Arisia '01 Program Schedule


Noon--4:00 PM Friday

Video: Blade, Noon - Cambridge

Video: Blade Runner (director's cut), 2:05 PM - Cambridge

Art Show: Artist Check-in, 3pm-8pm - Georgian

Video: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (B&W), 3:35 - Cambridge


4:00 PM Friday

Dealers' Room opens to public - Plaza Ballroom


5:00 PM Friday

The Cell, 5:00 pm - 6:52 pm - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by one or more Hal Roach "Our Gang" comedies (early silents)

The Mirror of Souls - Stanbro


6:00 PM Friday

Fluxx in Fast Track - Emerson

Card games and introductions. We'll teach the games too.
Gabriel Lefton, staff

Fast Track: Playwrights' Club - Franklin

Come help us write this year's play.

Video: 2001, 6:00 PM - Cambridge

Valley of the Drow - Stanbro

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Playtest - Stanbro

7th Sea Demonstration - Stanbro

Boston Gamers Presents... - Stanbro


7:00 PM Friday

Tech 101 - Imperial Ballroom

Come listen to Unca Siggy show and tell how all of those neat things that make the masquerade look and sound nifty really work.
Alex Latzko

Reading: Mark Van Name - Cabot

Hard Science Fiction - Charles

Back to the science in science fiction. Is so-called "hard SF" still going strong? What's new in this area?
Ramona Wheeler (m), Muriel Kanter, Warren Lapine, Andrew Phillips

Comics Evolution: Beyond the 28 Page Monthly - Constitution

The comic as novel, the comic as internet entity, the comic as screenplay. Is the medium of comics moving towards something beyond the 28 page monthly and what does the future hold?
Scott Green (m), Keith DeCandido, Jim Blanchette

Fast Track: Singing with Gunther - Franklin

Gunther Anderson, famous folk-singer, brings his guitar to Fast Track. Songbooks provided, talent not required.
Gunther Anderson

Art Show: Open to the Convention, 7PM-9PM - Georgian

Bedtime Stories for Toddlers - Holmes

Craig McDonough reads from children's classics. Parents required, children at heart welcome.
Craig McDonough

Copyright and Freedom of Speech - Lenox

When the icons of popular culture are the property of corporations, does this threaten freedom of speech? Parody is protected speech, but is that sufficient protection from corporate control of the arts?
Harold Feld (m), David Kaplowitz, Joseph Teller, Ken Gale, Harold Feld

First Alien Contact - St. James

Should we shoot first and ask questions later or send out the diplomats. Speak your thoughts on first alien contact.
Toni Lay (m), Amy Chused, Cindy Shettle, Aline Kaplan

Comic Films - Thoreau

The technology is finally here. What has been done right, done wrong. What would you like to see and what do you think you could have done better. (X-men, Blade, The Matrix, Spiderman on the way, etc.)
Sam Jones (m), Susan Toker, Misty Pendragon

Scrapheap Challenge/Junkyard Wars--The Panel - White Hill

William "Crash" Yerazunis shares the up and downs of his participation in the Scrapheap Challenge/Junkyard Wars British TV show. Join him to find out what all the excitement is about.
William "Crash" Yerazunis, Jef f "D.P." DelPapa

Theory and Art of Flirting - Whittier

A description and demonstration of flirting in theory and practice. Share your best flirting techniques.
Wombat (m), Karen Purcell, Sheeri Kritzer, Kimberly Bradshaw

Fantasia 2000, 7:15 pm - 8:49 pm - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by "From The Earth to the Moon" (1905)


8:00 PM Friday

Barrayaran Dance - Imperial Ballroom

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. Ambassadors should feel free to wear whatever passes for formal dress on their home planet.
No Formal Dress Required

Polyamory I, 18+ - Terrace

People with multiple significant others: are they just regular folks, with a time management problem? Have they banished jealousy?
Kimberly Bradshaw (m), Deb Wunder, Bill Pomeroy, Theresa Reed

Hal and Friends and Guests (2h) - Back Bay

Join Hal Clement and a group of writers in an ongoing dialogue about science fiction, writing, and the publishing business in general.
Hal Clement (m), Ramona Wheeler, Sherry Briggs, Shane Tourtellotte, Michael Burstein

Reading: Keith DeCandido - Cabot

From upcoming Farscape and/or Star Trek novel.

Fast Track: Treasure Chest - Emerson

Make your own treasure chest (not glitter-safe).

Bringing Girls into Comic Stores - Lenox

To get the next generation of girls reading comics, they have to get started. How can girls first notice that there might be something in the store for them?
Kristin Burger (m), Sam Jones, Mercy Van Vlack

Fans talk back on Star Wars/Star Trek books - St. James

Are rich details added to our experience or does the flood of books just distract?
Susan Toker (m), Diane Kovalcin, Mike Horne,

Character Creation for 3rd Edition D&D - Stanbro

Costume in a Day - Stuart

A last minute decision to come to the convention? How to make a quick costume.
Susan de Guardiola (m), Nancy Frey, Mary Bacon

Legion of Extinct RPGs - Thoreau

Gone but not forgotten--what role-playing systems have disappeared from use but are still missed?
Victor Raymond (m), Pete Maranci, Joe Valenti

Technology Shaping Culture - White Hill

Technology shapes our culture as well as the universes authors create. How do authors choose what technology will exist in their universe and how does this impact the plot.
Mark Van Name (m), Lois McMaster Bujold, Sarah Smith

