Let’s discuss video games. Our nerd community runs on a heavy dose of memes, D&D and… video games. I, myself, was a gamer throughout college, and enjoyed it thoroughly. However it had been a few years since I’ve been able to dive fully into the world so I took the opportunity to jump at a pitch for the Video Game themed scripted show for FANDom. I asked my boyfriends and close friends for advice on which character I would best represent and Commander Shepard from Mass Effect won the pitch for me! I’ve never worked with EVA foam before so this was a whole new skill-set I needed to develop. Good thing… EVA foam is super forgiving and it was actually really fun to see what I could make from a sheet of foam, a heat gun and a pattern.

The costume base was an old wetsuit that I got in trade for a pair of custom heels several years ago. 14 zippers, 10 industrial hook and eye clasps and a lot of swearing later and the base for a fully break-away, strippable N7 armor stage costume was ready. I choose “Zombie” by the Cranberries and watched so much game play that I actually developed my own “ship” (Garrus and fem!Shep for life!) much to the excitement of my conWife, Firehawke. I even got a request to do a couples cosplay out of it… which to a costumer is, like… at least promise ring level commitment.

It was a three show run and it was such a great time backstage with a wonderful cast. Masquerade (Purgatory stage) really rolled out the great support and professional atmosphere. I like their new location, even if that weekend was kinda busy downtown for parking.

I love scripted shows. It’s such a fun departure from the normal line up and feels more like theater than just a recital. FANDom’s next scripted show is going to be Marvel themed!

With the year winding down I decided that this year, unlike years past, I would book a burlesque performance to close out the year. Enter the lovely Burlesque Right Meow team! I’ve worked with Sally Stardust, Murphy Lawless, and Scarlet Starlet independently but this with the first time under this banner. The host, Ego Von Hubris is also someone I’ve shared a stage with and like the co-founders, also a lovely co-performer! New co-stars Nadira, Angelina Sophia, Ellie Quinn, and Santobella Spark made the backstage area fun and interesting with their stories and good humor.

I brought both my Hotel California Act (affectionately nicknamed “My Cat’s Quinceañera” because of the over the top and flowery costume) and my fan dance, “Who Wants to Live Forever.” The brewery has a charming tradition of dropping a large hop instead of a ball and toasting with some of their lovely brew instead of champagne.

I ended the show with my fan dance, which is a very emotional act for me and I was astonished by the standing ovation as I exited the show… truly a wonderful way to wrap 2017/ start 2018!

As always, Strangeways Brewery featured delightful craft brews that even my lovely date, E enjoyed, for all that he rarely drinks.

It’s already been a few weeks since Dragoncon 2015… but let me tell you, what a ridiculous riot of amazing wonderfulness!

Worked Special Events Security this year with an amazing team, a fearless leader and more man-hours than sense. We stayed fueled with pixie sticks, coffee, energy drinks and sheer silliness. Best Dragoncon volunteer experience I have had yet, I must say!

I was invited to sit on the Kink 201 panel in the Hilton this year. This was my second panel at Dragoncon and wholly different from my first (Orientlism in Burlesque). I had a lovely time speaking with my peers. I adore any chance to advance education and this panel definately lived up to expectations. I can only thank the lovely men and women (and those who have yet to make up their minds!) who made it possible, who sat with me and who attended.

I passed out a trio of cosplays to the lovely Amelia Bareheart. Hannah had two and Jeff was splendid and ecstatic in his singular cosplay! I myself only had time for two, one old and one new, but I did have a chance to have my picture taken multiple times with young children when I wore my Princess Bubblegum cosplay!