4-week online course
Wednesdays, June 2, 9, 16, and 23
Time: 7-9 PM EDT/New York City time (4-6 PM California time, 12 AM-2 AM London time, 1 AM-3 AM Paris/Amsterdam time)

PLEASE NOTE: All classes will also be recorded and archived for students who cannot make that time
Taught via Zoom by Alisa Sickora Kleckner
$145 ($125 for $5/a month and above Patreon members)

Sure you’ve heard of urban legends, you’ve seen the movies, you’ve heard the stories by the campfire but have you ever, I mean ever really tempted fate by engaging in that legend? Curious? Then let me tempt you to venture on a twisted way to va-cay, Legend Tripping.   

In this class, we will examine the intersectionality of urban legends, tripping, and the science of fear.  Through that lens, we will explore the ritualization of certain tragic stories, how they have shaped our local superstitions, challenged our idea of safe places, and have dared us to confront our imminent demise. Through our journey, we will also endeavor to uncover why tripping is an important part of formative development and the way tripping continues to inform our adult fascinations with murder, mayhem, and ghosts. 

Through lectures, articles, video, reflective journaling, storytelling, and testing one’s meddle on suggested trips, we will collectively engage in urban legend culture and its perpetuation through historical, generative and perspective-based narratives.

For the final project, you will be the travel agent, sharing the excitement of your trip, real or inspired, through a creative travelogue using video, photography, plein air art, animation, writing and/or souvenir creation. All modes of visual and narrative storytelling are welcome. After the four weeks concludes, your projects will be compiled into a legendary (urban legendary, if you will) travel guide to be shared with all participants, adding our stamp to the passport of dark tourism.

So whether you gas up that car to traverse a winding, haunted back road or choose instead to trip from the comfort of your home, there is a dark destination eagerly awaiting your arrival. Allow me to be your guide.

Working within both the professional and academic communities, Alisa Sickora Kleckner has designed and built costumes, masks, puppets, and f/x makeup for well over 200 productions, specializing in by not limited to theatre and themed entertainments. Alisa has also produced, directed and/or written a number of original puppetry pieces and devised works as well as created or consulted on immersive experiences. As an educator, she teaches a wide range of courses in theatre design and technology as well as lecturing in art classes including Foundations, 3D printing and Digital Fabrication and Entrepreneurship in the Arts. Alisa has taught professional and collegiate technique-based workshops across the country and more recently found a voice on panels for inclusivity and diversity in themed entertainment. Beyond her traditional theatre endeavors, Alisa operates Scared of My Shadow, a leather mask business in which she specializes in creating wearable art pieces. A selection of her works are viewable at www.alisa-sickora-kleckner.com and www.scared-of-my-shadow.com.