The Prisoner - Whittier

More than thirty years after it ran, "The Prisoner" is still considered one of the best SF series ever to air on TV. Does the search for Number One and the question of why Number Six resigned, still speak to us today? Can a giant weather balloon (the "rovers") still frighten? Could it be updated in the perennially rumored film version? Be seeing you.
Alexx Kay (m), David Kimmel, James Zavaglia, Charlene Brusso

What is Filk ? - Winthrop

Always wondered at those strange songs that appear as if from nowhere? Find out what all the strumming is about.
Lee Gold (m), Jacob Sommer, Barry Gold, Harold Feld

Video: 2010, 8:24 PM - Cambridge


9:00 PM Friday

Sex Toys of the Future, 18+ - Terrace

Join the fabulous Kim Airs of Grand Openings in a lively presentation of sex toys of the future. Fun will be had by all.
Kim Airs

Alphaville, 9:00 pm - 11:04 pm - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by "Future For Every Child" (1974)

Storytelling: Alexx Kay - Cabot

Tales of Orlando Furioso, a 16th century fantasy epic.
Alexx Kay

Artists' Reception/Meet the Pros - Georgian

Intro to LARPs - St. James

Be introduced to Live-Action Role Playing games. Perhaps you'll want to play one at the con, and where else can you find them?
John Bacon (m), Simon Deveau, Rachel Morris

Design & Use of Props in Gaming - Thoreau

The action is all going on inside your head, but the figures and other props can be a useful assist. But can it get carried away?
Jon Woodward (m), Rich Staats, Alec Baclawki, Mike Horne,

Rewriting Fairy Tales - White Hill

Archetypal themes emerge again and again in fantasy. Why are we so drawn to these stories, and how do some people succeed in writing beyond the cliches while other efforts just collapse?
Laura Packer (m), Suford Lewis, Stu Mendelson, Mary Catelli

NESFA Hymnal - Whittier

Join us in singing the traditional SF songs, words provided.
Mark Mandel (m), Lois Mangan

Open Filking--Shabbos friendly - Winthrop

No voice activated tape recorders, please.


10:00 PM Friday

Cult Classics--Bad Movies - St. James

Do cult classics have to be bad movies, or do they need to be soooo bad that they are good? Join the panel for a lively discussion of some the worst SF movies ever made and why sometimes "Plan 9 from Outer Space" or "Creation of the Humanoids" can be a lot more fun than the latest empty special effects block-buster.
Dan Kimmel (m), Scott Green, Jim Blanchette, Solomon Davidoff

Reading: Cecilia Tan - White Hill

Open filking - Winthrop

Belly Dancing Workshop, 10:30 PM - Terrace

Karen Purcell and others teach bellydancing! Bring your bellies.
Nancy Rogers King (m), KW, Karen Purcell


11:00 PM Friday

The Vampire Panel - White Hill

They said it couldn't be done-an Arisia without a vampire panel-and you know what? They were right. What's new and terrific or terrifying in the genre.
Jennifer Dunne (m), Cindy Shettle, Susan de Guardiola, Misty Pendragon

Video: Top of the Food Chain, 11:06 PM - Cambridge

SILENT: The Lost World, 11:15 pm - 12:15 am - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by "Your World with Bubble Memory" (1976)

11:30 PM Friday

Drum Circle & Bellydance Jam - Terrace


Midnight--10:00 AM Friday/Saturday

Social Class!, Midnight~3:00 AM - Back Bay

Join the weird card game players for this science fiction convention phenomenon.

Sleepy Hollow, 12:30 am - 2:25 am - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by a ten minute documentary on the Space Shuttle.

Video: 13th Warrior, 12:50 AM - Cambridge

Video: Six-String Samurai, 1:38 AM - Cambridge

Video: MST3K: the Movie, 3:14 AM - Cambridge

Video: H.G. Wells, Things to Come (B&W), 4:32 AM - Cambridge

Video: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, 6:17 AM - Cambridge

Video: Video Room Closed for AM setup, 7:49 AM - Cambridge

Video: Chuckie's AM show, 8:00 AM - Cambridge

Art Show: Artist Check-in, 9AM-Noon - Georgian

The Sunless Citadel (part one), 9 AM - Stanbro


10:00 AM Saturday

NERO (2 hours) - Imperial Ballroom

Rachel Morris

Hands-On Scrapheap Challenge/Junkyard Wars (2 hours) - Terrace

Given a large box of Junk and two hours, teams must construct a device to do a secret task. Six teams of three will be picked for the challenge. Please have your team register with Program Ops (4th floor) by 9:00 am Saturday. Teams will be drawn at random at 9:15 am, and must be in Terrace Room by 9:50 am. Leatherman or Swiss army knife needed, no welding!
William "Crash" Yerazunis, Jeff "D.P." DelPapa

Art Show: Open to the Convention, 10AM-7PM - Georgian

Coffee with Guests: Lois McMaster Bujold - Alcott

Seating for 12. Guests please sign up in Program Ops.

Hal Clement's Slide Show, "Gestation" - Cabot

Follow the development of a new story idea, from the very beginning to detailed story backgrounds.
Hal Clement

Strength in Numbers - Charles

Professional organizations for writers--SFWA, HWA, and agent associations, how they can help new and established professional writers.
Sarah Smith (m), Susan H. Crowley, Ramona Wheeler

British TV - Constitution

"Dr. Who", "Blake's Seven", "Red Dwarf"; what do the British know about TV SF that American producers need to learn? Are there other shows that fans ought to see, and how can they get to see them short of moving to the UK?
Toni Lay (m), Tommy Ashton, James Zavaglia

Fast Track: Props and Scenery (2 hours) - Emerson

The backstage crew gets busy preparing for the video.

