Beyond the End of Time, A New Beginning…
This year’s Parade of Lost Souls Festival sets its sights on visions of a new beginning. As we sit at the transition between world ages – witnessing the end of one world age, and the creation of a new one, we delve deeply into what this transition could look like.
This year’s Secret Souls Walk invites artists, performers and patrons to explore what the end of this world age could look like – to explore, and to create what awaits us just over the horizon. Will our future be dark and depressing, or bright and beautiful? The choice is one for each of us to make…
How you can get involved:
Create a Character
Anyone can do it! We’re offering a plethora of workshops on performance & character creation, giant puppets, vocal improvisation and craft making. Please scroll down for descriptions and schedules.
Donate
Your gift will help us to create the magic of Parade of Lost Souls again next year.
Volunteer
There are many volunteer opportunities for the event. If you have some time to spare, we’d love to have you. Fill out the online application
and we’ll get back to you. In exchange for your volunteer contribution, you will be able to access our POLS workshops free-of-charge.
Click the button below to volunteer:
Parade of Lost Souls Dance Party
Date: Saturday, October 27
Time: 9:00pm-2:00am
Admission: Tickets $25
doors at 9:00pm 19+
The Rickshaw is a cash only venue. There is an ATM on site.
The Rickshaw Theatre, 254 East Hastings Street
Featuring DJ Oker and DJ Tango
Secret Soul’s Walk event information
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012
Time: 5:30-9:30pm
Admission: suggested $5 donation. Please be as generous as you can when you see our donation volunteers on the site. Your gift will help us to create the magic of Parade of Lost Souls again next year.
Donation volunteers will not be able to provide change at the entrance gate. If you require change, please feel free to donate at any of the three information booths. We’ll also have a group of roving donation ambassadors who will be on site for the duration of the event.
Payment options: all admissions/donations, merchandise sales and food vendors are CASH ONLY. We will have an ATM on site for your convenience.
Location: East Vancouver. Secret location will be announced on our website, Facebook page and Twitter at 12:01am on October 27, 2012.
Parking: Handicap parking will be available from 5:00-9:30pm near the walk route for vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard (exact location of handicap parking will be revealed on our website on October 27). There will be NO PARKING at the event site or in the surrounding neighbourhood. We will be closing several streets and parking enforcement will be monitoring the area. Save yourself the hassle and walk, transit or cycle to the park. Bike racks will be provided.
Food: There will be food vendors on site (cash only).
Park bylaws ban smoking and alcohol within the park. You may be subject to search by Vancouver Police.
Parade of Lost Souls 2012 Workshops
All workshops are by donation. This Year’s Offerings:
Thriller
Back again by popular demand, the zombies of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” will make their 3rd appearance at POLS. This year, our zombies will be combing the post-apocalyptic streets in gangs decked out with costume pieces and bits of technological nostalgia from all eras. Participants will learn the choreography from Kat Single-Dain of the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret. First timers are encouraged to attend both workshops, “Thriller” and “Thriller Extension” to learn the choreography thoroughly.
Thursday, October 18, 7:00-9:00pm
Britannia Community Centre, Cafeteria
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thriller Extension
If you missed the first Thriller workshop, don’t despair, you’re more than welcome to join us.
All the same zombie choreography, with a little bit extra! This workshop teaches the choreography of Thriller and gives participants who have taken the first workshop some time to practice their moves. But wait, there’s more! Once the Thriller dance is taken care of, there will be extra attention paid to a movement and character piece to lead into and out of the thriller performance. For those who want a real role in the Parade! Please bring an outfit (any style) that can be spray painted and made into a costume.
Thursday, October 25, 7:00-9:00pm
Britannia Community Centre, Cafeteria
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spirit Creatures – Stilting and Performance
Come give life to the creatures beyond the veil! We invite you to build yourself a spirit deer headpiece and costume, and learn to move it. These 4-legged stilting and ground characters will call from the borders of the veil, tempting us to release the material trappings of so-called ‘civilization’, to go deep into the forest of magic, to explore our own magical and spiritual nature. This herd of spirit deer vision includes stilters and ground creatures, so stilting is not a requirement. As a stilter, it is necessary that you are experienced and have your own leg stilts.
