Twin Cities Horror Festival Organizes as LLC; Executive Director Selected

The Twin Cities Horror Festival (TCHF) has organized as part of the newly formed United Festival Group, LLC. Ryan Lear will serve as the TCHF's executive director. The 2014Twin Cities Horror Festival III will be presented, Oct. 23-Nov. 2, at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis.

An artist-centric organization, the TCHF strives to maximize both audience entertainment and payout to artists. Four Humors Theater launched the festival in 2012 as a juried, horror-themed, live-performance arts festival spanning the two weekends surrounding Halloween.

Building on the festival's success, several artists and producers -- many of whom were involved with the first two seasons -- now have formalized their commitment to continuing the TCHF for 2014 and beyond. The company's owners include Jason Ballweber, Mike Fotis, Katie Hartman, Ryan Lear, Mark Long, Jenn Newman, Tyler Olsen, Dan Peltzman, Erin Sheppard, Matt Spring and Tim Uren.

As the TCHF's executive director, Lear will assist the owners with the festival's artistic curation. He also is responsible for engaging sponsors and advertisers, overseeing the budget, organizing festival marketing and serving as the company liaison for producers, artists and the venue. "It's an honor to have been entrusted with the management of this amazing festival," says Lear. "We have a fantastic board of governors and I'm very excited by all of the work we've already accomplished this year. I cannot wait to share what we have lined up for this year's festival."

The 2014 TCHF will feature a mix of returning companies along with several new artists. The full festival line-up and advance ticket sales will be announced in early July. Past festival participants include Four Humors Theater, RawRedMeat Productions, Ghoulish Delights, Erin Sheppard Presents, The Coldharts, Mike Fotis, Ferrari McSpeedy, Comedy Suitcase, The Poor Nobodys, Horrorshow Hotdog and The Theater of Public Policy.

During the TCHF's first two seasons, Lear was involved behind the scenes with the festival's organization and marketing, and on stage as an actor. In addition to his acting experience, he previously worked in sales and marketing roles including at the Southern Theater. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in theater. He currently resides in Minneapolis' LynLake neighborhood.

For more information about the Twin Cities Horror Festival, its leaders and its participants, please visit www.tchorrorfestival.com.

Photo by Dan Norman