Fast Track: Costuming for Kids (2 hours) - Franklin

Come make costumes for the play or for the hall.
Nancy Frey, Angie Bowen, Laurel Cunningham-Hill

How to Plan a LARP - Lenox

What you have to do before the first player shows up.
John Bacon (m), P Digennaro, Joe Valenti

How To Break In and Make Your 1st Sale - St. James

Through an agent? Through a slush pile? How does a writer go from "aspiring" to "published"?
Charles Ryan (m), Jeanne Cavelos, Glenn Hauman

Boston Gamers Presents... - Stanbro

Clan War Demonstration - Stanbro

Clan War Tournament Rounds 1-3 - Stanbro

Micromachines Podracing - Stanbro

Costume Swap (10:00 AM--1:00PM) - Stanhope

Bring your old boring fabric--swap it for new exciting fabric. The one who dies with the most fabric wins.

A Masquerade Costume You Can Afford - Stuart

Making a cool costume when the sky isn't the limit can be a challenge. What to do cheaply, without breaking the bank.
Susan Toker (m), Laurel Cunningham-Hill, Lisa Ashton

Women and Gaming - Thoreau

There are still a lot more men than women playing RPG's. What could the game makers and players be doing to be more interesting to women?
Kiralee McCauley (m), Kimberly Pinto-DiGennaro, Lee Gold

"I Was Promised Flying Cars" - White Hill

What did you think the 21 st century would bring? Are you disappointed?
Michael Burstein (m), Tom Restivo, Nomi Burstein

MST3K - Whittier

What five movies would you most like to be on MST3K?
Peter Maranci (m), Shane Tourellotte, Solomon Davidoff

Princess Bride, 10:30am - 12:27 pm - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by BOMB.


11:00 AM Saturday

Coffee with Guests: Keith DeCandido - Alcott

Seating for 12. Guests please sign up in Program Ops.
Keith DeCandido

Traditional Storytelling for Adults - Cabot

Laura Packer

Health Hazards of Art - Charles

What materials are a hazard and shouldn't be used. What can be used with safe guards?
Heidi Hooper (m), C D'alessio, Liz Manicatide, Robin Wood

What Makes a Good SF TV Show? - Constitution

Is this a new golden age for science fiction on television, or are a lot of producers churning a lot of bad shows because SF is currently "in"? What should you look for in a TV series? What made the classic shows "classic" and are there lessons for today's TV series about what to do and, more importantly, what not to do?
Jeanne Cavelos (m), James Zavaglia, Aline Kaplan, Andrew Phillips

Getting it Right: Medicine and Surgery in Science Fiction - Lenox

Sometimes doctors tear their hair out, and sometimes they're impressed. Panelists share some of each.
Amy Chused (m), Karen Purcell, Lisa Ashton

Star Trek at 35 - St. James

The heroic crew/goody-goodies (take your pick) of the starship Voyager will finally get home this year, in the final season of "Star Trek: Voyager." Have the suits killed the goose that laid the golden eggs by churning out too much Trek? Where is "the franchise" going and will they still be watching "Next Generation" reruns when StarFleet Academy is finally established?
Michael Burstein (m), Nomi Burstein , Tom Restivo, Dan Kimmel

Clockworks - Stanbro

Creating the Total Look (accessories) - Stuart

A complete costume needs the accessories that make the look.
Stephanie Carrig (m), Jennie Faries, Diane Kovalcin

Sharing Books With Children & Adults - Thoreau

What are the characteristics of books that adults and children can read and reread together? Who are the authors that we want to share with our children and what books do our children want us to read.
Mary Catelli (m), S Clarkson, Nancy Hanger

Romance and SF - White Hill

Is romance in SF different than SF in romance? How do the genres play together?
Suford Lewis (m), Catherine Asaro, Jennifer Dunne, Patrica Cirone

Designing a Character for LARP - Whittier

How can you create a character you can really enjoy playing? Will you be someone much like your everyday personality--or completely different?
Paul DiGennaro (m), Julian Yapp, K McCauley

Video: Creature Double Feature, 11:05 AM - Cambridge


Noon Saturday

Odyssey Writers Workshop - Cabot

Director Jeanne Cavalos, former senior editor at Dell Publishing, explains the workings of the six week summer workshop for f/sf/h writers held annually at New Hampshire College.
Jeanne Cavelos

GMs Talk Back - Charles

You can make the rules fool-proof but not player-proof. Players just will pry open doors nailed shut and follow tunnels labeled "Don't Go There". How do players foil GM's rather than the other way around?
Tia Kaplowitz (m), Mark Waks, K Pinto-DiGennaro

Whispering To Thousands: The Art and Psychosis of Online Journalling - Constitution

Writers write, and almost any creative writing teacher suggests keeping a daily journal. However, more and more people are turning to the Internet, posting their thoughts, hopes, dreams and confessions to thousands. Here's how to attract an audience, get valuable experience, and not get stalked online. Journals versus weblogs will also be addressed.
E A Burns

Fast Track: Origami Storytelling for Children - Franklin

Join Maria Roberts for "storygami"--origami with a story to tell. The story guides the folding sequence, and will help you remember the steps.
Maria Roberts

Weapons Law in MA - Lenox

Weapons law for the fan/collector/recreationist. A lawyer talks about legally owning, transporting, and carrying non-firearm weapons.
Lisa Steele

