Lois McMaster Bujold
Wojtek Siudmak
Wombat
January 12-14, 2001
Boston Park Plaza Hotel
Boston, Massachusetts
New England's largest and most diverse speculative media convention has something for everyone - from literature to science to gaming to music and dance, movies and art, costumes and craft, good food and good conversation. Whether it's your first Arisia or your 12th, we're sure you'll have fun "Looking Back on the Future."
Lois McMaster Bujold is the author of fourteen highly popular science fiction and fantasy novels, most of them chronicling the adventurous saga of Miles Naismith Vorkosigan. Since her first publication in 1985, she has won four Hugos, two Nebulas, and two Locus awards, and was nominated for the John W. Campbell award in 1987. Her works have been translated into fourteen languages (so far). Her latest novel, A Civil Campaign, was nominated for this year's Hugo award.
Wojtek Siudmak is one of the principal representatives of fantastic realism, and has been compared to M.C. Escher, Salvador Dali, and Rene Magritte. His art portrays the three-dimensional illusion of space through the use of light and shade, as well as linear and aerial perspective. His research into technical perfection is put to the use of an overflowing and highly original imagination. A Pole living in Paris, his work sometimes appears on the cover of Asimov's, and is frequently shown throughout Europe, but is rarely seen in the US.
Wombat, a.k.a. jan howard finder, got hooked on Tolkien in the 60's, and ended up putting on two very successful Tolkien conferences. Since then, he has run three SF cons; learned how to auction; MC'ed, judged, worked, and been in masquerades; sold a short story; edited an SF anthology; and written an illustrated book about Australian mammals. He has been Fan Guest of Honor at a number of cons including the 1993 Worldcon, ConFrancisco.
Arisia '01 will have panel discussions and workshops on diverse subjects of literature, writing, science, history, media, comics, gaming, costuming, filk, fandom, and much more. In keeping with this year's theme of "Looking Back on the Future," we will explore literature's and other genres' ideas of what the 21st Century will look like. There will also be readings, autograph sessions, all kinds of gaming - even a sword-fighting demo. If you have an idea for a program item, email program@arisia.org.
We are pleased to have the American team that participated in Scrapheap Challenge, a British show that challenges you to make something out of nothing. Well will host a mini Scrapheap Challenge at the con, with 6 teams of 3 people each vying for the prize - write for more details. For a taste of what the show is like, see http://www.channel4.com/scrapheap/. For information on "our boys," see http://www.the-nerds.org/.
Close out the con with our Sunday Sundae, featuring some of the best ice cream in ice cream-mad Boston!
Fast Track is a convention-within-a-convention geared to fans ages 6 to 14. But Fast Track is also part of convention programming and is open to fans of all ages. We welcome both younger children with their parents, and older fans who find our topics interesting.
Fast Track this year features more hands-on activities than ever, including anime, crafts, costuming, and a look behind the scenes at the Masquerade. A magic show, role-playing games, and storytelling are all on the schedule - the hard part is fitting it all in. If this is too much commotion for you, we'll have a lounge area where young fans can play with games and relax in a quiet atmosphere.
A featured event is the chance for kids to form the cast of an improvised play, which we will write and perform over the course of the weekend. Our costume creation workshop will go along with the play. Of course, we will have to conclude with a cast party, so make sure you're there for the big production.
Email fasttrack@arisia.org if you would like to sign up your kids, volunteer to help, or want more information.
Dueling Desktops 2001 is our first Student Writing Contest, open to all high school students in New England. Short stories (3000 words or under) must reflect the theme of "Looking Back on the Future."
A panel of nationally renowned writers and editors will read all submissions. Their three top choices will receive cash prizes, will be published in the annual Arisia Souvenir Book, and will be read aloud at a special event at the con, where the winner will be announced. Finalists will receive free Convention memberships.
Please email student-writing@arisia.org for information and submission guidelines.
