New to 3D printing or looking to get a 3D printer? Then check out this session where we walk through the basics of 3D printing, types of 3D printers, and best applications.
Description:
Join Andrew Kreinbrink and Johnny VanCleeve as they walk through 3D printer basics. Topics will include: - 3D printer basic concepts - Resin vs FDM printing - Printing for miniatures - Printing for cosplay - 3D printing applications - Future of 3D printing. Please come prepared with questions for the event. A portion of the event will also include hands on review of physical printed parts to see the differences in 3D printing. A summary handout will also be provided with summary details of the presentation.
Looking to get start printing your own miniatures? Then join this panel session to cover printer types, printer settings, issues, and design basics. Session includes free miniature!
Description:
Join Andrew Kreinbrink (Kwald Design), Johnny VanCleeve, Bum Kim (Gaming Geek) and others for a review of 3D printing for miniatures. Topics will include: - 3D printer comparisons - 3D printer settings - 3D printer issues - Resin discussion - Miniature design. Examples of miniatures will be provided along with a walk through of a miniature designer programs and slicing software.
Have a printer or looking to get one? Check out this panel was we cover 3D printing for cosplay concepts. Attendees get a free printed pair of horns! Come ready with questions!
Description:
Join Andrew Kreinbrink (Kwald Design), Johnny VanCleeve, Bum Kim (Gaming Geek) and others for a review of 3D printing for cosplay. Topics will include: - 3d Printer Basic Review - 3D printer recommendations - Sanding, Priming, and Painting prints - Model setup for optimal printing - Cosplay prop finish (gluing, varnish, etc) Demonstrations and props will be shown to review. Handouts will also be provided on key topics and highlights.
Acting for Puppetry and Beyond: Leveling up your performance skills
Summary:
Come kick your puppet performance skills up to the next level! Join Kristin Charney on a deep dive into making acting choices for your characters so they are believable, unique, engaging & fun!
Description:
Kristin Charney (Team America, The Muppets, Fargo, Ratched, Sid the Science Kid, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Men In Black II, Kidding (and oh my gosh, so much more!) will use her 25+ years of experience in film, television & theatre to help you learn techniques to up your game! These techniques apply to puppets as well as other characters you may want to bring to life (oh hai, RPG friends!). All of the skills that actors use on stage or screen also apply to the puppeteer. Let's explore acting choices for our characters together & learn how to effectively communicate those choices through our puppets and beyond. We’ll also work through the physical expression of emotions that is essential for storytelling. We'll be working with multiple styles of puppets, as well as written text. Puppets & text will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have something you want to work on!
A practical introduction to the use of the longsword. We will go through a variety of guards and strikes, perform some slow drills and discuss basic sword physics.
A practical introduction to the use of the longsword. We will go through a variety of guards and strikes, perform some slow drills and discuss basic sword physics.
A practical introduction to the use of the longsword. We will go through a variety of guards and strikes, perform some slow drills and discuss basic sword physics.
A practical introduction to the use of the longsword. We will go through a variety of guards and strikes, perform some slow drills and discuss basic sword physics.
Vegan writer E.D.E. Bell explores the broadness of veganism in writing and takes your questions in an open discussion.
Description:
Interested in learning about veganism, how veganism impacts worldbuilding (it's way, way more than food), or how to write for a growing audience of readers interested in veganism and animal rights? Join fantasy author and long-term vegan E.D.E. Bell for a workshop, discussion, and open, honest Q&A on veganism in writing. Don't fear the vegan. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at a bodypainting cosplay but were overwhelmed? Learn the tips and tricks, and get a chance to take home your own sample of high quality bodypaint to try.
Description:
This workshop goes into the basics of creating a bodypainted cosplay, sources and resources, as well as techniques to ensure smooth coverage, and a longer lasting job. The workshop also goes over different ways to bodypaint; predominantly airbrushing and hand painting. Attendees are invited to try their hand at painting under the instruction of the workshop educator, and at the end of the workshop, get to keep their very own single-color pallet and accompanying applicator brush.
This is the third year for the plyometric workout designed to maximize your inner barbarian's rage-filled berserk attack.
Description:
Building on the success of my Star Wars themed exercise classes, I have designed an intense plyometric workout for Dungeons & Dragons Barbarians! Everyone knows that what is best in life is, “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women!” while preparing our bodies for the rigors of a full day of Gen Con! While any fitness level can be accommodated, if you have joint challenges, especially knees or ankles, you might want to consider my fourth year offerings of Sith Core and Mandalorian Martial Arts, my Jedi Yoga class now in its sixth year, or my body weight workout Fit Fighter in its second year.