Building Worlds - St. James

Do you worry about history, scientific reality, and economics when you are constructing worlds? Or does the plot come first?
Jon Woodward (m), Mike Horne, Victor Raymond

Blood Moon - Stanbro

Surviving your First Masquerade - Stuart

What you need to know about the masquerade--how to be prepared when you enter.
Byron P. Connell (m), Toni Lay, Susan Toker

Retro SF - Thoreau

Pulp fiction resurfaces. Why go back? Is it nostalgia, have we run out of ideas or are we revisiting an old theme with a new perspective.
Scott Green (m), Elisabeth Carey, Ramona Wheeler, Ernest Lilley

Alien in Human Society - White Hill

Bringing an alien into human society means a new viewpoint on how the conventions of the society are interpreted. What's obvious to you that's not obvious to the outside observer?
Muriel Kanter (m), Cecilia Tan , Amy Chused

Teaching SF in Schools - Whittier

What books should we use? How is SF presented in school? Does reading SF in class encourage - or discourage - kids from reading SF?
Wombat (m), Suford Lewis, Ken Gale, Susan H. Crowley

Frequency, 12:45 pm - 2:56 pm - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by "Mars--The Search Begins"


1:00 PM Saturday

Fan GOH Interview: Wombat - Imperial Ballroom

Listen to our Fan GOH tell our interviewer about his varied interests in and out of fandom

Filk Concert: Looking Back on the Future - Terrace

Open mike concert with our convention's theme: Looking Back on the Future. Performers sign up anytime before the concert.

Storytelling: Stu Mendelson - Cabot

Death in Roleplaying - Charles

Resurrections and magical saves aside, when does a character die and stay dead? How do you kill the character without losing your friends?
Jon Woodward (m), Mary Bacon, Natasha Hawke

Archiving Fannish Material - Constitution

Jess Steytler

Fast Track: Filming the movie (2 hrs) - Franklin

Come be a shining star in this year's fast-paced video.

Fannish Tolerance - Lenox

Some have suggested that this be titled "The Myth of Fannish Tolerance". Are fans really more accepting of difference than the rest of the world, or do you have to be different just like us?
Deb Wunder (m), Ken Gale , Solomon Davidoff

Game Design - St. James

Every game designer makes tradeoffs between ease of play and realistic action. What decisions have you had to make?
Richard Staats (m), Eric Ren, Joseph Teller

CAPITAL DISTRICT KINDRED: The Codex of Whispers - Stanbro

Embrace of Madness - Stanbro

Phoenix Feathers from Samarkand - Stanbro

Tools of the Costumer - Stuart

What are the basic tools for getting started, and where should you go after you get hooked.
Carol Salemi (m), Diane Kovalcin, Susan Toker

Using History to Write Speculative Fiction - Thoreau

Many authors place parallels to historical events in a science fiction universe. Does it work? What are the pros and cons of this technique?
Sherry Briggs (m), Mary Catelli, Andrew Phillips

Bujold Addicts Anonymous - White Hill

We admit that we are possessed by forces beyond our control. But we're OK with that.
Suford Lewis (m), Amy Chused, Elisabeth Carey, Jennifer Dunne

Historical Branch Points - Whittier

If you were going to change history, what moment would you choose? Panelists present their choice of critical moments.
Byron P. Connell, Scott Green

Monty Python - Winthrop

After three decades, they still make us laugh. Come to an appreciation of the British comedy troupe (with the crazy American animator) where you'll be sure to hear--or say--your favorite bits, and we discuss why this hilarious series remains such a touchstone for SF fans in spite of the minimal SF content
John Black (m), Tommy Ashton, Toni Lay


1:30 PM Saturday

Art Show: Dueling Easels - Whittier


2:00 PM Saturday

Writer GOH Reading: Lois McMaster Bujold - Imperial Ballroom

Reading: Charlene Brusso (1/2 hr) - Cabot

Ubiquitous Computing - Charles

Computers, everywhere and all speaking to each other, seem to be part of the vision of the future. What will we do with all of them--and what will a computer virus in your wearable computers do to you?
Mark Van Name (m), Catherine Asaro, Nancy Hanger

Knights of the Dinner Table - Constitution

Can you talk about your gaming campaign without boring everyone else to death? What would Miss Manners say?
Kristin Burger (m), K Pinto-DiGennaro, Jon Woodward, Jim Blanchette

Fast Track: Make a Zoo - Emerson

Bead animals and other materials for making your own "pet critters" from this or other worlds.

Military Speculative Fiction - Lenox

Big ships and lots of guns are fun, but will war in space really work like that? What can we understand about peace, war, and the military life from SF?
Ernest Lilley (m), KW, Robert Glaug, Warren Lapine

Year in Review Movies - St. James

It was the worst of years, it was...really the worst of years. What went wrong in 2000 and is there anything worth nominating for the Hugos this year? A look back on the best and the worst of 2000 at the movies.
David Kimmel (m), Tom Restivo, Sam Jones, John Black

The Sunless Citadel (part two) - Stanbro

Micro Pop-Tart Cafe - Stanbro

What the Workmanship Judge Wants - Stuart

How are costumes judged on workmanship? Do you really compare high-tech material expertise with meticulous hand stitching? What makes a costume win for workmanship?
Lisa Ashton (m), Susan de Guardiola, Wombat

Designing a Character for Tabletop Gaming - Thoreau

What makes a character playable in an RPG? How can you stay in character when you know much more-or much less-than your character is supposed to?
Bill Pomeroy (m), Peter Maranci, Rich Staats, Kiralee McCauley

Torturing Characters for Fun and Profit - White Hill

How much conflict is enough to tell a story? Is it possible to do so without conflict? What authors are particularly good at putting their characters through the mill?
Cecilia Tan (m), Steven Lazarowitz, Jennifer Dunne, Tricia Bray

Collaborations - Whittier

How authors work together on new or established worlds to create stories. How editors maintain continuity when multiple authors work in the same story universe.
Ellen Kushner (m), Michael Burstein, Shane Tourtellotte, Delia Sherman

Video: Dragonheart, 2:17 PM - Cambridge


3:00 PM Saturday

Masquerade Rehearsal - Imperial Ballroom

Participants only.

