judge entrusted as their guide through the judicial system, or what passed for it in Texas.

Yes, Texan Justices float. We all float down here.

When asked about the weirdest experience of his career, he related one trial where the defendant had become so enraged by the testimony of the key witness, that he jumped up from his seat, tackled her in the witness box, and bit off her nose. In his words, my sister gleefully reported, “it sounded exactly like he had taken a bite out of an apple.”

I was already no stranger to the importance of sound in telling a good story: while seven, reading to my indulgent grandmother, I had asked for a glass of water not because I was parched, as she suspected, but to speak through it during one crucial passage. I also had a passing understanding of Foley work, and knew the Golden Age of Radio had both its triumphs and its liabilities.

It wasn’t until I moved to Chicago, however, that I saw Foley work employed in a theatrical production. Repeatedly. Well. With clarity, cleverness, and cohesion, augmenting the storytelling in a delightful way that would stay with the audience not only while living their own kitchen sink dramas, but while making lunch in those same kitchens.

So imagine my own delight when I was invited to play with WildClaw for the first time last year, as the third member of their Foley team on Deathscribe 2011.

Which paled in comparison to my excitement this year, as a new company member, reading our semifinalist submissions and preparing for a knock-down, drag-out, Thunderdome debate amongst my awesome peers to decide, of the 25 that entered, which 5 may leave. It was great to learn about my co-company members’ tastes, defend my own, and explore together not only what we find scary, but funny, sexy, and to what end.

It took nearly three hours, four filibusters and lots of snacks, but we ultimately winnowed down nearly one hundred contenders to an evening of 5 deliciously unique tales of terror, helmed by 5 of Chicago’s best and bravest directors. We will reveal this year’s selection of scary scribes this Saturday, September 15^th, at our Clockwork Nightmare Benefit.

BE HERE NOW!

Our benefit? Why yes, it’s this Saturday! And not only are we revealing the dark delights that will make up Deathscribe 2012, but we’ll have great music, awesome entertainment, sinfully good food, and a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind adventures, local events, and art and jewelry from talented artisans from across the country.

I hope you will join us for this unique evening of scaring and sharing, benefiting the only theatre company in Chicago dedicated to bringing horror to the stage!

Because one of you may get inspired to write a script featuring a nose-biter. I have just the thing.

this V/H/S movie looks damn good.

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 7 Sep 2012 10:47:00 -0500

Yup. Mr. and Lady Morlock are hot to see this one. Now where to park the baby monster while her parents get their scare on?

The Massacre on October 20th!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:16:00 -0500

Fancy new arts....

Deathscribe 2012 Directors Announced!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 21:52:00 -0500

We here are WildClaw are very pleased to announce our lineup of Deathscribe 2012 Directors. While we are still wading through multitudes of serial killers, demonic possessions, and loads and loads of dead babies, we are super excited to know that when we get to the final five, Deathscribe 2012 will be in fine hands with these amazing directors. Here is the lineup.

Carolyn Hoerdemann

Brandon Bruce

Damon Kiely

Robert Kauzlaric

Kevin Theis

Alright directors, we will see you in December! Now, back to reading these scripts.

Terror in the Aisles 12 September 14th, 2012

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:20:00 -0500

Quite the lineup...and who doesn't want to see Nazis from the dark side of the moon? And Frankenhooker people... Get your tickets...

Terror in the Aisles 12

TERROR IN THE AISLES 12

The Ultimate Horror Triple Feature!

September 14, 2012

THE STUFF, FRANKENHOOKER & IRON SKY

Portage Theater
4050 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641
1.773.736.4050

Doors at 7pm

7:30pm - Trailer Trash (Vintage Trailers, Short Films)

8pm - IRON SKY (Midwest Premiere!)

10pm - THE STUFF (with LARRY COHEN in Person!)
Free Autographs & Picture Taking!

Midnight - FRANKENHOOKER (with star PATTY MULLEN in PERSON!) Free Autographs & Picture Taking!

Short Films & Trailers Include:

Motivational Growth (Trailer) - Imagos Films

Short Films & Trailers Include:

"MOTIVATIONAL GROWTH" (Feature Trailer) - Imagos Films

"THE UNHOLY MANIPULATOR" - (Music Video) Product of Hate
World Premiere! (starring Ashley Laurence (lead actress in Hellraiser)with FX by Robert Kurtzman (Dusk 'Til Dawn))by James Zahn

"GIRL IN THE BLACK DRESS" (Short Film) by Jeremy Hull

"DIECONS" (Trailer) by Tommy Sigmon

"ELLIE'S HEAD" (Trailer) by Peter Fleming

Plus: Vendor Tables, Vintage Trailers,
a live charity auction for Vital Bridges (www.vitalbridges.org)
and more!

For more info: Facebook.com/terrorintheaisles

Looking Back...Dreams in the Witch House in J. David's Eyes.

