Legendary Victorian monster hunters, the Apparition Abolishers need your support to present their traveling exposition and burlesque show!

We are a steampunk costuming group, the Apparition Abolishers. We are constructing a steampunk exposition and oddity sideshow with the goal of taking it to steampunk-friendly conventions around the country.

We are in need of funds to help us with the following:

• Build set pieces and artifact cases. We are using our theatrical set building skills to accomplish this goal, but we need materials and resources.
  
• Complete artifact replicas for display. These include mechanical contraptions and organic oddities. We are using our prop building skills to accomplish this goal, but we need materials and resources.
  
• Transport materials to and from the convention.
  
• Print graphics, artifact legends, and permanent outdoor banners and lighted signs for the show.
  

The Pitch

Something fantastic this way comes when the Apparition Abolishers present their first ever steampunk exposition during Geek Media Expo v3.0, October 21-23, 2011. Never before has such a stupefying collection of steam powered devices, odd creatures and beguiling ladies been brought together under a single roof. Our goal is to fund the construction of our gigantic tent full of steampunk delights. In order for you to experience such an extravaganza, we need your help and support. Specifically, we need your cash donations.

What exactly are you funding? Well, kind souls, your extremely valuable donation will go towards the purchase of materials used to construct the exposition itself. We have secured a large pavilion as part of GMX this year and we plan to utilize the space to transport you to a complete Victorian exposition where the lines of science and fantasy are wonderfully blurred. Visitors will be able to walk through and gaze upon all manner of ingenious contraptions and never before seen creatures. Also, for one night only, the Apparition Abolishers will present the alluring and quizzical romp of “Clocktease Burlesque,” a taste of the more titillating side of steampunk.

Dr. Torque's Infernal Contraptions

Is your curiosity piqued? Perhaps you’d also be intrigued to know that on display will be many of the ingenious contraptions designed by renowned industrialist Mortimer J. Torque of Torque Laboratories. You will be able to get up close and inspect for yourself such legendary devices as the Emeraldic Energy Extrapolator Power Packs, the mysterious Device, and powerful weapons such as the Plasma Pistols, Sonic Blunderbuss and the awe-inspiring Rusty Koontz. 

If this was not a compelling collection on it’s own, direct from the digital comic for the first time ever, H.A.R.O.L.D.E. the steam powered exosuit and the eerily human A.T.T. communication device will be on display. 

But wait, there’s more including Chloe Secord’s Aerial Maneuvering Equipment and Winnie Chester, the long-range werewolf sniper rifle. Scrappington Hauley, the group’s mechanical mule will also be on hand and will be more than happy to pose for photos with everyone.

Horrors and Oddities from Around the Globe

Take a moment to catch your breath before proceeding to read on about the fantastical oddities that will be debuting at the exposition. Fainting couches can be provided for those of a weak and sensitive constitution. Do not be ashamed if you find yourself unable to go on for not many have been able to face the horrors that the Abolsihers have collected here. From the dangerously dusty Southwest United States is the perfectly preserved specimen of a chupacabra, the fabled goat-sucker that has tormented many a vaquero. Do not expect some mangy coyote - the reality of the chupacabra is much more terrifying. Once you have recovered from the shock of that beast, prepare yourself for the terror of the great white north, the Wendigo! A drawn, gaunt creature that stalks the wilds of Quebec, it’s head has been secured for your edification here in this collection. Rounding out the creature exhibits is the enchanting visage of the Feegee Mermaid. No mere taxidermy trick peddled by unscrupulous showmen, this mermaid towers over the most strapping of men, it’s power and beauty drawing them into a dark and final embrace under the shadowy seas. Not for the faint of heart indeed!

In addition to the main exhibits, there will be many smaller items and mementos from other Abolisher adventures. There will also be video and audio explanations of the wonders and horrors of the exposition so that you, our valued guest will be safely and studiously guided through this wonderland. The Abolishers themselves will also be on hand during exhibition hours so rest assured, should anything beyond the pale were to occur, you would be in the most capable hands possible.

Delight in the Dance & Artistry of Clocktease Burlesque

Beyond the exposition, Saturday night will feature the thrills and enchantments of Clocktease Burlesque. On stage that night will be a show that beggars the imagination, a steampunk-inspired entertainment that will move you in ways beyond measure. The ladies of Clocktease Burlesque will thrill you and amaze you with their provocative and uproarious acts, each one more exciting than the last, culminating in a grand finale that will bring you to your feet!

Throughout the day, there will be various other distractions and excitements. See fire eaters, feats of strength and enjoy the jaunty stylings of a string band. This will truly be an event that will whisk you far, far away from the doldrums of everyday, humdrum life and deposit you directly into the steam powered world of wonder that you hoped was out there, somewhere. Dear ladies and gentlemen, this is your chance to help the Apparition Abolishers make this possible for you. To further incentivize you, there are other rewards depending on the level of your generosity, such as artwork and limited edition hand printed show posters available to you before the great unwashed masses are allowed access. Perhaps your tastes are more refined and you fancy your own illustrated appearance in a forthcoming Apparition Abolishers digital comic or the opportunity to own your very own custom contraption from Torque Laboratories. If your mind is not yet reeling from such an impressive collection of rewards, you are indeed a stout soul.

Look over at the fabulous rewards and make your determination accordingly. Even a single American dollar goes a long way towards our goal of achieving this edifying experience for all of us. 

The Abolishers are grateful that you have taken your valuable time to hear our plea and consider our request. Hopefully you have been entertained in some way, but remember, a greater spectacle awaits and you can help make it possible. Thank you!