Autograph Session: Lois McMaster Bujold (1/2 hour) - Terrace

Reading: Shane Tourtellotte - Cabot

Artist Guest of Honor Slide Show - Berkeley/Clarendon

Hear our Artist Guest of Honor, with the help of his translator, explain his beautiful and unusual visions as they are displayed on a big screen.
Wojtek Siudmak

I Can't Believe I Did That (Artist Bungles) - Charles

Artists share their most outrageous mistakes.
Robin Wood (m), Eric Ren

Scenario Design - Constitution

What are the trade-offs between open-ended and closed-ended scenarios, between over specifying the story and having your characters wandering around aimlessly and getting into trouble?
Rich Staats (m), Alec Baclawski, Peter Maranci

Fast Track: Magic Show - Franklin

See the Amazing Daniel perform tricks before your very eyes!
Daniel Dern

Beyond Asian Stereotypes - Lenox

The Zen master and the martial arts superhero have been written already. Who's writing outside the box and bringing fresh new characters with an Asian perspective?
Terry Franklin (m), Cecilia Tan, Julian Yapp

What Makes an Interesting Character? - St. James

What makes some characters memorable when hundreds of others are forgotten? Are there some common traits that our favorite heroes and villains have?
Steven Lazarowitz (m), Deb Wunder, Susan H Crowley, Charlene Brusso

Theatre Makeup (2 hours) - Stuart

Body painting and theatrical makeup workshop for beginners. Audience members used as models.
Paul DiGennaro

Predicting Future Technology - Thoreau

What are the sources for future technology ideas, and how far can you extrapolate convincingly. Is technology the point of SF anyway?
Mark Waks (m), Jeff Hecht, Robert Glaug

Paddleboro - White Hill

Is BDSM illegal in Massachusetts? Consensual activities can become assault in Massachusetts, here's what you need to know about the legal situation.
Lisa Steele (m), Kim Airs

How to Use SF to Teach Anything at Any Level--Or Can You? - Whittier

Could you use SF as an adjunct to teaching anything at all? History, physics, economics, linguistics have all come into play as SF story elements. What would be the limits of this exploration
Charlene D'Allessio (m), Victor Raymond, Aline Kaplan

Ready When You Want It: Print on Demand - Winthrop

There's good and bad news about print on demand. Some established authors are taking over reprints of their work. Is this working well for them? What about newer authors?
Eric Burns, Namcy Hanger, Ramona Wheeler


3:30 PM Saturday

Dendarii Round-Robin Filk Concert - Terrace

Listen to a select group of performers singing songs inspired by the works of Lois McMaster Bujold.


4:00 PM Saturday

Origami Storytelling for Adults - Alcott

Join Maria Roberts for "storygami"--origami with a story to tell. The story guides the folding sequence, and will help you remember the steps.
Maria Roberts

LARP: Vampire, Camarilla - Cabot

LARP control opens

Bisexuality - Charles

Arisia brings another discussion on alternative sexuality.
Sheeri Kritzer, Buzz Harris, Elie Mohns, Alan Hamilton

If Independent Comics Are Dead Why... - Constitution

The death of the independent comic has been reported a number of times already, yet artists still insist on publishing their own books. Artistic control versus financial rewards? Or is it really an either/or situation?
Alexx Kay (m), Mark Waks, Ken Gale

Fast Track: Worldbuilding 101/102 - Emerson

You start by designing a landscape...on Earth or somewhere else. Then you decide who lives there. Humans? Animals? Or something completely unfamiliar? Discussion and creation of your world with collages or drawings.
Jenn Koerber

Fast Track: Fuzzy Heroes (2 hours) - Franklin

You and your stuffed animal go on a role playing adventure.
Roxanne Reddington-Wilde

Religion and Science - Lenox

What are the parallels and significant differences between a scientist's "eureka" experience and other experiences of enlightenment?
Muriel Kanter (m), Hal Clement, Amy Chused

Fans and Their Pets - St. James

What are the oddest pets in fandom? And do fans look like their pets too?
Stephanie Clarkson (m), Karen Purcell , Mercy Van Vlack, Robin Wood

The Fanzine and The Internet - Thoreau

Did the Internet kill the paper Fanzine? Is it still alive or is it a dying form?
Deb Wunder (m), Pete Maranci, Kristin Burger, K McCauley

Speculative Fiction and Class Society - White Hill

Why are so many SF stories set in stratified societies? What does this say about our "classless society"?
Delia Sherman (m), Ellen Kushner, Mary Catelli

Regency Novel in Space - Whittier

How do we move a comedy of manners from Regency Europe to the stars and make it work?
Patricia Bray (m), Suford Lewis, Pat Cirone

Video: Galaxy Quest, 4:05 PM - Cambridge


5:00 PM Saturday

Swordfighting Demo - Terrace

The secrets of stage combat revealed. How do stage and movie actors make those scenes look so real? From a slap in the face to really dramatic death scenes, we'll show you how.
Cecilia Tan

Masquerade Green Room, 5:00-11: 00 - Berkeley/Clarendon

Masquerade Participants only!