Our Art Show will feature the works of our Artist Guest of Honor, Wojtek Siudmak, and much, much more. You may place a written bid on many of the items; those with fewer than four bids on Sunday will be sold to the highest bidder, while those with more bids go to the live Auction. There is also a Print Shop, where fine art prints are available at fixed prices. Special events include the always-popular Dueling Easels, where artists create a book cover right before your very eyes! If you would like to exhibit your work (now at 1997 rates!), email artshow@arisia.org.
The second annual Student Art Contest is open to all high school students, working in any medium. Finalists will receive a free membership to Arisia '01 as well as having their art displayed in our Art Show (where they may choose to sell it, subject to the usual Art Show rules). Winners will receive a cash prize! For information and a complete set of rules, email student-art@arisia.org.
The film program returns to the big screen. We'll have another silent movie classic with a live organist, as well as a mixture of traditional classics and at least one newer SF feature. Last year, we were the first convention in the world to show Star Wars: The Phantom Menace - come see what we can do this year!
The movies go on (and on) in the Video Theater - 24 hours a day of movies, trailers, shorts, cartoons, etc. Come see the best and worst that we have to offer! Don't miss the Midnight Mystery Movie on Saturday - to be announced during the Masquerade.
There will be a separate around-the-clock room for Anime (Japanese animation), showcasing a wide range of material in the genre, including action adventure, comedy, martial arts, classic older titles, and some unique Japanese categories. Most will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. There will also be a dedicated kids' anime room, located near Fast Track.
All major events, and selected panels and movies, will be broadcast live to your hotel room on ArisiaTV, so you don't have to miss a thing!
The high point of Saturday night will be the only masquerade in New England. Part fashion show, part theater - dazzling costumes of all types will be displayed and judged on the large permanent stage in the sumptuous Imperial Ballroom.
The Masquerade is open to all at no charge, but advance registration is required to participate. You may register until Saturday afternoon at the convention. The International Costumers' Guild class system and guidelines will be used. For more information, email masq@arisia.org.
In honor of Lois McMaster Bujold, our period dance this year will be a Winterfair Ball on Barrayar.
Emperor Gregor Vorbarra of Barrayar requests your presence at a Ball at the Imperial residence. An evening of traditional dances has been planned: Polonaise, Waltzes, Polkas, Quadrilles and Country Dances. Instruction will be offered to allow offworld dignitaries to join in these dances.
Ambassadorial staff from offworld are reminded that the Barrayaran population maintains a martial culture and costume reminiscent of the military splendor of Eastern Europe on Old Earth in the nineteenth century. You should expect to see a variety of household uniforms in characteristic colors (brown with silver for House Vorkosigan; maroon with gold for House Vordarian; . . . and dark green for the Barrayaran Imperial Service). Ambassadors should feel free to wear whatever passes for formal dress on their home planet.
If you prefer a different mood, there will be a club-style dance following the Masquerade, held in conjunction with the Camarilla LARP (see below).
There will be plenty of filking (fannish folk singing) throughout the weekend, both group and solo, with opportunities to sing along, in the new Terrace Room, plus a concert with our musical guest (TBA). Also look for our ever-popular drum circle and belly dance jam, on both Friday and Saturday! For more information, email filk@arisia.org.
As usual, we will have a wide variety of table-top, role-playing, and card games. We may even have a computer game room. If you are interested in running a game (or even a tournament!), email gaming@arisia.org.
A vampire-themed Live-Action Role-Playing Game will take place on Saturday night, from 7 PM until we fall asleep.
Welcome to New York City, January 2001, a Camarilla city. The city was liberated from the Sabbat over a year ago but unfortunately taking the city has proven to be much easier than ruling it. The elders that cooperated so closely to fight the Sabbat have now turned against one another in a powerful struggle to determine who will rule what may become the jewel in the North American Camarilla's crown.
Join the fray as a member of the ruling elite trying to maintain the Camarilla's fragile grip on New York City or as one of the many challenges they must face to succeed.
This LARP will utilize the Mind's Eye Theatre rules from White Wolf. For more information, or to reserve a character, contact the games-masters at either http://people.ne.mediaone.net/rbaty6 or at nyclarp@hotmail.com.
