Visions (convention)
Encyclopedia
Visions was an annual science fiction convention
held from 1990 to 1998 in Rosemont, Illinois
on Thanksgiving
weekend. The convention was held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare except for the 1992 event which was held at the Ramada
O'Hare. The convention was originally called Visions but was renamed HME Visions in 1998.
The convention was founded by retired fireman, electrical contractor, and long-time Doctor Who fan
Robert H. McLaughlin III of Hoffman Estates, Illinois
. He organized the 1990 Doctor Who
convention to raise money for Lambs Farm
. The convention was run by McLaughlin with a committee of about 20 plus fan volunteers (gophers) recruited at each event.
Over time the convention expanded from a Doctor Who convention into a celebration of British TV shows. While the main focus of each convention was Doctor Who, Visions often invited actors from Blake's 7
, Red Dwarf
and Robin of Sherwood
. Visions '93 celebrated the 30th anniversary of Doctor Who
and the 15th anniversary of Blake's 7.
and the Make-a-Wish Foundation
.
http://hme-visions.com http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://hme-visions.com, was added in northern autumn 1998.
) and 1989 (in Rosemont, Illinois). Spirit of Light Enterprises ran Doctor Who conventions in the mid-80s. Following the demise of Visions Chicago TARDIS took over the Thanksgiving slot beginning in 2000.
Science fiction convention
Science fiction conventions are gatherings of fans of various forms of speculative fiction including science fiction and fantasy. Historically, science fiction conventions had focused primarily on literature, but the purview of many extends to such other avenues of expression as movies and...
held from 1990 to 1998 in Rosemont, Illinois
Rosemont, Illinois
Rosemont is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States located immediately northwest of Chicago. The village was incorporated in 1956, though it had been settled long before that...
on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the same day as Columbus Day in the...
weekend. The convention was held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare except for the 1992 event which was held at the Ramada
Ramada
Ramada is a hotel chain owned and operated by Wyndham Worldwide.- History :The lodging chain was founded in 1953 by longtime Chicago restaurateur Marion W...
O'Hare. The convention was originally called Visions but was renamed HME Visions in 1998.
The convention was founded by retired fireman, electrical contractor, and long-time Doctor Who fan
Doctor Who fandom
The long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who has developed a large fan base over the years.Doctor Who fans are sometimes referred to as Whovians, most often by the American press. The usage was more common among fans in the United States during the 1980s, when the Doctor...
Robert H. McLaughlin III of Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Hoffman Estates is a northwestern suburb of Chicago in Illinois. The village is located primarily in Cook County with a small section in Kane County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 49,495 and estimated to be 52,520 in 2003...
. He organized the 1990 Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
convention to raise money for Lambs Farm
Lambs Farm
Lambs Farm is family attraction in Libertyville, Illinois which consists of a petting zoo, pet shop, miniature golf course, several small amusement rides, a restaurant, and a country store. A non-profit organization, it provides jobs and housing for over 250 adults with developmental...
. The convention was run by McLaughlin with a committee of about 20 plus fan volunteers (gophers) recruited at each event.
Over time the convention expanded from a Doctor Who convention into a celebration of British TV shows. While the main focus of each convention was Doctor Who, Visions often invited actors from Blake's 7
Blake's 7
Blake's 7 is a British science fiction television series produced by the BBC for its BBC1 channel. The series was created by Terry Nation, a prolific television writer and creator of the Daleks for the television series Doctor Who. Four series of Blake's 7 were produced and broadcast between 1978...
, Red Dwarf
Red Dwarf
Red Dwarf is a British comedy franchise which primarily comprises eight series of a television science fiction sitcom that aired on BBC Two between 1988 and 1999 and Dave from 2009–present. It gained cult following. It was created by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, who also wrote the first six series...
and Robin of Sherwood
Robin of Sherwood
Robin of Sherwood , was a British television series, based on the legend of Robin Hood. Created by Richard Carpenter, it was produced by HTV in association with Goldcrest, and ran from 1984 to 1986 on the ITV network. In America it was retitled Robin Hood and shown on the premium cable TV channel...