Designing Engaging NPC's - Charles

Memorable NPC's we have met.
Tia Kaplowitz (m), Rich Staats, Jon Woodward

Comics for Girls - Constitution

Akiko. Bone. Strangers in Paradise. There are great independent comics around that count women and girls in their audience at least equal to men. But does the mainstream have a clue how to reach these readers?
Kristin Burger (m), Sam Jones, Alexx Kay, Jim Blanchette

Fast Track: Worldbuilding 201 - Emerson

Give your own characters a place in the world you've created. Each person will draw, make models, make collages, and write so that everyone else can picture your character and worlds.
Jenn Koerber

Remembering Joe Mayhew - Holmes

Joe Mayhew contributed to science fiction fandom in his lifetime. He will be greatly missed. Come remember your favorite moments with Joe.
Hal Haag (m), Collette Fozard, Wombat

What are the New Planets? - Lenox

There are other solar systems out there. What does that confirm or confuse about our theories of the universe?
Terry Franklin (m), Jeanne Cavelos, Jeff Hecht

Verne and Wells and the Victorian View of the Future - St. James

Discuss the Victorian view of the future. Was it endless progress or something more complex and fearful than that?
Lisa Steele, Mike Horne

7th Sea Sealed Deck Tournament - Stanbro

Why Can't Media SF Keep Up With Written SF? - Thoreau

If written SF is more adventurous and inventive than its media counterpart, how can we account for that? Is it the effect of the entertainment industry, and the big investments that go with it, wanting to do what is safe and proven? Or is this whole premise a bias of the literary community against popular culture?
Nomi Burstein (m), S Clarkson, Pat Cirone, Ramona Wheeler

Religion and Speculative Fiction - White Hill

Does religion have a place in SF? What religions are the most used? Do authors who develop new religions make them work?
Shane Tourellotte (m), Lois McMaster Bujold, Solomon Davidoff, Jennifer Dunne,

Books into Songs - Whittier

How do you filk a story?
Barry Gold (m), Mark Mandel, Jacob Sommer

Reading: Catherine Asaro - Winthrop

Video: Free Enterprise, 5:52 PM - Cambridge


6:00 PM Saturday

Modern Fairy Tales for Adults - Holmes

Laura Packer gives a wolf's-eye view and a modern twist.
Laura Packer

Getting the Science Research Right in Fiction - Lenox

What resources do writers use for the science of the future? And what rules can we get away with suspending for the sake of the story?
Catherine Asaro (m), Hal Clement, Muriel Kanter

Science Fiction as the Literature of the Outsider - St. James

If science fiction is outlawed only outlaws will read SF. Why we like to identify as outlaws and why mainstream keeps outlawing it
Jeff Hecht (m), Fred Lerner, Grant Carrington, Ernest Lilley

Boston Gamers Presents... - Stanbro

Adventure for an "A"- Freshmen Orientation - Stanbro

New TV Shows - Stuart

We're currently in an SF boom on the small screen with new shows coming and going faster than even the Borg can assimilate them. The panelists review what's currently on air and on cable, and help point you to the potential cult hits that will probably still be on next season >

Transfer interrupted!

s Zavaglia

Sexual Politics of Gaming - Thoreau

Characters having relationships? Or, that's not a game, that's a soap opera!
Tia Kaplowitz , Alec Baclawski, K McCauley,

A Writer's Tools - White Hill

My desk, my computer, my chair--writers talk about the tools of the job and why they matter.
Keith DeCandido (m), Sherry Briggs, Jon Woodward

Barrayaran Filking - Whittier

A discussion on Barrayaran filking, the songs that already exist and the panel may be convinced to develop some on the spot.
Solomon Davidoff (m), Lee Gold, Mark Mendal

The Lost Colony - Winthrop

The "time of isolation" is a major shaper of the Barrayaran psychology. The idea of a cut-off colony is also a staple of science fiction and fantasy.
Sarah Smith (m), Elisabeth Carey, Mary Catelli


7:00 PM Saturday

LARP: Vampire, Camarilla - Cabot

LARP game starts

Bedtime Stories - Holmes

Craig McDonough reads from children's classics. Parents required, children at heart welcome.
Craig McDonough

Video: Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, 7:53 PM - Cambridge


8:00 PM Saturday

Masquerade - Imperial Ballroom

Doors open at 7:30. Masquerade start at approximately 8:00. The half-time program will be Belly Dancers.


9:00 PM Saturday

Video: Troops, Trailers, and other shorts, 9:51 PM - Cambridge


10:00 PM Saturday

Gothic Makeover (2 hours) - Stuart

Pretty clothes or a way of life? Try it out for yourself and get ready for the Vampire Dance.
Bill Pomeroy, and friends


11:00 PM Saturday

Science Fiction Double Feature--A Rocky Horror Slide Show - Terrace

A Rocky Horror Slide Show by the Teseracte Players of Boston. A 45 minute song and dance with slides from the movie and some extra slides thrown in for humor.

