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BIOs
Panelists
Awalim Tribal Dancers - Joel Belluci - Jonathan Blake Thornton - James Cawley - Dr. Chris - Freddy Clements
Pam Cole - Loren Damewood - Kathy David - Fashions by Figment - Evan Fowler - Marty Gear - David Harmer
Kira Lang - Lovely Fairies of Cruxshadows - Scott Merrill - Sharon Morgan - Chris Mueller - Rayne - Bobby Rice
Rogue - Charles Root - John Shuttleworth - Spat
Guests
Marilee Coughlin - The Crossed Swords - Gordon Michael Woolvett
Track Staff
Brian Holloway - Lee Cox - Veronica - Holly - Chris - Jennifer
Panelists
in alphabetical order by last name (where applicable)
Awalim Tribal Dancers
The Awalim Tribal Dance Company was formed in 1999 under the direction of Ziah Ali McKinney-Taylor as a group to bring World Fusion Tribal Belly Dance to the stages of Atlanta and the Southeast US. Awalim's particular flavor of Tribal is decidedly upbeat and earthy while being sophisticated and urban, bringing what they feel are Atlanta's strongest characteristics to the Tribal genre. Visit them at: www.awalim.comJoel Belluci - Star Trek: New Voyages
Joel is a marine scientist, web designer and 3D artist. His marine experiences range from photo-ID studies of bottle nosed dolphins to diving under the Antarctic ice sheet. He has contributed to "3D Artist Magazine" and numerous local newspapers and magazines. He has also produced somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-to-the-7th web sites. He is single-handedly responsible for converting innumerable individuals (15, actually) to the joys of "The Next Generation" and would like to think that he is somehow responsible for the success of Patrick Stewart's career. Joel is also a driving force behind the success and smooth operation of "Star Trek: New Voyages" and has also been attached to "Star Trek: Hidden Frontier."
Jonathon Blake-Thornton - Disturbing Images Effects
Jonathan Thornton has been described as a scary, scary man. As a child, his ambitions were to become a doctor, mortician, or mad scientist. In his adult years, he decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a special effects makeup artist. Through hard work and perseverance, Jonathan became the founder and head special effects makeup artist of Disturbing Images Effects. Although small, the successful and rapidly growing FX company has been responsible for the many diverse makeups and effects for such movies as Home Sick, Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat, Stickville (now known as Bloodlines), and the soon to be released Lions Gate film, Last Resort (AKA Killers), directed by Project Greenlight founder Chris Moore.Jonathan is a Dragon*Con regular who will always be a rabid fan of sci-fi and horror. With dedication, unlimited imagination, and a desire for creative excellence, Jonathan and his team at Disturbing Images Effects will always strive to bring their unique and unusual style to vivid life.
James Cawley - Star Trek: New Voyages
James Cawley is the executive producer of "Star Trek: New Voyages" and also performs the role of Captain James T. Kirk. James first visited Dragon*Con last year and proved to be a highly popular guest. His web-based fan films for "Star Trek: New Voyages" boast 30 million downloads per episode and "CBS This Morning" recently featured the cast and crew on their program. Check out www.startreknewvoyages.com for more info.Dr. Chris - The Smile Centre
Dr Chris Smirthwaite is principal dentist at The Smile Centre, a multi-award winning dental practice in Cornwall UK. He has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants, and is a regular presenter at national dental conferences. Chris has been a regular visitor to Dragon*Con for several years and has an active interest in role-play gaming and costuming. Chris says, "I spend most of my working day trying to turn beastly smiles in beautiful ones, it makes a great change to come to the 'con, and help turn beauty into The Beast!"Freddy Clements - Jacksonville State University
Freddy Clements is currently a Professor of Drama/Faculty Costume Designer at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville Alabama. He holds a BA in English/Theatre from Emory & Henry College, VA 84 and an MFA in Costume design from Virginia Commonwealth University, VA 88. He has designed costumes for various theaters including Wayside Theatre in Middletown VA, CPCC in Charlotte NC, Converse college department of music Spartenburg SC, Barter Theatre in Abington Va and Theatre In The Square in Marietta, GA. On the University level he has taught courses in costume design, costume construction, stage make-up and advanced stage make-up.You can contact Mr. Clements at jsudesigner@aol.com.
