Background

of Historical Diversions

Or how a young man dashed his mother's dreams and threw away his youth for the fleeting fame of the footlights...

    Historical Diversions began in 1984 when Carson Hudson was asked to provide entertainment for a living history event at a major museum. He quickly discovered that very few people were recreating authentic period entertainment. Most performers were content with presenting their own idea of "old timey" music or entertainment. 

With a background in history, contemporary theater and puppetry, and youthful experience in street busking, Carson began to research what people had really seen and heard in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. He acquired new (and sometimes odd) talents along the way, learning modern circus skills, sideshow secrets, and traditional performance practices, regressing his performance skills into the past.

He went on to research, write, direct, and perform in over a score of successful productions and programs for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, authoring two books, and numerous screenplays for educational outreach.  Along the way, he gathered together a unique and multi-talented group of friends and accomplices. He is currently an adjunct professor in history at Rappahannock Community College, and instructor with the College of William and Mary Elderhostel program.

Today Carson Hudson and Historical Diversions specialize in recreating historically accurate entertainment from America's past for museums, historic sites, community events and educational institutions.

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Historical

   Diversions