Polyamory II 18+ - White Hill

The challenges and pitfalls--and surprising benefits--of living along with your multiple partners.
Karl Heinemann (m), Theresa Reed, Alan Wexelblat

Video: The Avengers, 11:00 PM - Cambridge


Midnight--10:00 AM Sunday

Camarilla Dance - Imperial Ballroom

Embrace your darker nature at our Camarilla dance at the midnight hour. Gothic/industrial music and guest live bands will intoxicate you till the sun nearly begins to rise (4am). Arrive in whatever nightly wear you have to the Imperial Ballroom and feast upon a night of kindred celebration. We will begin as soon as the Masquerade is cleared out and our DJ/band rig set up. Perhaps as early as 11:30pm. Our DJ Lost Boy, has spun at several gothic/industrial events here in the boston area. Reflecting Skin and Salem Fires are both local bands catering to a darker subculture.

Drum Circle & Bellydance Jam - Terrace

Approximate start time of midnight.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 12:00 pm - 1:56 am - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by "Gertie And Her Friends" - 18+ (1943)

Video: The Mystery Movie, Midnight - Cambridge

Video: Doc Savage, 1:49 AM - Cambridge

The Cell, 2:15 am - 4:02 am - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by one or more Hal Roach "Our Gang" comedies (early silents)

Video: The Guyver, 3:46 AM - Cambridge

Video: Wrestling Women vs. the Aztec Mummy, 5:23 AM - Cambridge

Video: Viking Woman, 6:38 AM - Cambridge

Video: The Matrix, 7:50 AM - Cambridge

Video: cartoons, 9:57 AM - Cambridge


10:00 AM Sunday

Morris Dancing - Imperial Ballroom

The Motley Morris team shows their stuff and teaches a few moves to the audience.
Vonnie Carts-Powell and Motley Morris troop

Snakes - Terrace

New England Herpetology Society brings their friends to visit. And we all get a closer look at the snakes.
Kurt Kunze, Chris Towns, Steven Patton, Shawn Hayes, Natasha Hawke

Reading: Michael Burstein - Cabot

Roleplaying for Beginners - Charles

Turn a card full of numbers into a person with a history and personality. Our panelists discuss how.
Peter Maranci (m), David Kaplowitz, Alec Baclawski

Art Show: Open to the Convention, 10AM-Noon - Georgian

Urban Fantasy - Lenox

Magic may be just around the corner; writers and readers are drawn to the mix of gritty city and the fantastic. But can anything new be said here?
Laura Packer (m), K McCauley, John Bowker, Julian Yapp

Remembering Robert Sacks - St. James

Robert Sacks lent his energies and talents to fandom and to many conventions over the years; he will be missed. Come discuss your memories of Robert.
Deb Wunder (m), Muriel Kanter, Susan de Guardiola, Hal Haag

Clan War Demonstration - Stanbro

Clan War Tournament Rounds 4-5 - Stanbro

Boston Gamers Presents... - Stanbro

Open Gaming Movement - Thoreau

Game systems want to be f ree, or at least shared. What 's happening outside the commercial control of the game publishers?
John Bacon (m), Joe Teller

Mysteries in Science Fiction - White Hill

The mystery SF crossover continues to be extremely popular. Are mysteries in space saying something new or is it the same old mystery in a novel setting?
Suford Lewis, Hal Clement, Andrew Phillips

When You've Lost a Colony - Whittier

The "time of isolation" is a major shaper of the Barrayaran psychology. The idea of a cut-off colony is also a staple of science fiction and fantasy.
Patricia Cirone (m), Catherine Asaro, Sarah Smith

Fantasia 2000, 10:30AM - 12:04PM - Berkeley/Clarendon

Preceded by "From The Earth to the Moon" (1905)

Video: Chuckie's AM Show, 10:30 AM - Cambridge


11:00 AM Sunday

Reading: Jennifer Dunne - Cabot

Creating RPG Religion and Culture - Charles

Creating a playable religion--in worlds where gods are Real--without offending anyone else.
Solomon Davidoff (m), Mark Waks, David Kaplowitz

Old TV Shows - Constitution

What are the classic TV shows that every SF fan ought to know? With home video, DVDs, and the SciFi Channel--among other sources--is there any reason for fans to remain ignorant of their TV heritage. After classic "Trek" and "The Twilight Zone" what else ought you to see?
Cindy Shettle (m), James Zavaglia, Scott Green

Storytelling: Stu Mendleson - Franklin

Multicultural folk tales and fantasy tales for adults and children.
Stu Mendleson

Copyright and the Internet - Holmes

How does one stop web piracy? Do we want to?
Nancy Hanger (m), Eric Burns, Jeff Hecht, Glenn Hauman

Buffy - St. James

Is Buffy showing signs of wear in her fifth season or is the best yet to come? Why are grown-ups among the biggest fans of the Scooby gang? And how can we get new people hooked when the reruns start on the FX channel in the fall of 2001? Whether watcher or slayer or vamps, come explore the latest trends in the Buffyverse.
Susan H Crowley (m), S Clarkson, Dan Kimmel, Misty Pendragon, Cera Crowley

Mall Massacre - Stanbro

Creating a Costume Presentation - Stuart

Putting it all together: how to create a masquerade presentation.
Carol Salemi (m), Jennie Faires, Stephanie Carrig

Baseball in SF - Thoreau

Will baseball as we know it survive the next millennium? And will the Red Sox have won a World Series by then?
Cecilia Tan (m), Shane Tourtellotte, Derek Lichter, Ken Gale

Why are So Many SF Societies Based on Renaissance or Earlier Aristocracies? - White Hill

What draws writers to these settings? Do they have a uniqueness that makes them the perfect setting for SF?
Sherry Briggs (m), Lois McMaster Bujold, Mary Catelli, Terry Franklin

You Charge Too Much and Why Isn't JK Rowling Here?--The Mechanics of Conventions - Whittier

Conventions are volunteer-run, start to finish, but they still have to operate like a business--that is, they must make money in order to come back the next year and delight the fans again. How does this work, and what are the practical pitfalls that those who run conventions face?
Cris Shuldiner (m), Wombat , Colette Fozzard, Hal Haag


Noon Sunday

Reading: Hal Clement - Cabot

Future of Filk - Constitution

Will filk as we know it survive into the 21st century and does MP3 trading threaten filking royalties? Where do we want to go from here?
Barry Gold (m), Mark Mandel, Jacob Sommer

Fast Track: Belly Dancing - Emerson

Karen Purcell

Fast Track: This Year's Production - Franklin

The 2001 Fast Track play is shown for the first time in this universe--we can't vouch for alternate universes.