Is this you? Please Loren Damewood
Loren Damewood has been creating intricate decorative knots in precious metal for over 25 years, and recently retired from a mundane job in the aerospace industry ("Not exactly rocket science... more like rocket tech.") to practice and teach his methods full time. He taught himself the techniques he uses, by trial and error, and delights in helping others to bypass the painful and tedious stages and go right to the shiny stuff. You can find out more by going to www.golden-knots.com.Artwork by Jeffrey Harper
Kathy David - No Strings Attached
Kathleen O'Shea David started working with puppets when she was 2 and over 40 years later she is still "wiggling dolls" for fun and profit. Along the way she picked up a few more skills and careers. She has done just about everything from cancer research to rock and roll. Some of her favorite jobs have been in puppetry, theater and publishing.With her husband Peter David, she adapted the first four issues of the Japanese Manga "Negima". She is a book editor, the owner of No String Attached (Custom Puppets, Masks, and Dolls), and mother to Caroline David. Her costumes have won awards at various science fiction conventions both for performance and workmanship. Her puppets are in collections all over the world. Current projects include a puppet show based on two short stories by Neil Gaiman, making her Fairy Grandmother dolls, finishing up her novel, and creating the other puppets that keep running round her head screaming, "Make me real!"
Fashions by Figment
This unusual and eclectic group of costumers have perhaps 100 years of experience among them but they have been working together for 15 years. Appearing originally at Dragon*Con and other venues under the Group Title ?Figment of Your Dementia? they racked up an impressive number of awards and titles. Finally seeing the writing on the wall, they banded together officially 12 years ago and ?Fashions by Figment? was born. In addition to their talents as panelists, they will also be setting up in the Dealer?s Room again this year bringing with them a collection of ?wears? that range from SCA, Lord of the Rings, Fantasy, and Eros all the way to Star Trek, Star Wars, comic book heroes, and commission work. Please take time to stop by and say hello or just visit them in the Dealer?s Room to see their works.
Evan Fowler - Star Trek: New Voyages
Evan Fowler is a Los Angeles based actor who auditioned for James Cawley and the crew of Star Trek: New Voyages and won the coveted role of Lt. Alex Freeman in David Gerrold's "Blood & Fire" over 50+ others that auditioned. Dragon*Con marks Evan's first convention appearance since joining the New Voyages cast and we welcome him warmly. Marty Gear - International Costumers' Guild
In the 21st century, the future of costuming doesn't lie with the traditional sci-fi conventions and costuming events. Participants in those events are growing old, and it's harder to find the sort of youth and enthusiasm you need to keep any hobby going. That sort of enthusiasm can be found with Marty Gear. Gear and his late wife, Bobbi, were part of costuming before the parents of many of today's costumers were born. Gear has been part of the ICG since before anime conventions were fashionable, and he's tried to bring these notoriously independent events in line with the guild's costuming categories and judging guidelines. We welcome Marty back for his second year and he is sure to bring his wisdom, warmth, and genial nature to our events.For more information about the ICG, go to www.costume.org
David Harmer - Body Paint Artist & Game Designer
David Harmer has been active in game design since 1988. His newest works are "The Four Horsemen: Hand of Death," a gothic horror card game out in early 2005, and work on the new release of the role playing game "Requiem," for Dark December Designs. Recent works include "Aftermath! Magic!", a set of expansion magic rules for the "Aftermath!" role playing game and the card game "Faerie Haven" for Mushroom Circle Games.Harmer's previous works include the "Legacy Live Action Role Playing Game" and expansion rules for "Aftermath!" by Fantasy Games Unlimited, the "Chrome Book" for Cyberpunk by R. Talsorian Games, rules and scenarios for the "NERO Live Action Role Playing Game," and design work for Quintessential Mercy Studios. He was on NERO-Atlanta's Campaign Committee for five years and directed Dinosaur Games from 1988-1993. David is also an experienced costumer, body paint artist, and prop maker, having won his first costume contest 30 years ago. David runs the Masquerade every year for Chattacon, and teaches classes on resin casting, body painting, and other costuming topics. David also has a body paint art project coming out in October - as his work will be featured in a coffee table art book.
Kira Lang -
Kira Lang is a costumer from way back, in '60 she had the most fashionable Barbies in town. Her childhood motto was: There's nothing that scissors, glue and a few well placed sequins can't fix. Kira's single mother supported herself and 4 kids on sewing for several years. While helping iron seams and picking stitches isn't all fun and games, left over fabric, ribbons and buttons are the stuff of fantasy in a childs world. As necessity is the mother of invention, lack of money is the sister of fashion fun. Now Kira uses second hand finds to create outrageous costumes and accessories for her belly dance habit. Not only can you save money and make a completely original costume but recycling saves the planet at the same time. You too can be a hero! Check out www.kiradancing.com.Lovely Fairies of Cruxshadows
Always a crowd pleaser, Jessica and the girls with the Cruxshadows Fairies have long been Costume Track favorites and good friends as well. Join us this year as we invite the Cruxshadow, Rogue, Jessica, and their fairies back to discuss costuming for Goth and production events. Visit www.cruxshadows.com.Scott Merrill - Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Travis Scott Merrill is currently in his third season at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival as a costume crafts artisan. His duties include leatherwork, mask making, millinery, puppet making, armor construction, airbrush painting, make-up prosthetics, and wearable sculpture.Travis has studied costuming at Jacksonville State University, focusing on historical costumes of the thirteenth to eighteenth century and armor and mask construction for the stage.
