Witch School set for reality TV debut
Posted in Lifestyles, Schools & Education, SocietyJanuary 25, 2007 at 2:06 pm (UTC)
In a matter of months, Witch School in Hoopeston hopes to graduate from the world of magic to the ranks of reality TV.
The SCI FI Channel this month revealed its plans to create a reality series about the school at the Television Critics Associa-tion’s winter press tour in Pasadena, Calif.
The news comes just six months after the Hoopeston establishment announced it would offer on-site courses at its home at 112 W. Main St.
The lid remains tight on program details.
Witch School chancellor, the Rev. Don Lewis, confirmed the program “is happening,” but couldn’t comment further at the re-quest of NBC executives.
Despite the tight-lipped situation, he couldn’t hide his excitement for the school.
“There are lots of interesting things forthcoming in the future,” Lewis said.
The SCI FI Channel calls the program a “docu-soap” about a school for aspiring conjurers. It is being assembled in cooperation with New York-based Stick Figure Productions, which handled the HBO documentary series “Family Bonds” and the UPN reality series “Amish in the City.”
Adrienne D’amato, spokeswoman for NBC Universal and the SCI FI Channel, said via e-mail the show is in active develop-ment but not in production. More information regarding the program is expected when production commences in the coming months.
A press release from NBC Universal, which owns the SCI FI Channel, said the show depicts the real-life witch school “resem-bling your typical classroom experience … some elements of this education are less traditional.”
Witch School came to Hoopeston in September 2003, after using its Internet site for about 2½ years as an online school dedi-cated to Wiccan, Pagan and magical thought.
The school faced division from Hoopeston residents, with some being less than accepting of the new institution.
Those who want to learn more can visit the school, see the merchandise and library and take classes. The school, which con-tinues its Internet courses, offers lectures twice a day, if enough people show up.
Source: Commercial-News
January 25th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I hope that they actually show the real thing as opposed to making it all hollywood-ish. I also hope that it helps educate people about how things really are, so many times we are either demonized or romanticized that it is hard for people to truly understand our ways. I kind of worry about it a little bit being on the Sci-Fi channel because of the fluffy content they tend to put out. I guess we will see what happens. Blessings.
January 26th, 2007 at 12:42 am
I THINK IT’S A GREAT TIME FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AND I SUPPORT IT I WAS RAISED AS AWITCH AND MANY ARE COMING OUT. BLESSED BE
January 26th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
I agree that coming out and creating a voice in the public for pagans is essential. I am, however, concerned with the quality of reality television. I hope that they do not trivialize our religious beliefs in order to draw viewers.
Blessed Be
January 26th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
So many people in varied groups I belong to are so worried re the “buffy fluffy” factor this show has the potential to really facilitate, and wondering if the producers have any intentions of seeking out and speaking with longstanding CREDIBLE witches or pagans.
Has anyone writen or have an addy to which we could all write if we wish to encourage them to do this? Does anyone know WHO is in charge, producung directing…
I think if it truly remains a credible show, and some larky director doesnt get all flippy buffy on us, it might be a good thing..if Peter berrsford ellis or simon schama were in on it, we would know it was a legit seriouse study…but find out the director helps with input on buffy and other fluffy silver gals are involved, then true..we are in deep deep sh*t.
Besides, who says someone of our caliber couldnt put out a legit documentary and have it aired as a response, you can bet a lot of people in producing would love to have a piece of THIS pie , jump on the bandwagon while its hot, no worries if its a contradiction..means better ratings…anyone think of doing something like that ?
namaste all
Lady R E