Womack and Bowman and American Horror Story

A haunting love affair

 

Brett on a poster for AHS 'Hotel'

If you have driven down the ninety freeway in West Los Angeles this week, or along La Brea Avenue in Hollywood or Laurel Canyon Boulevard in The San Fernando Valley, you have probably seen the gorgeously spooky new commercials for American Horror Story 'Hotel' starring Brett Womack and Rachel Bowman. The compelling images feature Brett as a tortured drag queen, trapped in what appears to be a carnivorous vintage bed and Rachel in a painfully contorted back bend clawing desperately towards the heavens. The riveting images appear on dozens of billboards, bus stops, buses and buildings throughout the city, promoting the new season of the series that premieres October 7^th on FX.

Rachel on a billboard for AHS 'Hotel'

This is not the first time that Brett and Rachel have been featured in the promotional campaign for American Horror Story, in fact it is Rachel’s second and Brett’s fourth! Back in 2011 when the series premiered, Brett was hired to portray the freakishly bendy ‘Rubber Man’ for the print campaign and even toured the character across the USA in an interactive promotional campaign for the show.

Brett as 'Rubber Man' in AHS 'Murder House'

In 2012 Brett was again hired by FX, this time in more of an ensemble role behind Jessica Laing for American Horror Story 'Asylum.'

Brett as an Asylum patient in AHS 'Asylum'

In 2014 the series took place at a "Freak show" and FX Productions took their promotional campaign to a whole knew level of scary; Cue the carny folk! The vice president of production and special projects for FX hired Brett directly, and asked him to recommend a ‘freaky’ female aerialist to work alongside him. The duo were featured both in print (billboards, bus stops etc.) and in broadcast (TV, internet), Rachel as a three legged Aerial Hoop artist and Brett as the Trapeze wheeling killer clown ‘Twisty.' 

Rachel as a three legged Aerialist in AHS 'Freak show' print campaign

A still shot from AHS 'Freak show' teaser with Brett as 'Twisty'

Womack and Bowman perform at the AHS 'Freak show' premiere

The American Horror Story ‘Freak show’ campaign was a huge success breaking FX records and bringing in an audience of over 10 million viewers for the season premiere! The FX production team was so impressed with Brett and Rachel’s performances in the campaign that they hired the duo to perform at the shows LA premiere event and even scheduled their wrap party to coincide with an existing Womack and Bowman performance!

Behind the scenes of AHS 'Hotel' print campaign

When I asked Brett why he thinks that American Horror Story continues to feature the duo in their promotional campaigns he responded shyly. “Well, they (FX casting) think we are very expressive, I guess that comes from all the years of performing aggressive aerial acts! The Vice President of production told me that she could hire thirty models but that none of them could do what the two of us can do.”

From the looks of these images, that definitely appears to be the case. Here’s hoping that this campaign does as well as the last and that Womack and Bowman return to decorate Los Angeles again next year in their hauntingly beautiful, acrobatic glory.

Where students become artists: 'Behind closed doors'

Behind closed doors

An evening of Aerial Dance

Saturday August 29th 2015

One night. Two sold out shows.  Thirty five performers. Eight breathtaking acts. 

On a recent steamy August evening, thirty five courageous woman and men, ranging in age from sixteen to sixty, gathered together on the mezzanine level of a large live/work style loft studio in North Hollywood. They were dressed to kill, some in matching nude lingerie inspired consumes, others in bright 80's themed tights, still others in black fishnets and sparkly leotards, Cabaret style. Hair was big and bold and makeup was immaculate. In the semi darkness they silently limbered up, sliding into the splits and arching into deep backbends. 'Did they open the doors?' whispered one young woman anxiously to her friend, "I hope my boyfriend was able to get in!" The doors in fact were open and the audience was filtering into the Bohemian style wonderland, anticipation building as they rushed to claim a much sought after seat to what was sure to be a spectacular show! 

Student performers: Lydia Morgan, Alexandra Cohn, Art Voskanian, Minda Ruggles, Caroline Ma, Maia Berneman, Renee Ransom, Amy Heidish

Performer: Lena Fumi

The performers were all students at Womack and Bowman - The Loft, studying Aerial Art, Contortion, Acrobatics and Dance with some of the most reputed teachers in the country. For a number of these students, this was their first time performing in front of an audience and one of the most nerve wracking experiences of their lives! Screenwriter Amy Heidish never imagined she would  perform Aerial in front of anyone, she began taking classes at The Loft purely for fun and fitness and ended up winning the 'Most improved student award' after her incredible performance.

"Thank you, Brett. Thank you, Rachel, and all my fellow Lofties, for continually challenging me to be better than I think I can be, and for enduring my occasional swearing fits while hanging upside down. You all rock my world!" 

- Amy Heidish

Student performers: Jodi Gonzalez, Caroline Ma, Rachel Carlson, Kira Schwartz, Christine Anderson, Hazuki Fujimoto

Student performers: Zuri Bella, Rachel Carlson, Curtis Hansen, Charlie Knudson, Judy Lai, Catherine Petretti, Kira Schwartz, Ron Zambot

Every student, regardless of experience, was exceptional that night. They were utterly immersed in their character, combining high level tricks with artistry and intention, doing great justice to the choreography of their teachers (who were all professional Aerial choreographers) and communicating  with the audience in profound ways.

Student performers: Morgan Gerhardt, Lena Fumi

student performer: Lydia Morgan

The cast of 'Behind closed doors'

If you missed the live experience of 'Behind closed doors' be sure to check out the videos on YouTube and stay tuned to all things Womack and Bowman to secure your ticket to their next event!

Womack and Bowman - The Loft

 Where artists are born