Seven cool things about Ascendio, #3

Ascendio is H.P.E.F’s upcoming eighth and final Harry Potter convention. Taking place at the luxurious Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL from July 12-15, 2012, Ascendio offers a unique way for fans to celebrate Harry Potter at the heart of the Wizarding World.

Online registration for the convention will close next Monday – June 25, 2012. That is why this week we are featuring one cool thing about Ascendio each day here on MuggleNet.

Today’s featured post is about the performing arts. In addition to numerous fan films being screened during Ascendio’s “Film Wizardry Film Festival,” there will be plenty of live and in-person entertainment to catch if you’re into drama. Here are some highlights:

The Untold Tale of Beedle the Bard (Friday morning)
With a riveting script by Rachel Keeler and powerful music by Lena Gabrielle, “The Untold Tale…” will take you on a musical journey through the previously unknown life of Beedle; a Wizard, book seller and teller of tales. As Beedle grows from boy to man, the five tales which will become his legacy mirror rites of passage in his own life. Through these tales, he learns valuable lessons about love, loss, joy and what it means to be truly alive. This intimate production will include a live orchestra and seven cast members playing multiple roles.

Mischief Managed! (Friday evening)
When Harry, Ron and Draco’s children stumble on James Potter’s forgotten school journals in an attic, they set out to discover more about the Marauders’ experiences at Hogwarts. This production spans over seven years of time, including the romancing of Lily, the downfall of Snape and the choices made by a young Regulus Black. Featuring a script by Jessica Milne and a large cast including MuggleNet’s own Eric Scull as James Potter, “Mischief Managed!” is fan-fiction turned live drama at its finest.

Wands x Wands x Wizards (Saturday afternoon)
“Wands…” is a whimsical, sometimes touching, often irreverent look back at the performing arts of fandom. Over the years filk, wrock, original music, sketch comedy and other innovative parodies and performances have re-imagined and re-interpreted canon (and fanon) to help shape fandom culture. Our magical journey through the world of Harry-inspired music and comedy is hosted by music director Lena Gabrielle, emcees Caleb Meek-Bradley and Gwendolyn Grace, and will feature special appearances by Chris Rankin! Who else might show up? You’ll have to come see to find out! (Additional ticket required for this PG-13 show)

MuggleNet is looking very forward to joining hundreds of Harry Potter fans at Ascendio. Individual day passes are available as an alternative to full registration. For more information, visit the Registration page!

Eric S.

Eric Scull joined MuggleNet in November of 2002. Since that time, he’s presided over a number of sections, including name origins and Dear Hogwarts, but none so long as the recently revived Crazy Caption Contest. Eric is a Hufflepuff who lives in Chicago and loves the outdoors.