Each workshop will be divided into 2 components; character movement and costume building. We will prepare and play with “arm-stilts” for transformation into 4-legged creatures and we will be working with wire and paper mache to sculpt a set of antlers fastened to a headpiece. With the creative mentorship and assistance of Candice Curlypaws, workshop participants will sew, pin and put together bits and textures of white fabrics for costumes to compliment their headpieces. Sewing and crafting passions are beneficial as costumes will need finishing outside of the workshop times. Participants will get to keep their costumes. Please bring $10-20 (sliding scale) to cover material costs. Participants must pre-register for this workshop by emailing mallory@publicdreams.org. We recommend that participants attend both workshops to ensure that you’ll be able to complete your project.
Saturday, October 20, 12:00-4:00pm
Sunday, October 21, 12:00-4:00pm
Public Dreams Studio, 2050 Scotia Street, enter at rear of building
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Improvised Song and Music
A vocal workshop focusing on group improvisation. Meris Goodman will help create a cohesive and interdependent ‘spontaneous choir’. We will explore how to find shape, as well as a clear beginning/middle/end within an experimental choral setting. If time allows, we will also work on tuning ‘singing’ wine glasses, and incorporating them into a piece. Attendees should bring a wine glass (which resonates), their voices, and their support of themselves and other singers around them, in order to create a safe space for everyone to listen to and encourage one another. Some wine glasses will be provided, if need be. Meris Goodman is a trained classical singer, clown, dancer, and member of both The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret (www.dustyflowerpot.org), and Gamelan Gita Asmara (www.gitaasmara.ca). She has sung in both choral and operatic settings for over a decade, and teaches voice in her private studio, focusing on combining classical technique with body awareness, with the goal to create firm singing technique and self-confidence for all singing levels and styles. Feel free to contact her at merisdangergoodman@gmail.com
Friday, October 19, 7:00-9:00pm
Britannia Community Centre, Cafeteria
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vulture Puppet Creation
Come build two large parade sized vulture puppets – keepers of the veil between worlds. Work with artist Keylaira Lee to build two 10-foot tall vultures, which will take life at the festival. Opportunities also exist to animate the large puppets, so drop in if that’s your interest too.
Wednesday, October 17, 6:00-9:00pm
Thursday, October 18, 6:00-9:00pm
Public Dreams Studio, 2050 Scotia Street, enter at rear of building
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wild Card Performance Workshop
Want to be a performer in the Parade, but don’t know what to do? Does your character need a bit of shining up before you’re ready to unleash it to the public? Come out to the Wild Card Performance Workshop, and find your role in the Parade. With a focus on group interactivity, movement based performance and character building, Performance Director Kat Single-Dain will work with all participants to highlight their skills for performance at Parade of Lost Souls.
Wednesday, October 24, 7:00-9:00pm
Britannia Community Centre, Rink Mezzanine
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Community Creation Lab
Come add your creative touch to the Parade! Create pieces to go into the community shrine and altar. Build your own mask for the parade, or hand-make a colorful pendant to take on the walk. The Parade is what we collectively make of it, so come out, craft, and create. Participants are encouraged to bring pictures, objects of some significance, or other little treasures, to be incorporated in their shrine or altar pieces (make sure they’re not too dear to glue to some craft paper, or display in public).
Saturday, October 20, 1:00-4:30pm
Sunday, October 21, 1:00-4:30pm
Britannia Community Centre, Family Activity Room
View photos from Parade of Lost Souls 2012 here.
Hi, could you please tell me how I could find out more about the walk?
I am part of a small photography group and we would LOVE to snap photos of the walk and of course would be happy to share !
Thanks
Hi, more information coming soon – please check back here or subscribe to our newsletter for announcements.
I am seeking a schedule for the times of the Parade of Lost Souls workshops at the Britannia Community Center, and some info about what will be covered in them.
Hi Gregory – we will be posting details about the workshops – please check back or subscribe to our newsletter.
This year’s walk is not going to be down Commercial Drive – like the last 2 years, the walk will be at a secret location (to be announced).
Information about volunteer positions was posted on the Public Dreams Facebook page today: http://www.facebook.com/publicdreams
New Blog Post: Call For Volunteers: http://publicdreams.org/2012/call-for-volunteers/
is it possible to attend the Thriller workshops and not dance at the Parade? We’ll have little ones with us the night of the Parade but would love to learn the dance.