This is the third year for the plyometric workout designed to maximize your inner barbarian's rage-filled berserk attack.
Description:
Building on the success of my Star Wars themed exercise classes, I have designed an intense plyometric workout for Dungeons & Dragons Barbarians! Everyone knows that what is best in life is, “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women!” while preparing our bodies for the rigors of a full day of Gen Con! While any fitness level can be accommodated, if you have joint challenges, especially knees or ankles, you might want to consider my fourth year offerings of Sith Core and Mandalorian Martial Arts, my Jedi Yoga class now in its sixth year, or my body weight workout Fit Fighter in its second year.
Learn to build a moving mouth mech for a turning head rod puppet. It's similar to the type used on Rizzo the Rat, and is a simple, intuitive design that's easy to perform and fun to play around with.
Description:
Along with building this puppet “skeleton," we're going to be looking at how it works, why it works, and how you may need to change it if you come up with your own designs in the future! We'll spend some time looking at fun ways to add on to the basic mech to create your own character, then we will look at another rod design to get your ideas flowing. We will be assembling a kit, but this workshop is designed to show you the principals and be able to create your own designs from fairly easy to find materials. If you can bring needle nose pliers, a fine phillips-head screw driver, it would be great, but we will have extras to borrow if you don't routinely carry those around with you the way Greg does.
Writers Kelli Fitzpatrick and Derek Tyler Attico teach techniques for creating unique and exciting worlds.
Description:
In this workshop, learn approaches to worldbuilding for fiction and games that will help you design diverse societies, outside-the-box settings, and worlds that are uniquely your own, from writers Derek Tyler Attico and Kelli Fitzpatrick. Workshop includes some instructional elements, fun activities, Q&A, and community knowledge-sharing. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Writer Bryan Young teaches techniques for balancing tension in your works.
Description:
Building tension in stories can be a difficult balance between competing drives in your story. How do you know when a surprise will be more effective for the audience than the slow burn of suspense? How do you accomplish them? In this workshop, professional writer Bryan Young will walk you through that process. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Elements of Burlesque: Learn the tools burlesque performers use to create routines & develop a short routine of your own!
Description:
A beginner-level class introducing participants to burlesque Persona, Aesthetic Presentation, the Reveal, the Tease, and more. In this part mini-lecture, part choreography workshop you’ll develop a short routine of your own to reveal in the bedroom or on a stage. This class can be taken alone or paired with Burlesque 102: Dance Intensive. This class is instructed by MsPixy of Glitter Guild Burlesque and is available to participants ages 18+ of all genders, body types, and abilities.
Elements of Burlesque: Learn the tools burlesque performers use to create routines & develop a short routine of your own!
Description:
A beginner-level class introducing participants to burlesque Persona, Aesthetic Presentation, the Reveal, the Tease, and more. In this part mini-lecture, part choreography workshop you’ll develop a short routine of your own to reveal in the bedroom or on a stage. This class can be taken alone or paired with Burlesque 102: Dance Intensive. This class is instructed by MsPixy of Glitter Guild Burlesque and is available to participants of all genders, body types, and abilities.
Burlesque Dance Intensive: Learn a pre-choreographed burlesque routine in a fun, friendly, & inclusive ‘dance class’ setting.
Description:
Learn a pre-choreographed burlesque routine from beginning to end. An active, movement-focused class that will have you on your feet for a full hour. This class puts in to motion many of the concepts explored in Burlesque 101: Elements of Burlesque, but can be taken on its own. This class is instructed by MsPixy of Glitter Guild Burlesque and is available to participants ages 18+ of all genders, body types, and abilities.
Burlesque Dance Intensive: Learn a pre-choreographed burlesque routine in a fun, friendly, & inclusive ‘dance class’ setting.
Description:
Learn a pre-choreographed burlesque routine from beginning to end. An active, movement-focused class that will have you on your feet for a full hour. This class puts in to motion many of the concepts explored in Burlesque 101: Elements of Burlesque, but can be taken on its own. This class is instructed by MsPixy of Glitter Guild Burlesque and is available to participants of all genders, body types, and abilities.
Why should the kids have all the fun?? What Super Powers are you hiding? Hero or villain, you should come by & make a cape! Show the world what your super power is.
Why should the kids have all the fun?? What Super Powers are you hiding? Hero or villain, you should come by & make a cape! Show the world what your super power is.
Come learn about how to draw the human figure and design creative costumes with award-winning artist, designer, and professor Justin Kunz.