. Visions '93 celebrated the 30th anniversary of Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
and the 15th anniversary of Blake's 7.
| invited guests | estimated attendance | ticket price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visions '90 (November 23–25, 1990) | Jon Pertwee Jon Pertwee John Devon Roland Pertwee , was an English actor. Pertwee is best known for his role in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, in which he played the third incarnation of the Doctor from 1970 to 1974, and as the title character in the series Worzel Gummidge... , Sylvester McCoy Sylvester McCoy Sylvester McCoy is a Scottish actor. As a comic act and busker he appeared regularly on stage and on BBC Children's television in the 1970s and 80s, but is best known for playing the seventh incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1987 to... , Sophie Aldred Sophie Aldred Sophie Aldred is an English actress and television presenter, best known for her portrayal of The Doctor's companion Ace in the television series Doctor Who during the late 1980s.-Early life:... , Frazer Hines Frazer Hines Frazer Hines is an English actor best known for his roles as Jamie McCrimmon in Doctor Who and Joe Sugden in Emmerdale. Hines was born in Horsforth, a civil parish of Leeds.-Acting career:... , Michael Keating, Sally Knyvette Sally Knyvette Sally Knyvette is a British actress, director and drama teacher.She is best known for her roles as Jenna Stannis in first two seasons of the British science fiction series Blake's 7 and as Kate Sugden in the soap opera Emmerdale... , Michael Praed Michael Praed Michael Praed born Michael David Prince, 1 April 1960 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire) is a British actor, is probably best known for his role as Robin of Loxley in the British television series Robin of Sherwood, which attained cult status worldwide in the 1980s... , Jason Connery Jason Connery Jason Joseph Connery is an English actor.-Early life:Connery grew up in London. He attended Millfield School, a co-educational independent school in Somerset, England, and later at the independent Gordonstoun School in Scotland. He was later accepted into the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School... , Mark Ryan, Terry Walsh Terry Walsh (actor) Terry Walsh was a British actor stuntman, stunt arranger and fight arranger who contributed much to British television and film, especially during the 1970s. He stunt-doubled for Michael Caine, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker and David Warner amongst others.Walsh is known for his work on the science... , Dave Rogers, Robert Allen, John Peel John Peel (writer) John Peel is a British writer, best known for his books connected to several television series. He has written under several pseudonyms, including John Vincent and Nicholas Adams. He lives in Long Island, New York and his wife is a U.S... , John Freeman John Freeman (editor) John Freeman is a British writer/editor/designer known for his work with Marvel UK, and on Doctor Who Magazine and The Really Heavy Greatcoat.-Biography:... , Linda Thorson Linda Thorson Linda Thorson is a Canadian actress, most famous for her work as Tara King in The Avengers.-Personal life:... , Eric Hoffman, Jean-Marc Lofficier Jean-Marc Lofficier Jean-Marc Lofficier is a French author of books about films and television programs, as well as numerous comic books and translations of a number of animation screenplays. He usually collaborates with his wife, Randy Lofficier .-Biography:Jean-Marc Lofficier was born in Toulon, France in 1954... |
$50 | |
| Visions '91 (November 29-December 1, 1991) | Tom Baker Tom Baker Thomas Stewart "Tom" Baker is a British actor. He is best known for playing the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in the science fiction television series Doctor Who, a role he played from 1974 to 1981.-Early life:... , David Banks, Jeremy Bentham, Richard Carpenter, Robin Curtis Robin Curtis Robin Curtis is an American actress, most notable for playing Vulcan Lieutenant Saavik in the Star Trek films.-Film & television work:... , Paul Darrow Paul Darrow Paul Darrow is an English actor best known for his portrayal of Kerr Avon in the BBC science fiction television series Blake's 7... , John Freeman John Freeman John Freeman may refer to:*John Freeman , character animator for Disney, Marvel Studios and others*John Freeman , Australian politician*John Freeman , writer and literary critic... , Mike Grell Mike Grell Mike Grell is a comic book writer and artist, known for his work on books such as Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Jon Sable Freelance.