Thanks, love love love this event!
I am going to check with the organizers just in case, but I’m sure that’s fine. Maybe just mention that you’re not participating in the parade performance so they know. I’ll update this reply when I get an answer, but just in case you can also always call the office at (604) 879-8611. See you there!
Hi Donna -I just received confirmation – anyone can attend the workshop, even if you aren’t able to perform in the parade – just let the instructor know when you get there! Only 18 more days to the parade – woo hoo!
I’m a bit confused. Are the creative results from your wonderful workshops for the Secret Souls Walk or for the Parade of Lost Souls Party? Is there a parade at the party? Is the Walk the Parade? Is the party to celebrate what was created for and enjoyed during Walk? Thanks.
Hi – there is a lot going on, that’s for sure! Here are answers to your questions:
Q: Are the creative results from your wonderful workshops for the Secret Souls Walk or for the Parade of Lost Souls Party?
A: The Secret Souls walk, but last year many of them also appeared at the dance party afterwards.
Q: Is there a parade at the party?
A: Not any organized parades – but spontaneous parades and/or conga lines are always welcome!
Q: Is the Walk the Parade?
A: The entire 10 day event (workshops, parade, dance party) is the Parade of Lost Souls Festival. Originally there was a parade that went along Commercial Drive. In recent years, the attendees walk along a route called the Secret Souls Walk, past performers and art installations.
Q: Is the party to celebrate what was created for and enjoyed during Walk?
A: Everyone is welcome! Many people go to the Secret Souls Walk first and then head over to the dance party afterwards; other people only attend the dance party. There will also definitely be Souls Walk performers and workshop participants there celebrating, as well as the event organizers and volunteers.
I hope that helped – if not please reply back, email us, or call the office. Hope to see you there!
i read that there will be fireworks – is that free? where will that be?
Hi, I haven’t read anything about fireworks – where did you see it?
Hi – just wondering when the location for the walk is announced. Having a business on the Drive we know how busy that night has been in the past and we need to be prepared…or not. thanks
Hi Linda, I have forwarded your question to the Public Dreams office.
Hi again, here’s their response: “The location of the walk will be announced at 12:01am on October 27. The walk will not be going down Commercial Drive this year.”
Hello,
I am SO sad that I missed the Thriller Workshop!
Can I attend the one on October 25th, and learn the dance? Even though I missed the first workshop?
How do I sign-up?
Thank you,
-M
Hi M, please call the office to check if you can attend the 2nd workshop – (604) 879-8611 or send them an email: info@publicdreams.org
when is the actual parade of lost souls? you don’t mention that date, time and place
The Parade of Lost Souls festival is made up of workshops, the walk and the dance party and lasts from October 17-27 this year.
If by parade you are referring to the Secret Souls Walk it is on October 27 from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. It will be at a secret location that will be announced on our website, Facebook page and Twitter at 12:01am on October 27, 2012. More info: It’s always in East Van and it’s not on Commercial Drive. Check in the day of the Secret Souls Walk for a specific location.
hi, is this a mexican sugar skull thing? i thought it was a zombie thing. im a zombie for haloween, and thought it would be fun to go to the parade, but deer stilty monsters and puppets dont sound zombie-ish. will i fit in, or is that out of place?
Zombies are always welcome! Your costume doesn’t have to match the event – there is always a wide variety of monsters, ghosts, sci fi movie characters and more…
hi there, wondering if there’s ambassdors this year?? i volunteered there last year & i didn’t get my shirt plz keep me posted & where i can pick it up thx
Thank you for volunteering! Yay! I’ve passed on your contact info to the office regarding your shirt – please be patient because I know they are very busy with this year’s event.
The call for volunteers for POLS 2012 was posted on September 23. Please subscribe to our newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to hear about future opportunities – we’d love your help!
Hi:
Will the event take place if there is heavy rain at times or will it be rescheduled? Also how many food vendors, exhibits and other activities are coming to the event?
Thanks for the help.
Rain or shine and there will be food vendors (cash only) and those other things you mention, but details are all secret.
when/where are Good for Grapes playing???