Description:
We will work with a live model to learn and practice drawing the human figure in dynamic poses with drapery. Topics Included Overview: a crash course; sketch & study; practice is essential Materials & line quality: pencils, ink, digital. Gesture: pose, action, energy, attitude. Structure: simple forms; building the mannequin. Anatomy: basic landmarks and major forms. Costume / Drapery: basic folds. Design: simplify, clarify, and stylize your figures. Instagram: @jkunz.art
Come learn about how to draw the human figure and design creative costumes with award-winning artist, designer, and professor Justin Kunz.
Description:
We will work with a live model to learn and practice drawing the human figure in dynamic poses with drapery. Topics Included Overview: a crash course; sketch & study; practice is essential Materials & line quality: pencils, ink, digital. Gesture: pose, action, energy, attitude. Structure: simple forms; building the mannequin. Anatomy: basic landmarks and major forms. Costume / Drapery: basic folds. Design: simplify, clarify, and stylize your figures. Instagram: @jkunz.art
Come learn about how to draw the human figure and design creative costumes with award-winning artist, designer, and professor Justin Kunz.
Description:
We will work with a live model to learn and practice drawing the human figure in dynamic poses with drapery. Topics Included Overview: a crash course; sketch & study; practice is essential Materials & line quality: pencils, ink, digital. Gesture: pose, action, energy, attitude. Structure: simple forms; building the mannequin. Anatomy: basic landmarks and major forms. Costume / Drapery: basic folds. Design: simplify, clarify, and stylize your figures. Instagram: @jkunz.art
Character Design Workshop II: The Character Portrait
Summary:
Come learn about how to draw the human head and facial features to design expressive characters with award-winning artist, designer, and professor Justin Kunz.
Description:
We will work with a live model to learn and practice drawing the human head and designing interesting characters. Topics Included: Overview: a crash course; sketch & study; practice is essential. Materials & line quality: making marks with pencils, ink, digital. Structure: basic forms, proportions, & planes of the human head. Features: eyes, nose, mouth, ears, neck, and hair. Variations: sex, age, ethnicity, and imaginary attributes (sci-fi/fantasy characters). Design: simplify, clarify, emphasize, and stylize your characters.
Character Design Workshop II: The Character Portrait
Summary:
Come learn about how to draw the human head and facial features to design expressive characters with award-winning artist, designer, and professor Justin Kunz.
Description:
We will work with a live model to learn and practice drawing the human head and designing interesting characters. Topics Included: Overview: a crash course; sketch & study; practice is essential. Materials & line quality: making marks with pencils, ink, digital. Structure: basic forms, proportions, & planes of the human head. Features: eyes, nose, mouth, ears, neck, and hair. Variations: sex, age, ethnicity, and imaginary attributes (sci-fi/fantasy characters). Design: simplify, clarify, emphasize, and stylize your characters.
Character Design Workshop II: The Character Portrait
Summary:
Come learn about how to draw the human head and facial features to design expressive characters with award-winning artist, designer, and professor Justin Kunz.
Description:
We will work with a live model to learn and practice drawing the human head and designing interesting characters. Topics Included: Overview: a crash course; sketch & study; practice is essential. Materials & line quality: making marks with pencils, ink, digital. Structure: basic forms, proportions, & planes of the human head. Features: eyes, nose, mouth, ears, neck, and hair. Variations: sex, age, ethnicity, and imaginary attributes (sci-fi/fantasy characters). Design: simplify, clarify, emphasize, and stylize your characters.
In this interactive workshop, actor and voice coach Tobi Mattingly will take you through exercises and techniques to help you create unique and consistent character voices in a safe and healthy way.
Description:
Bring your characters to life! You'll walk away from this session with a toolkit you can use to quickly and easily create many different character voices. You'll also learn how to reliably find those voices again, whether you're switching between many voices in one scene or bringing an NPC back months later. This is an abridged version of a workshop originally developed for professional actors doing audio drama, so the tools will serve you whether you need them for your home game, your Twitch stream, or your podcast! All exercises can be performed while wearing masks, and we kindly encourage all participants to wear appropriate face masks during this event.
Dr. David Niecikowski will present topics in classroom game design and play for students of all ages. A free 128 page book will be provided to reinforce hands-on topics in this interactive seminar.
Description:
Dr. David Niecikowski, a 27 year public education teacher and Touro University gifted education professor, will provide hands-on and interactive techniques in classroom game design and game play that can be used with students of all ages. (1) Game design topics include: analyzing existing game designs, design planners, rules writing, play testing, and design evaluation rubric. (2) Game play topics include: game play applications, selecting games, modifying existing games, teaching techniques, and gaming etiquette.