-Early life:... , David Jackson David Jackson (British actor) David Jackson was a British actor best known for his role as Olag Gan in the Blake's 7 first two seasons and as Detective Constable Braithwaite in Z Cars from 1972-1978... , Sally Knyvette Sally Knyvette Sally Knyvette is a British actress, director and drama teacher.She is best known for her roles as Jenna Stannis in first two seasons of the British science fiction series Blake's 7 and as Kate Sugden in the soap opera Emmerdale... , John Levene John Levene John Levene is an English actor. His most famous role was that of Sergeant Benton of UNIT on the television series Doctor Who.He was born John Anthony Woods in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.... , Steven Pacey Steven Pacey Steven Pacey is an English actor, best known for his role as Del Tarrant in the third and fourth seasons of the sci-fi series Blake's 7.... , John Peel John Peel (writer) John Peel is a British writer, best known for his books connected to several television series. He has written under several pseudonyms, including John Vincent and Nicholas Adams. He lives in Long Island, New York and his wife is a U.S... , Frederik Pohl Frederik Pohl Frederik George Pohl, Jr. is an American science fiction writer, editor and fan, with a career spanning over seventy years — from his first published work, "Elegy to a Dead Planet: Luna" , to his most recent novel, All the Lives He Led .He won the National Book Award in 1980 for his novel Jem... , Mark Ryan, Mark Strickson Mark Strickson Mark Strickson is a British TV producer and actor best known for his acting role as the character of Vislor Turlough on the television series Doctor Who.Strickson was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England... , Mary Tamm Mary Tamm Mary Tamm is an English actress. She is best known for being the first actress to play the character of Romana in the science fiction television series Doctor Who, opposite Tom Baker as the Doctor, from the 1978–1979 season known collectively as The Key to Time.-Early life:Mary Tamm was born in... , Deborah Watling Deborah Watling Deborah Watling is a British actress best known for her role as Victoria Waterfield, a companion of the Second Doctor in the BBC television series Doctor Who.... , Timothy Zahn Timothy Zahn Timothy Zahn is a writer of science fiction short stories and novels. His novella Cascade Point won the 1984 Hugo award. He is the author of nine Star Wars Expanded Universe novels, including seven novels featuring Grand Admiral Thrawn: the Thrawn Trilogy, the Hand of Thrawn duology, Outbound... |
$50 | |
| Visions '92 (November 27–29, 1992) | Colin Baker Colin Baker Colin Baker is a British actor who is known for playing Paul Merroney in The Brothers from 1974 to 1976 and as the sixth incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who, from 1984 to 1986.- Background:Colin Baker was born in London, but moved north to... , Bill Baggs, Jeremy Bentham, Nicola Bryant Nicola Bryant -External links:** at shillpages.com/dw *... , Jan Chappell Jan Chappell Jan Chappell, is a British actress, known for her portrayal of Cally in the first three series of Blake's 7. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where she received an honours diploma and the Kendal and Jenny Laird Prize.... , Craig Charles Craig Charles Craig Joseph Charles is an English actor, stand-up comedian, author, poet, radio and television presenter, best known for playing Dave Lister in the British cult-favourite science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf... , Frank Conniff Frank Conniff Frank Conniff is a writer and actor who is perhaps best known for his portrayal of TV's Frank on Mystery Science Theater 3000 .-Early work:... , Chris Jury Chris Jury Chris Jury is an English actor/writer/director with a range of television credits. He is best known for his role as Eric Catchpole in the antique trade drama Lovejoy starring Ian McShane, which he played between 1986 and 1993... , Robert Llewellyn Robert Llewellyn Robert Llewellyn is an English actor, presenter, and writer. He is best known as the mechanoid Kryten in the hit sitcom Red Dwarf, and for his role as presenter of Scrapheap Challenge.-Early career:... , John Peel John Peel (writer) John Peel is a British writer, best known for his books connected to several television series. He has written under several pseudonyms, including John Vincent and Nicholas Adams. He lives in Long Island, New York and his wife is a U.S... , Michael Praed Michael Praed Michael Praed born Michael David Prince, 1 April 1960 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire) is a British actor, is probably best known for his role as Robin of Loxley in the British television series Robin of Sherwood, which attained cult status worldwide in the 1980s... , Gareth Thomas Gareth Thomas (actor) Gareth Thomas is a Welsh actor.Thomas is best known for the part of Roj Blake in the dystopian science fiction television series Blake's 7, but has taken roles in many other films and television programmes, including Adam Brake in Children of the Stones.Thomas trained at RADA and is now an... |
$50 | |
| Visions '93 (November 26–28, 1993) | Peter Davison Peter Davison Peter Davison is a British actor, best known for his roles as Tristan Farnon in the television version of James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small and the fifth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, which he played from 1982 to 1984.-Early life:Davison was born Peter Moffett in Streatham,... , Colin Baker Colin Baker Colin Baker is a British actor who is known for playing Paul Merroney in The Brothers from 1974 to 1976 and as the sixth incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who, from 1984 to 1986.