He has worked three seasons at the Savannah Shakespeare Festival as the director and costume designer for the green shows. He also spent two seasons at the Tony Award Winning Utah Shakespeare Festival as senior crafts artisan and wardrobe crew. His duties include leatherwork, mask making, millinery, puppet making, mold making, casting and armor construction.
Sharon Morgan - Altered Tyme Corsets
Sharon Morgan is the owner of internationally known Altertyme Corsets and is one the foremost expert on modern corset making. She has made corsets for various independent artists, most recently in Atlanta made independent film Psychopathia Sexualis. She has freelanced at several Atlanta based theatres including the Alliance, and worked for the JSU Opera as the costume designer. She spent three seasons at Tony Award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival as the senior costume tech and wardrobe supervisor. She is currently the Cutter draper, assistant costume shop manager, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Theatre. She has understanding of historical thread tracing, which is a system of graphing to derive a pattern from the original garment without destroying or damaging the garment.Visit www.altered-tyme.com.
Chris Mueller - Virginia Commonwealth University
Chris Mueller is currently a second year graduate student in the MFA Costume Design program at Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds a BA in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design and technology from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Chris spent two years professionally as a costume crafts artisan at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. He has also worked at the Utah Shakespearian Festival and most recently, as the cutter draper for Georgia Shakespeare.
Chris has extensive experience in pattern development, both modern and historical, and is one of the foremost experts in kilt making in the southeast region. For a time he owned and operated cheapkilts.net, one of the predominate kilt making companies of its time. In both his professional costume making career and as a hobby costumer he has familiarized himself with several techniques such as vacuum form, resin casting, prop building, severed head construction, and prosthetic make up.
Rayne
Born into a backstage family Rayne spent the majority of her childhood sitting in laundry baskets at the Fox Theater in Atlanta Ga watching some of the greatest musicals every created from just behind the curtain. Growing up she was involved in a varity of styles of dance including classical ballet, jazz, modern and still find great joy to this day in belly dancing. Rayne has spent 5 seasons with Atlanta's Netherworld Haunted House doing everything from Costuming, Make up, set design and Acting and is currently going on her 11th year with the Georgia Renaissance Festival having spent the past 3 years working for Bulls Eye Clothiers and Leather. Rayne is an accomplished model, having been shown at various art shows and also having been part of a documentary on Fetish photography, Most of her modeling experience is in the realm of retro, fetish and macabre. She been corset training since she was 16 years old (first year with the GA Renn Fair) and can now corest down a safe 10 inches from her natural waist.
Rayne is currently working on getting her own business off the ground... making custom dreaded hair falls and accessories ranging in a wide variety of styles and colors. She has been making, selling and wearing my creations for 3 years now. Having provided spooky hair for many of the Netherspawn. Hoping to soon branch out into clothing and providing access to more tribal type gypsy wear but with a new age twist.
Bobby Rice - Star Trek: New Voyages
Bobby Rice is an actor based in Los Angeles and has been featured in such genre fan films as Star Trek: Hidden Frontier as Ro Nevin and more recently in Star Trek: New Voyages, "Blood & Fire" as Ensign Peter Kirk, nephew to the now legendary Captain James T. Kirk. Check out www.startreknewvoyages.com for more info.Rogue - Cruxshadows
From humble origins in a Northern Florida town, Rogue and The Crüxshadows have risen to become internationally recognized as one of the most popular darkwave bands of all time. Rogue has been a strong friend to the Costume Track and we again welcome him warmly to discuss Goth influence in costume design and creation. Visit www.cruxshadows.com.Charles Root - Star Trek: New Voyages
Charles Root currently plays Scotty in the online series "Star Trek: New Voyages," and also stars in "Operation Dead One," a horror film shot in the Atlanta area. Charles is a warm and popular guest and the staff of the Costume Track and we are very happy to welcome him back this year to discuss his experiences. Check out www.startreknewvoyages.com for more info.John Shuttleworth -
John returns to us this year bringing with him again a wide collection of the chain mail artwork he has become famous for. Having designed for a number of venues including stage work, dancers, film, and SCA; this self-taught artisan offers a unique look at the craft of chain mail construction and shows the simple methods that can be used by novice and professionals alike. Having been a artisan for over 12 years, John has proven to be a big draw at conventions and outdoor events. Stop by to talk with John about your own projects or chat him up regarding commission work as well.