Want to learn how to paint your own cool clay earrings? Join us to learn the basics and take home a pair you decorate yourself!
Description:
Participants will use the earrings they created out of clay or receive a set to paint. They will be supplied with tools to use and acrylic paint as they learn different techniques in painting clay earrings. This event is part 2 of a 2 part earring making process. The first event being Clay Earring Sculpting. The sculpting event is not required, but it is suggested so you go home with a customized pair of earrings you have made with your own hands!
Want to learn how to paint your own cool clay earrings? Join us to learn the basics and take home a pair you decorate yourself!
Description:
Participants will use the earrings they created out of clay or receive a set to paint. They will be supplied with tools to use and acrylic paint as they learn different techniques in painting clay earrings. This event is part 2 of a 2 part earring making process. The first event being Clay Earring Sculpting. The sculpting event is not required, but it is suggested so you go home with a customized pair of earrings you have made with your own hands!
Want to learn how to create your own cool earrings out of clay? Join us to learn the basics and take home a pair you make yourself!
Description:
Participants will receive air dry clay and be supplied with tools to use as they learn different techniques in making earrings out of clay. This event is part 1 of a 2 part earring making process. The second event being Clay Earring Painting. The painting event is not required, but it is suggested to wait until the next day to pick up your clay creations.
Want to learn how to create your own cool earrings out of clay? Join us to learn the basics and take home a pair you make yourself!
Description:
Participants will receive air dry clay and be supplied with tools to use as they learn different techniques in making earrings out of clay. This event is part 1 of a 2 part earring making process. The second event being Clay Earring Painting. The painting event is not required, but it is suggested to wait until the next day to pick up your clay creations.
Curious about where to start when converting one game into a new game system? Not sure if it can be done? This workshop is for you!
Description:
Darker Days Radio is hosting this workshop about converting from one game mechanic system to another. We will talk about where to start when you work through a conversion, how big a role dice percentages play within your conversions, and work through converting from one well-established game system into a different one. Hosted by Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx), Mitch Bustillos of Necrobiotic, and Brennan Taylor of Galileo Games.
A math-free hands-on workshop where participants will learn about, and construct, a variety of common electronic and electrical cosplay components including: LEDs, EL wire and sheets, and motors.
Description:
It is assumed participants will have no prior experience in working with electrical or electronic components. Participants will practice basic soldering skills and leave with basic knowledge of wiring a circuit and connecting simple items such as lights, switches, and electric motors. Participants will leave with practice pieces they construct during the workshop.
A math-free hands-on workshop where participants will learn about, and construct, a variety of common electronic and electrical cosplay components including: LEDs, EL wire and sheets, and motors.
Description:
It is assumed participants will have no prior experience in working with electrical or electronic components. Participants will practice basic soldering skills and leave with basic knowledge of wiring a circuit and connecting simple items such as lights, switches, and electric motors. Participants will leave with practice pieces they construct during the workshop.
A math-free hands-on workshop where participants will learn about, and construct, a variety of common electronic and electrical cosplay components including: LEDs, EL wire and sheets, and motors.
Description:
It is assumed participants will have no prior experience in working with electrical or electronic components. Participants will practice basic soldering skills and leave with basic knowledge of wiring a circuit and connecting simple items such as lights, switches, and electric motors. Participants will leave with practice pieces they construct during the workshop.
A math-free hands-on workshop where participants will learn about, and construct, a variety of common electronic and electrical cosplay components including: LEDs, EL wire and sheets, and motors.
Description:
It is assumed participants will have no prior experience in working with electrical or electronic components. Participants will practice basic soldering skills and leave with basic knowledge of wiring a circuit and connecting simple items such as lights, switches, and electric motors. Participants will leave with practice pieces they construct during the workshop.
A math-free hands-on workshop where participants will learn about, and construct, a variety of common electronic and electrical cosplay components including: LEDs, EL wire and sheets, and motors.
Description:
It is assumed participants will have no prior experience in working with electrical or electronic components. Participants will practice basic soldering skills and leave with basic knowledge of wiring a circuit and connecting simple items such as lights, switches, and electric motors. Participants will leave with practice pieces they construct during the workshop.
Cosplay Fabrication: Hands-On Working With Thermal Plastic (WORBLA)
Summary:
Participants will learn and practice techniques for working with thermal plastic. Each participant will leave with a small item they will manufacture during the workshop.