- Background:Colin Baker was born in London, but moved north to... , Carole Ann Ford Carole Ann Ford Carole Ann Ford is a British actress best known for her role as Susan Foreman in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. She also appeared in the 1962 film version of The Day of the Triffids.... , William Russell, John Levene John Levene John Levene is an English actor. His most famous role was that of Sergeant Benton of UNIT on the television series Doctor Who.He was born John Anthony Woods in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.... , Elisabeth Sladen Elisabeth Sladen Elisabeth Clara Heath-Sladen was an English actress best known for her role as Sarah Jane Smith in the British television series Doctor Who. She was a regular cast member from 1973 to 1976, alongside both Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker, and reprised the role many times in subsequent decades, both on... , John Leeson John Leeson John Leeson is a British actor who is best known for voicing K-9 on the television series Doctor Who from 1977 to 1979, and again in the 1980–1981 season. He was called back to do the voice of K-9 again for the 2006 episode "School Reunion" and again for the 2008 Doctor Who episode "Journey's End"... , Anthony Ainley Anthony Ainley Anthony Ainley was an English actor best known for his work on British television and particularly for his role as the third Master in Doctor Who. He was the fourth actor to play the role of the Master, and the first actor to portray the Master as a recurring role after the death of Roger Delgado... , Nicola Bryant Nicola Bryant -External links:** at shillpages.com/dw *... , Sophie Aldred Sophie Aldred Sophie Aldred is an English actress and television presenter, best known for her portrayal of The Doctor's companion Ace in the television series Doctor Who during the late 1980s.-Early life:... , Jan Chappell Jan Chappell Jan Chappell, is a British actress, known for her portrayal of Cally in the first three series of Blake's 7. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where she received an honours diploma and the Kendal and Jenny Laird Prize.... , Wendy Padbury Wendy Padbury Wendy Padbury is a British actress from Warwickshire, England. She is most famous for her involvement in various Doctor Who projects.... , Jacqueline Pearce Jacqueline Pearce Jacqueline Pearce is a British actress.-Career:Jacqueline Pearce trained at the British stage school RADA and at Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio in Los Angeles.... , Mark Ryan, John Abineri John Abineri John Abineri was an English actor.Born in London, he attended the Old Vic drama school and described himself as "Well educated from the age of five to eighteen"... , Jeremy Bulloch Jeremy Bulloch Jeremy Bulloch is an English actor. He is best known for the role inside the costume of the bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy, though he did not voice the character... , Danny John-Jules Danny John-Jules Daniel "Danny" John-Jules is a British actor, singer and dancer. John-Jules attended Rutherford Comprehensive School, Penfold Street, Marylebone, from 1972 to 1977. He is best known for portraying Cat in the television programme Red Dwarf.-Dance and song:John-Jules is a baritone... , Bill Baggs, Christopher Barry Christopher Barry Christopher Barry is a British television director who was well known for his work on the science fiction series Doctor Who... , Jeremy Bentham, Jean-Marc Lofficier Jean-Marc Lofficier Jean-Marc Lofficier is a French author of books about films and television programs, as well as numerous comic books and translations of a number of animation screenplays. He usually collaborates with his wife, Randy Lofficier .-Biography:Jean-Marc Lofficier was born in Toulon, France in 1954... , Randy Lofficier, John Nathan-Turner John Nathan-Turner John Nathan-Turner was the ninth producer of the long-running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, from 1980 until it was effectively cancelled in 1989... , John Peel John Peel (writer) John Peel is a British writer, best known for his books connected to several television series. He has written under several pseudonyms, including John Vincent and Nicholas Adams. He lives in Long Island, New York and his wife is a U.S... , Gary Downie Gary Downie Gary Downie was a production manager on many 1980s episodes of the long running science fiction television series Doctor Who, and partner of its producer John Nathan-Turner. His own analysis of the role of a production manager can be found on the BBC DVD release of The Two Doctors... |
1600, 1800 or 2000 | $100 |
| Visions '94 (November 25–27, 1994) | Danny John-Jules Danny John-Jules Daniel "Danny" John-Jules is a British actor, singer and dancer. John-Jules attended Rutherford Comprehensive School, Penfold Street, Marylebone, from 1972 to 1977. He is best known for portraying Cat in the television programme Red Dwarf.-Dance and song:John-Jules is a baritone... , Robert Llewellyn Robert Llewellyn Robert Llewellyn is an English actor, presenter, and writer. He is best known as the mechanoid Kryten in the hit sitcom Red Dwarf, and for his role as presenter of Scrapheap Challenge.-Early career:... , Jon Pertwee Jon Pertwee John Devon Roland Pertwee , was an English actor. Pertwee is best known for his role in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, in which he played the third incarnation of the Doctor from 1970 to 1974, and as the title character in the series Worzel Gummidge... , Nicholas Courtney Nicholas Courtney William Nicholas Stone Courtney was an English television actor, most famous for playing Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who.