Spat - Spat Cave Studios
Spat is a costume, prop, and special F/X artist and actor from New York who works on many independent, low budget, and fan-made films. See more of his amazing work at: www.spatcave.comGuests
in alphabetical order by last name (where applicable)
The Crossed Swords
Nicole Harsch and Mike Sakuta are the Crossed Swords. For over 20 years, their Crossed Swords Stage Combat Shows have been seen across the continental U.S. and Canada at renaissance festivals and science fiction conventions and, of course, previous Dragon*Cons. Recently, they've been hired to swordfight in such interesting locations as Honolulu, Hawaii; Blackpool, England; Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Moscow, Russia.
They also teach stage combat and have been fight directors for renaissance festivals and many historical plays including Hamlet, Cyrano, Camelot, Caesar & Cleopatra, Robin Hood, Romeo & Juliet, and I Hate Hamlet.. For more details, please visit their bio on the Dragon*Con Site.
Gordon is best known for his work as Seamus Zelazny Harper on the television series Andromeda.Track Staff
Brian Holloway - Costuming Track Director
Brian began his theater career at age of 7: appeared in a regional theatrical production of Fiddler on the Roof with his father. Since then, the acting bug has hit hard and became a full-time commitment. Although he dabbled in the medical field for a short time, he could not be kept long from the bright lights and appeal of the stage. After receiving his BFA in Performance Arts, he toured nationally with several theater organizations for about seven years and could be seen headlining in productions ranging from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and Henry IV, Parts I and II to musicals like Big River, Man of La Mancha, Kiss Me, Kate and Jekyll & Hyde, to name a few.Brian got into science fiction when he was still in high school in Utah and has been and avid and regular convention attendee since he was 15. He also received theater degrees in costume and makeup design and has won national and regional awards for his design work. He even had costume designs for an original theatrical piece, HOTLINE!, displayed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. While in Utah, he was fortunate to befriend Paula Crist, an actress and stuntwoman for productions like Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Battlestar Galactica and the TV series Planet of the Apes. Paula got him connected to the film industry and he has been fortunate enough to land limited work in such productions as The Patriot, Last of the Mohicans, Domestic Disturbance, Doctor Who: The Movie, Highlander: The Series, Shallow Hal and Star Trek (an extra in the background in The Motion Picture and in the Voyager episode "Nemesis").
Brian now lives in Charlotte, NC, and has had the great fortune to meet such wonderful people there and has learned much from local celebrities and fellow con-goers such as Cheralyn Lambeth, the 501st Squadron and the SCA Wardrobe Guild.
<email Brian>
Lee Cox - Asst Director/Room Mgr
Lee became interested in costuming while in high school. At the time, he was beginning to gain some notoriety as a magician and naturally became interested in expanding his repertoire in clowning. It did not take him very long to realize that clown costumes of good quality and individuality were hand made? so he took to sewing on his mother?s hand-me-down machine. Soon, he was sewing clown costumes for other professional clown performers.Today, Lee stills sews "special" costumes and attire for his full length evening magic show. He also sews character costumes just for the fun of being someone else.
Lee is most known in the magic community for his comedic legerdemain throughout the southeast as well as Las Vegas NV, and Santa Fe NM. He has also written articles for the Linking Ring (the largest international magic magazine in circulation today,) taught lectures on creating original illusions and comedy, and has won numerous awards for his illusionary work.
<email Lee>
Veronica
This is Veronica's second year serving on the costuming panel. She was head of the costume department at Gordon College last year and is likely to be an assistant in the costuming shop at Kennesaw State University for the Fall semester, where she is a Theatre major.Holly
Holly is a professional seamstress that speacializes in Renaisance wear and cloaks. She is a merchant wench for the GARF (Georgia Renaissance Festival) and a costume designer. She is also a performer for Fire Pretty Productions.Chris
Chris is a professional fire performer of 3+ years, doing anything and everything extreme. He's the corporate "Fire Artist" for companies such as Domino's Pizza and Party City. He's also an amature costume designer conventions around the country other than Dragon*Con and has won Gen*Con 3 times, two years in a row.
Jennifer Toft is a free-lance costumer and photographer who hails from Winston-Salem, NC. Jennifer is welcomed back to the Costume Track staff this year after a much-deserved year off and we anticipate her special brand of fun and excitement she always brings with her.