Intro to Harry Potter - Lenox

A Muggle is a person who can't do magic in JK Rowling's popular world. A basic intro but no plot spoilers.
Susan de Guardiola (m), Muriel Kanter, Stu Mendelson

Speculative Fiction and Alt Lifestyles - St. James

It started before Heinlein and continues into current SF, why are alternative life-styles so common in SF and are there certain themes in this area that appear again and again?
Grant Carrington (m), Mercy Van Vack, Patricia Cirone, Mark Van Name

Masquerade Debrief - Stuart

Listen to the judges give their view of the masquerade and share your own.

How to Critique your Work - Thoreau

Critiquing a work of fiction without killing the parent or the child.
Steve Lazarowitz (m), Charlene Brusso, Charles Ryan

Farscape - White Hill

Farscape is in its 3rd season and has devoted fans yet it is still being discovered. Are we fascinated by how alien the characters are--or by how human they are?
Keith DeCandido (m), Aline Kaplan, Patricia Bray, Nancy Hanger

How Hard is it to Change History? - Whittier

Would the past have to be radically different to make an impact on the future? Or is it merely a butterfly's wing that could change everything
Terry Franklin (m), Byron P. Connell, Theresa Reed

X-Men - Winthrop

They've been around for decades, and suddenly, once again, they're hip. Did you love the movie? Hate the movie? Do you still love them now that you're sharing the X-men with the world or was all the juice squeezed out of these guys a long time ago?

Video: Twice Upon a Time, 12:35 PM - Cambridge


1:00 PM Sunday

Filk Concert: Solomon Davidoff - Terrace

Art Show: Voice Auction, 1PM-3PM - Berkeley/Clarendon

Storyswap - Cabot

Laura Packer leads a story swap. Come with your own tales to share, or feel free just to listen.
Laura Packer

Writers Discuss Their Favorite Authors - Charles

What do the writers love to read when they're kicking back and relaxing?
Hal Clement (m), Deb Wunder, Sherry Briggs, Glenn Hauman

Fast Track: Mask Making - Emerson

Join Fast Track in making masks.
Charlene D'Alessio, Nancy Frey

Y2K--Why did nothing happen? - Lenox

The biggest anti-climax of the last millennium. Was the hype good for anything?
David Kaplowitz (m), Kristin Burger

World Design for Authors - St. James

Building believable economic and political systems, without putting your reader to sleep.
Ramona Wheeler (m), Mary Catelli, Jennifer Dunne

Internet as a Costume Resource - Stuart

If it's out there, it's out there: where on the web do costumers go for tools, information, fabric, research, and more?
Jennie Faries (m), Susan Toker, Stephanie Carrig

How to Run a LARP - Thoreau

What you have to do before the first player shows up.
Paul DiGennaro (m), Heidi Hooper, John Bacon, Simon Deveau

Stories Based on Character or Plot - White Hill

Does the heart of an SF story come from the characters or the plot? Does starting with plot inevitably lead to cardboard characters? Or does starting with characters lead to a necessarily simpler plot line?
Charles Ryan (m), Ken DeCandido, Ken Gale, Grant Carrington

Women in Combat - Whittier

Are women allowed to do more cool things in combat in SF than in the here and now, or are they still being rescued by their male counterparts?
Robert Glaug (m), Catherine Asaro, Mercy Van Vlack, Andrew Phillips

DNA Publications Presents... - Winthrop

Warren Lapine discusses what's coming up in the future.
Warren Lapine


2:00 PM Sunday

Sunday Sundae - Terrace

Ice cream! Get your tickets at Arisia Sales (T-shirt table) on the Mezzanine.

Reading: Jeff Hecht (1/2 hr) - Cabot

Art Show: Artist Check-out, 2PM-4PM - Georgian

Art Show: Sales, 2PM-4PM - Georgian

Time Travel - Lenox

Time travel continues to be a popular subgenre in SF. What are your favorite examples of this plot device and which have failed?
Kristin Burger (m), Andrew Phillips, Glenn Hauman

Future of Medicine - St. James

Genetic testing, diagnostic software, nanites, and the future of medicine.
Muriel Kanter (m), Mary Bacon, Amy Chused, Tom Amoroso

Intergenerational Gaming - Thoreau

Gaming in a group of adults and children can be a challenge. Can a game keep the attention of players of all ages?
Rich Staats (m), Kimberly Pinto-DiGennaro, Natasha Hawke

Dead Dog Filking - Whittier

While away the end of the con with even more SF & Fantasy songs.

Video: Alien, 2:05 PM - Charles River


3:00 PM Sunday

Arisia 2001 Gripe Session - White Hill

MASSFILC Meeting - Winthrop

Come find out about this monthly regional filk gathering.


4:00 PM Sunday

Arisia Corporate Meeting - White Hill