-Early life:... , John Levene John Levene John Levene is an English actor. His most famous role was that of Sergeant Benton of UNIT on the television series Doctor Who.He was born John Anthony Woods in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.... , Chris Potter Chris Potter (actor) Christopher Jay "Chris" Potter is a Canadian actor, musician and pitchman. He is primarily known for his roles on soap operas and prime-time television. Potter is known for his roles as Peter Caine, on the popular 1990s crime drama, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, Dr... , Nickolas Grace Nickolas Grace Nickolas Grace is a British actor known for his roles on television, including Anthony Blanche in the acclaimed ITV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited and the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1980s series Robin of Sherwood... , Mark Ryan, Paul Darrow Paul Darrow Paul Darrow is an English actor best known for his portrayal of Kerr Avon in the BBC science fiction television series Blake's 7... , Sheelagh Wells, Joe Nazzarro, Doug Naylor Doug Naylor Douglas R. Naylor is a British comedy writer, science fiction writer, director and television producer.Naylor was born in Manchester, England and studied at the University of Liverpool. In the mid-1980s, Naylor wrote two regular comedy sketch shows for BBC Radio 4 entitled Cliché and Son of Cliché... |
1100 | |
| Visions '95 (November 24–26, 1995) | Sophie Aldred Sophie Aldred Sophie Aldred is an English actress and television presenter, best known for her portrayal of The Doctor's companion Ace in the television series Doctor Who during the late 1980s.-Early life:... , Brian Blessed Brian Blessed Brian Blessed is an English actor, known for his sonorous voice and "hearty, king-sized portrayals".-Early life:The son of William Blessed, a socialist miner, and Hilda Wall, Blessed was born in the town of Goldthorpe, West Riding of Yorkshire, England... , Michael Craze Michael Craze Michael Craze was a British actor noted for his role of Ben Jackson, a companion of the Doctor, in the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. He played the part from 1966 to 1967 alongside both William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton.Craze was born in Cornwall... , Paul Darrow Paul Darrow Paul Darrow is an English actor best known for his portrayal of Kerr Avon in the BBC science fiction television series Blake's 7... , Mira Furlan Mira Furlan Mira Furlan is a Croatian actress and singer currently residing in the United States. She is well known for her roles as the Minbari Ambassador Delenn on all five seasons of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 , and Danielle Rousseau on Lost.-Early life:Furlan was born to an... , Hattie Hayridge Hattie Hayridge Hattie Hayridge is a British stand-up comedienne and actress, best known for the role of the female version of Holly in Red Dwarf during the third, fourth and fifth series, along with the role of Hilly in Parallel Universe, the final episode of the second series.After graduating from the... , Norman Lovett Norman Lovett Norman Lovett is an English stand-up comedian and actor, best known for the role of Holly in Red Dwarf during the first, second, seventh and eighth series. His comedy has a quiet, dead-pan surrealism, and in 2000 he made a successful stand up tour, co-headlining with Chris Barrie, who played... , Sylvester McCoy Sylvester McCoy Sylvester McCoy is a Scottish actor. As a comic act and busker he appeared regularly on stage and on BBC Children's television in the 1970s and 80s, but is best known for playing the seventh incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1987 to... , Michael O'Hare Michael O'Hare Michael O'Hare is an American actor, best known for playing Jeffrey Sinclair in the science fiction television series Babylon 5.-Biography:Michael O'Hare was born in Chicago, Illinois... , Michael Praed Michael Praed Michael Praed born Michael David Prince, 1 April 1960 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire) is a British actor, is probably best known for his role as Robin of Loxley in the British television series Robin of Sherwood, which attained cult status worldwide in the 1980s... , Gareth Thomas Gareth Thomas (actor) Gareth Thomas is a Welsh actor.Thomas is best known for the part of Roj Blake in the dystopian science fiction television series Blake's 7, but has taken roles in many other films and television programmes, including Adam Brake in Children of the Stones.Thomas trained at RADA and is now an... , Terry Walsh Terry Walsh (actor) Terry Walsh was a British actor stuntman, stunt arranger and fight arranger who contributed much to British television and film, especially during the 1970s. He stunt-doubled for Michael Caine, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker and David Warner amongst others.Walsh is known for his work on the science... , Anneke Wills Anneke Wills Anneke Wills is an English actress, best-known for her role as the Doctor Who's companion Polly in the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who.-Biography:... , Kate Orman Kate Orman Kate Orman is an Australian author, best known for her books connected to the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who.-Biography:... , Gary Schofield, Paul Cornell Paul Cornell Paul Cornell is a British writer best known for his work in television drama as well as Doctor Who fiction, and as the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield.... , Kim "Howard" Johnson |