Looking for something special? Visit the Dealers' Room, with an extensive selection of everything from anime to books, chains to dragons. Also be sure to browse Dealers' Row, where dealers set their own hours. For information on the Dealers' Room and Dealers' Row, email dealers@arisia.org (but please note that we're sold out).
Cookies, caffeine, and camaraderie will be available round-the-clock in the Hospitality Suite, the perfect place to relax, have a snack or some soda, pick up the latest newsletter, and meet other fans.
The Fan Lounge is the perfect place to get comfy with a fanzine or APA, and perhaps learn a bit of fandom's roots - or life before the Internet, anyway. You can also help produce a one-shot fanzine - we will write, edit, lay out, print, and distribute it, all over the course of the weekend!
As usual, Arisia's nightlife will be hopping with parties. If you'd like to host a party, you must contact our party coordinator (email parties@arisia.org). If you decide to host a party, we'll "seed" it with snacks and soda. Alcohol is not allowed at open parties (those with open doors).
Fan tables will grace the mezzanine throughout the convention, and are free to any recognized organization that signs up in advance. Freebie tables will be nearby, full of flyers with information about upcoming fan events and opportunities - and sometimes free books, pins, posters, or other items.
If you go into net withdrawal, check out our Internet Lounge, where you can check your email or surf your favorite SF sites.
Children under 12 years old may attend free as Kids-in-Tow (accompanied by an adult member at all times), or may have their own convention membership.
For 24 month olds - 6 year olds, Arisia has babysitting. For a $50 membership, we watch your children until 11 PM each night. Fully qualified staff, including early education teachers, take care of your children while you enjoy the convention. To ensure appropriate staffing levels, you must pre-register for babysitting by November 30, 2000. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to find out more about Arisia's Babysitting, please email babysitting@arisia.org.
Ever wonder how all these wonderful and exciting events are made to happen? Here's your chance to find out! Arisia is completely volunteer-run, and we need your help in all areas to make everything run smoothly! See what happens "behind the scenes," meet fellow fans, and get that warm glow that comes from knowing that you made a difference.
If you work 8 hours, you will get our limited-edition, not-available-at-any-price staff T-shirt. For only 12 hours, you will get a free membership to next year's convention. If you are available Thursday evening or Sunday Evening, volunteer for set-up or tear-down, and earn extra hours.
For more information, or to sign up, email gophers@arisia.org. You can also sign up during the con at the Gopher Hole, which will be stocked with free drinks and snacks for volunteers.
Arisia '01 is back in the Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers in downtown Boston. For reservations, call 617-426-2000 or 800-225-2008. The convention room rates are $103 for a single or double, $113 for a triple, and $123 for a quad. We usually sell out, so make your reservation early! We especially advise reserving before December 1 if you want a room with two double beds. Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card or check deposit; if you wish a non-guaranteed reservation, contact us by mail or email at hotel@arisia.org. Also contact Arisia for information about suite availability.
If you're planning to hold a party, please ask for the "Party Host" block when you make your reservation. This will ensure that you get a room appropriate for a party.
As some of our past attendees know, the Park Plaza is a venerable hotel, and handicapped access is awkward to some areas. If you will need handicapped access, please try to let us know as soon as possible. We will have a special packet for you at Registration.
Save money and join now! Our $30 pre-registration deadline is November 30, 2000; after that, you pay the full at-the-door rate of $40. Paid memberships may be transferred in writing to another person. To join, fill out the form below. If you register now for Arisia '01, your Progress Report with directions and pre-registration confirmation will be in your Christmas mail. If you do not receive it by January 1, please contact us at the address below, or at reg@arisia.org. Group discounts are available; please inquire. If you are a member of the press, or represent a publisher, write to Arisia for press pass information, or email press@arisia.org.
We also have group rates available. Click Here for information.
By US Mail:
Arisia '01
Building 600, PMB 322
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Cambridge, MA 02139
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Building 600, PMB 322
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Cambridge, MA 02139
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