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 23:27:00 -0500

I came across these old blog posts while searching for pictures. It was written by our dear departed friend, J. David Moeller. J. David was in The Great God Pan and Dreams in the Witch House...and had he not left this world too soon...I am sure he would have been in just about every Lovecraft play we would have ever produced because he was perfect for our plays.

Well, I had no idea that he was taking these photos and writing these blog entries. They are a wonderful look back on our second show and a tribute to a wonderful weirdo who we miss, J. David...RIP

10/16/08 Dreams in the Witch House-It Begins..
10/23/08 Dreams in the Witch House- the Accents...
10/26/08 Dreams in the Witch House- The 4th Dimension
11/2/08 Dreams in the Witch House- Rehearsal Cast Shots
11/5/08 Dreams in the Witch House- Fights
11/26/08 Dreams in the Witch House - Learning the Lines
12/15/08 Dreams in the Witch House - The Two Kesian Masons
12/25/08 Dreams in the Witch House- Biological Effects

.

WildClaw Fall Preview: Steampunk Benefit, Life of Death, Deathscribe 2012

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:42:00 -0500

So this thing is happening...and we are jazzed. Tickets have gone live. There is lots of chatter and excitement. Beer sponsored by the boys over at DryHop Chicago! KBH Media is making the Fear Box even more fearier. Have you started picking out your outfit yet? Do you have no idea what Dark Steampunk is? Well fear not...soon you will be bombarded with posts and information. Get your goggles on kids...it is going to be a swell fall for the fiends and friends of WildClaw!

Invite everyone you know.

Ms. Michaela (that is Ms. Lulu Boilermaker to you) and I checked out the most recent event thrown by the fine fellows and ladies over at Steampunk Chicago. Great fun was had by all. We played lawn tennis America....or maybe it was croquet? Something with mallets. Of course we both noticed what fine bludgeoning weapons they would make...le sigh. I highly recommend attending their upcoming events. You will find many like-minded souls as we did. Their Clockwork Vaudeville evening is happening on September 14th...it seems a splendid steampunk double-feature weekend to me?

Rehearsals and design meetings are well underway for The Life of Death opening in early October. Get your tickets now. It is going to be crazy good.

Then the greatest gift of all comes in December....the Fifth Annual Deathscribe Festival of Horror Radio Plays at the Mayne Stage on December 3rd. We are reading your creepy weird submissions right now and once again, we thank you from the bottoms of our filthy hearts for sharing your creative weirdness with us.

Spiders....shudder.

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:39:00 -0500

Chrysalis Kickstarter Drive...

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:09:00 -0500

Support our friend Sara Gorsky and her new horror film. You will remember Sara as Bertha....the feral sexy vampire fiend from Carmilla.

Deathscribe Deadline Approaching....here are some ideas

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:41:00 -0500

So the deadline is looming...it is breathing down the back of your neck right. A hot fetid breath. Whenever you turn around it just disappears....but the smell and feeling linger on.

How do you make this feeling go away? You write. Consider it an exorcism.

Maybe you don't have an idea? Well here are a few suggestions to get the juices flowing:

Review the format...make sure you know how to write a radio play. It is not a screenplay. Check out the BBC writers room for more specifics.
Listen to some old Deathscribes to get a feel for previous winning entries.
Try one of the many writing prompt websites out there...just search "writing prompt" and you will find a jillion. Here's one for you: http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/ and one for horror writers: http://nighthagscorner.blogspot.com/2011/02/writing-prompts-for-horror-writers.html
Find a newspaper article and use it...
Find a picture and write the story behind it.
Go sit on a park bench in a busy place...I guarantee you that you will hear something weird that will get you started.
Write about something terrifying that happened to you.
Write about what terrifies you about yourself...explore the inner monster.
Just write. Don't edit until it is done. Just get ten pages out and then you can go back and do it again.
Don't forget it is an audio drama! All of the information is delivered via words and sound effects. You need to be descriptive and SPECIFIC...and think about what is achievable. It is very hard to communicate the sound of a person jumping off a building and splatting...unless you also add a line like "oh my god don't jump"...and then I destroy a watermelon on stage. Without that key piece of info, it does not work. You get me? It is not film. When you are done, read it out loud to someone and if they cannot follow the story, then you need to add a few things. Also, you often need to repeat character names frequently. Again, since it is NOT A VISUAL MEDIUM...the listener needs more info. If you have a scene with five male voices...it might take a bit to distinguish between them. Help them out.
Have fun. The only important requirements are that is be a radio play, no more than ten minutes (about ten pages), and that it be horror. It can be funny, it can be scary, it can be sad, it can be uplifting, it can be disgusting. It can be all of those things. Send it in. Submit. And then come watch the results on December 3rd.
Don't give up. If you don't get in the first time, keep trying. If you have submitted before and are feeling discouraged, keep trying. Keep writing. Always keep writing. We need your messed up little brains.

The Awakening Trailer...Very Spooky!

wildclaw8@gmail.com (WIldclaw Theatre) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:41:00 -0500

This seems awesome. I love all these actors and I adore period costume spookyboots.