$75 | |
| Visions '96 (November 29-December 1, 1996) | Colin Baker Colin Baker Colin Baker is a British actor who is known for playing Paul Merroney in The Brothers from 1974 to 1976 and as the sixth incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who, from 1984 to 1986.- Background:Colin Baker was born in London, but moved north to... , Ben Bass Ben Bass Benjamin Langer "Ben" Bass is a television and stage actor. Bass was born in Baltimore, Maryland. At age 7, he moved with his family to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He speaks French fluently. He started in television on the show 21 Jump Street and his stage career in Angry Housewives... , Richard Biggs Richard Biggs Richard T. "Dick" Biggs was an American television and stage actor, best known for his roles on the television series Days of our Lives and Babylon 5.-Life:... , Claudia Christian Claudia Christian Claudia Ann Christian is an American actress, writer, singer, musician, and director, best known for her role as Commander Susan Ivanova on the science fiction television series Babylon 5.-Career:... , Stephen Greif Stephen Greif Stephen Greif is an award-winning English actor.His television appearances include Waking the Dead , Spooks , Mistresses 2 , He Kills Coppers , Holby City , The Last Days of Pompeii as Sporus, Judge John Deed , Space Race , EastEnders , The Bill and... , Michael Keating, Mark Ryan, Yee Jee Tso Yee Jee Tso Yee Jee Tso is a Canadian actor.His television roles include Sliders , and the 1996 Doctor Who telemovie, in which he played the character Chang Lee... , Philip Segal Philip Segal Philip David Segal is a television producer. He emigrated to the United States in 1974 at the age of twelve, where he studied film at San Diego State University... , Sarah Sutton Sarah Sutton Sarah Sutton is a British actress best known for her role as Nyssa in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. Nyssa was a companion of Tom Baker and Peter Davison's Doctors from 1981 to 1983... , Lalla Ward Lalla Ward Sarah Ward known as Lalla Ward, is an English actor, author and illustrator. As an actor, she is known for playing the part of Romana in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. She is married to evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins.-Early career:Ward's stage name, "Lalla", comes... , Deborah Watling Deborah Watling Deborah Watling is a British actress best known for her role as Victoria Waterfield, a companion of the Second Doctor in the BBC television series Doctor Who.... , Paul Cornell Paul Cornell Paul Cornell is a British writer best known for his work in television drama as well as Doctor Who fiction, and as the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield.... , Jessica Kindzierski, Chelsea Potter, Gary Russell Gary Russell Gary James Russell is a freelance writer and former child actor. As a writer, he is best known for his work in connection with the television series Doctor Who and its spin-offs in other media... |
$75 | |
| Visions '97 (November 28–30, 1997) | Julie Caitlin Brown Julie Caitlin Brown Julie Caitlin Brown is an American actress and musician known for her role as Na'Toth in the first and fifth season of the science fiction television series Babylon 5.-Early Life:... , Jeff Conaway Jeff Conaway Jeffrey Charles William Michael "Jeff" Conaway was an American actor best known for his roles in the movie Grease and the US television series Taxi and Babylon 5. Conaway was featured on the first season of reality series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew... , Peter Davison Peter Davison Peter Davison is a British actor, best known for his roles as Tristan Farnon in the television version of James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small and the fifth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, which he played from 1982 to 1984.-Early life:Davison was born Peter Moffett in Streatham,... , Frazer Hines Frazer Hines Frazer Hines is an English actor best known for his roles as Jamie McCrimmon in Doctor Who and Joe Sugden in Emmerdale. Hines was born in Horsforth, a civil parish of Leeds.-Acting career:... , Louise Jameson Louise Jameson Louise Jameson is an English actress, best known for playing Leela, the leather-clad barbarian warrior companion of the fourth Doctor in Doctor Who. Jameson has also appeared on Emmerdale , The Omega Factor Louise Jameson (born 20 April 1951 in Wanstead, London) is an English actress, best known... , Sally Knyvette Sally Knyvette Sally Knyvette is a British actress, director and drama teacher.She is best known for her roles as Jenna Stannis in first two seasons of the British science fiction series Blake's 7 and as Kate Sugden in the soap opera Emmerdale... , Gary Lockwood Gary Lockwood Gary Lockwood is an American actor probably best known for his iconic 1968 role as the astronaut Dr. Frank Poole in 2001: A Space Odyssey.