Assuming they are performing at the Secret Souls Walk, if I told you where they were playing I’d also be telling you where the walk is taking place – and I can’t do that, because it’s a big big secret! Check back in the wee hours of Saturday morning for the big reveal -
its the wee hours and still no info. please hurry its urgent!
thankx
your pal, spike
Hi the information has been posted on the home page – http://publicdreams.org/
It went up at 12:01am. If you can’t see it, please try clearing your browser cache or visit the Facebook page instead – https://www.facebook.com/publicdreams
Love you guys! Love the POLS Festival and the secret souls walks are cool but I have to say I really miss the walk down Commercial Drive. Any plans for a triumphant return to the Drive one day?
Thanks, we love to hear from you! A parade down the drive requires a bigger budget – it’s not an impossibility in the future with the right funding. Which opens the door, for this shameless plug!…
Did you know that your business (or your employers’) can hire Public Dreams for their next holiday party or event? All profits go right back in to community events like this one. And don’t forget to donate online (big button at top of site^) and at the events you attend.
Do you need a costume to attend, or is that more for the performers?
No costume necessary but lots of people wear them… At least, I think they were costumes… and I think they were people… MWA HA HA HA
Just wondering if the walk is going to be baby stroller friendly?
Last year parts of the walk that took place in the alleys were very crowded but I did see strollers there.
For the Secret Souls Walk, how far “not down Commercial Drive” are we talking about here? Is it similar to previous years – where it is just a block or two (or three) off the Drive? Or is it in a whole other area of East Van this year?
This year’s walk will begin roughly the same distance from Commercial Drive as last year’s walk…
I believe it was @ Garden Park last year. Any comments?
Yes, I can confirm the Secret Souls Walk did start at Garden Park last year, you are correct.
Hi, is this a kid-friendly event or is it similar to Fright Night (i.e. possibly too scary for very young children)? I’m all for Halloween fun, but don’t want to cause nightmares for the kiddos.
The walk isn’t usually gruesome or suspenseful like Halloween haunted houses but it can be a bit creepy: it’s dark outside and very crowded with attendees dressed up as zombies and such… That said, I see kids there every year and the overall vibe of the event is positive and the crowd is friendly, like all Public Dreams events. Here’s a link to pictures from last year to help you decide: http://publicdreams.org/event/parade-of-lost-souls/
Hi will I be able to drive down commercial drive when the parade is happening? Where do you suggest I park? I am coming from Delta and transit is not an option as I am carpooling with people from Ladner and White Rock.
Hi – there is not a parade down Commercial Drive – there is a Secret Souls Walk (location to be announced in about 90 minutes) and while there is no parking at the secret location, you can park in Vancouver and walk or take the bus or a cab there. Stay tuned for more info once the location is announced… see you tomorrow night!
Hi it’s pouring outside, is the walk still gonna happen? I remember one year I went down there only to find out illuminares was cancelled because of the rain, is this gonna happen despite the rain?
It’s happening! Starts at 5:30pm – I gotta go get ready, see you there!
Location was just announced on our home page! http://publicdreams.org/
Hi. Strathcona Park is big and has many entry point. Where is the “entrance” for the Secret Souls Walk? That is, which street or near which intersection should we enter the park? Many thanks!
Hi, the secret location revealed was Prior Street between Hawks and Raymur so look for the entrance along that 350m stretch of Prior Street. Here’s a link to a map of the area: http://goo.gl/maps/zlBNj.
Hi. I want to know how to get to the Strathcona park from downtown by bus or skytrain.
You could use the trip planner at translink.ca to double check, but I think you can catch the #22 at Granville and Pender and it will take you right to the Secret Souls Walk (it runs along Prior Street). http://goo.gl/maps/8uBeU
I have never been to this parade of lost souls do people dress up in their costumes for this event
Yes absolutely, but it’s not mandatory -
Thank you we will be there do children have to pay the 5 dollar entry fee as well my son is 5
It is a suggested donation of $5 as a general guideline – some people will donate more and others less – please just pay what you can, everyone is welcome!
See photos of this year’s events at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcbusinesshub/sets/72157631877401107/
We’d love to see your halloween photos, submit to win a pair of Trolley Tickets for #TransitTerrors;
http://www.thecanadaline.com/Contest-TransitTerrors.tsp