-Early life:... , Jeri Ryan Jeri Ryan Jeri Lynn Zimmermann Ryan is an American actress best known for her roles as the liberated Borg, Seven of Nine, on Star Trek: Voyager; Tara Cole on Leverage; and Veronica "Ronnie" Cooke on Boston Public. She was also a regular on the science fiction show Dark Skies and the legal drama series... , Patricia Tallman Patricia Tallman Patricia J. Tallman is an American actress and stunt performer, sometimes credited as Pat Tallman.-Early life:Patricia is the daughter of Jerry Tallman, a radio entertainer... , Jeremy Bentham, Adam "MOJO" Lebowitz, David Maloney David Maloney David John Lee Maloney was a British television director and producer. He was born in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, was educated at King Edward VI Five Ways and served in the Royal Air Force before becoming an actor in the theatre... , Dave McDonnell, Joe Nazzaro, Sheelagh Wells, H. Ed Cox, Beth Falcone, Paul Simpson, Mark Short |
1500 | $75 |
| HME Visions '98 (November 27–29, 1998) | Geoffrey Beevers Geoffrey Beevers Geoffrey Beevers is a British actor who has appeared in many different television roles.Beevers has worked extensively at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond upon Thames, both as an actor ; and as an adaptor/director of George Eliot's novel Adam Bede , for which he won a Time Out Award, and Balzac's... , Nigel Bennett Nigel Bennett Nigel Bennett is an English actor/director/writer who has been based in Canada since 1986. He is best known for playing the vampire patriarch Lucien LaCroix in the TV series Forever Knight, for which he won the Canadian Gemini Award for best supporting actor in a dramatic series.-Life and... , Nicholas Brendon Nicholas Brendon Nicholas Brendon , is an actor best known for his character Xander Harris in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer .-Early life:... , Robin Atkin Downes Robin Atkin Downes Born in London, England, Robin Atkin Downes is an English actor who is one of the most prolific voice-over actors in Los Angeles. He is well known for his work in film, television and voice acting... , Erin Gray Erin Gray Erin Gray is an American actress, perhaps best known for her roles as Kate Summers in the situation comedy Silver Spoons and as Colonel Wilma Deering in the science fiction television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.... , Anthony Stewart Head Anthony Head Anthony Stewart Head , usually credited as Anthony Head, is an English actor and musician. He rose to fame in the UK following his role in television advertisements for Nescafé Gold Blend , and is known for his roles as Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and as Uther Pendragon in... , Louise Jameson Louise Jameson Louise Jameson is an English actress, best known for playing Leela, the leather-clad barbarian warrior companion of the fourth Doctor in Doctor Who. Jameson has also appeared on Emmerdale , The Omega Factor Louise Jameson (born 20 April 1951 in Wanstead, London) is an English actress, best known... , Caroline John Caroline John Caroline John is an English actress best known for her role as Liz Shaw in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, as well as several other television roles.... , Sylvester McCoy Sylvester McCoy Sylvester McCoy is a Scottish actor. As a comic act and busker he appeared regularly on stage and on BBC Children's television in the 1970s and 80s, but is best known for playing the seventh incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1987 to... , Tracy Scoggins Tracy Scoggins Tracy Dawn Scoggins is an American actress known for her roles as Cat Grant in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Monica Colby in the 1980s prime time soap opera Dynasty, and its spin-off series The Colbys... , Kent McCord Kent McCord Kent McCord is an American actor best known for his role as Officer Jim Reed on the television series Adam-12.- Biography :... , Mark Strickson Mark Strickson Mark Strickson is a British TV producer and actor best known for his acting role as the character of Vislor Turlough on the television series Doctor Who.Strickson was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England... , John Platt, Beth Falcone, Dennison Love, Paul Simpson |
$75 |
Panels
The main attraction of each convention was the hour-long question and answer sessions with the celebrities. There were also smaller gatherings run by fans called fan panels.Variety show
The cabaret (renamed "variety show" in 1992) was 90-120 minute show featuring celebrity guests performing a variety of acts. A separate admission fee was charged for this event.Video rooms
Video rooms (one in 1990, two thereafter) ran television shows and movies, concentrating on programs that attending celebrities appeared in. A third room featuring fan-made videos was added in 1996.Autographs and photographs
Each fan was given the opportunity to meet the celebrities and receive and autograph and a photograph.Auction
Each year fans participated in an auction of science fiction memorabilia. Proceeds went to Lambs FarmLambs Farm
Lambs Farm is family attraction in Libertyville, Illinois which consists of a petting zoo, pet shop, miniature golf course, several small amusement rides, a restaurant, and a country store. A non-profit organization, it provides jobs and housing for over 250 adults with developmental...
and the Make-a-Wish Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions. The charity now operates in forty-seven countries around the world through thirty-six affiliate offices.The president & CEO of this...
.
Program book
A program book was given to each attending fan. The book included biographies of the guests, a map of the hotel, a schedule of the weekend's events and general convention rules.Newsletter
ReVisions was published 4-6 times a year and contained news about the past and/or upcoming convention.Websites
The original website was at http://www.xnet.com/~tardis. A second,T-shirts
T-shirts featuring that year's logo were available for purchase by mail or at the convention.Special events
- Attendees of Visions '92 were given the chance to help in the development of the Doctor Who pinball machineDoctor Who (pinball)Doctor Who is a pinball machine designed by Bill Pfutzenreuter and Barry Oursler, and released by Midway in September 1992. It is based on the television series of the same name...
. At least one machine was available for play during the convention.
- To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Doctor WhoDoctor WhoDoctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
the BBC broadcast a specially-made episode called Dimensions in TimeDimensions in TimeDimensions in Time is a charity special crossover between the British science fiction television series Doctor Who and the soap opera EastEnders that ran in two parts on 26 and 27 November 1993. It was filmed on the EastEnders Albert Square set, and features several of the stars of that programme...
. Producer John Nathan-TurnerJohn Nathan-TurnerJohn Nathan-Turner was the ninth producer of the long-running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, from 1980 until it was effectively cancelled in 1989...
brought a copy to Visions '93 and showed it Friday and Saturday nights. As the episode was made in 3-D3-D filmA 3-D film or S3D film is a motion picture that enhances the illusion of depth perception...
, special glasses were sold for the viewings with the proceeds going to Children in NeedChildren in NeedChildren in Need is an annual British charity appeal organised by the BBC. Since 1980 it has raised over £500 million. The highlight of the Children in Need appeal is an annual telethon, held in November. A teddy bear named "Pudsey Bear" fronts the campaign, while Terry Wogan is a long...
.
- The 1996 convention saw the premiere performance of Mysterious Theatre 337 (MT337). An homage to Mystery Science Theater 3000Mystery Science Theater 3000Mystery Science Theater 3000 is an American cult television comedy series created by Joel Hodgson and produced by Best Brains, Inc., that ran from 1988 to 1999....
, MT337 performed to Doctor WhoDoctor WhoDoctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
episodes instead of B movieB movieA B movie is a low-budget commercial motion picture that is not definitively an arthouse or pornographic film. In its original usage, during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the term more precisely identified a film intended for distribution as the less-publicized, bottom half of a double feature....
s. Additional performances occurred in 1997 and 1998 and continue at Chicago TARDIS and Gallifrey OneGallifrey OneGallifrey One is an annual North American science fiction convention focusing primarily on the British television series Doctor Who and its spin-offs, Torchwood, K-9 and The Sarah Jane Adventures, with an additional emphasis on British and American science fiction television media, held each...
.
Other conventions
Visions followed earlier conventions held in the Chicago area around Thanksgiving. Brit TV was held in 1988 (in Lincolnwood, IllinoisLincolnwood, Illinois
Lincolnwood is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 12,359 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lincolnwood is located at ....
) and 1989 (in Rosemont, Illinois). Spirit of Light Enterprises ran Doctor Who conventions in the mid-80s. Following the demise of Visions Chicago TARDIS took over the Thanksgiving slot beginning in 2000.
External links
- http://shillpages.com/mt337/index.shtml Mysterious Theatre 337
- http://chicagotardis.com/ Chicago TARDIS
- http://gallifreyone.com/ Gallifrey One