Description:
Samples of different types of thermal plastics will be present: Wonderflex, Classic Worbla, Clear Worbla, and Black Worbla. This will be very hands-on and participants will finish the session with enough experience to confidently craft items out of thermal plastic.
Cosplay Fabrication: Hands-On Working With Thermal Plastic (WORBLA)
Summary:
Participants will learn and practice techniques for working with thermal plastic. Each participant will leave with a small item they will manufacture during the workshop.
Description:
Samples of different types of thermal plastics will be present: Wonderflex, Classic Worbla, Clear Worbla, and Black Worbla. This will be very hands-on and participants will finish the session with enough experience to confidently craft items out of thermal plastic.
This workshop focuses on the best ways to show off your cosplay for pictures, touching on the difference between "costuming" and "cosplay". Insight for photographers as well on how to get great shots.
Description:
In the world of cosplay, there are a lot of people who aren't sure exactly how to pose when asked for pictures. This interactive workshop delves into the art of posing for pictures in a way that highlights your cosplay while letting you play with the right angles to hide any imperfections you think you might have with your piece. We'll go over the subtle differences between "costume posing" and "cosplay posing", with a mini photoshoot for attendees. Cosplayers, bring your creations, and Photographers, bring your cameras!
Cosplay wig styling tips, tricks, and how-to's for beginner and intermediate cosplayers. This will be a workshop in which a wig will be provided as part of the admission on which to work.
Description:
This workshop will cover a variety of basic and intermediate level styling tips for cosplay wigs. You can expect to learn how to spike your wig, create volume for larger styles, style an updo without showing wefts, the basics of wig alterations, and more! At the end of the day you'll get to take home the wig you're working on for reference or to wash out and style for your next cosplay.
Cosplay wig styling tips, tricks, and how-to's for beginner and intermediate cosplayers. This will be a workshop in which a wig will be provided as part of the admission on which to work.
Description:
This workshop will cover a variety of basic and intermediate level styling tips for cosplay wigs. You can expect to learn how to spike your wig, create volume for larger styles, style an updo without showing wefts, the basics of wig alterations, and more! At the end of the day you'll get to take home the wig you're working on for reference or to wash out and style for your next cosplay.
Cosplay wig styling tips, tricks, and how-to's for beginner and intermediate cosplayers. This will be a workshop in which a wig will be provided as part of the admission on which to work.
Description:
This workshop will cover a variety of basic and intermediate level styling tips for cosplay wigs. You can expect to learn how to spike your wig, create volume for larger styles, style an updo without showing wefts, the basics of wig alterations, and more! At the end of the day you'll get to take home the wig you're working on for reference or to wash out and style for your next cosplay.
Participants will learn & practice techniques for working with EVA foam. Each participant will leave with an armored helmet they will manufacture during the workshop.
Description:
During the class each participant will construct a spangenhelm constructed of EVA foam. Instruction on the best tools, materials, and techniques will be taught and practiced. Advanced techniques such as angled cuts and the use of contact cement will be covered. This will be very hands-on and participants will finish the session with enough experience to confidently craft items out of EVA foam.
Participants will learn & practice techniques for working with EVA foam. Each participant will leave with an armored helmet they will manufacture during the workshop.
Description:
During the class each participant will construct a spangenhelm constructed of EVA foam. Instruction on the best tools, materials, and techniques will be taught and practiced. Advanced techniques such as angled cuts and the use of contact cement will be covered. This will be very hands-on and participants will finish the session with enough experience to confidently craft items out of EVA foam.
Want to sell your art or crafts, be hired as a GM, or turn some other hobby into a side (or full time) hustle? Come learn how to evaluate viability, and avoid common legal and financial pitfalls.
Description:
Many people turn their hobbies into successful businesses. But plenty others make errors early on that cost them time, money, and even their love of the hobby. Still others never try at all, fearing exactly such a negative outcome. Do I need a business license? When do I have to pay income tax, or sales tax? What do I need to charge to make a profit? Whatever your hobby, this workshop provides answers to many of these questions, and a clear blueprint (with lots of handouts) on how to find answers for the rest for your specific hobby and location. Facilitator Tobi Mattingly is an Enrolled Agent (licensed tax pro) and provider of small business services, working with artists, performers, creators, and hobby-entrepreneurs of all stripes for more than a decade. She's also a creator herself, having worked over the past 25 years as an actor, director, musician, and game designer.
During this class we will customize and craft a beautiful dice tower that is yours to keep!
Description:
We will be working from customized kits, so you will gain additional tips and tricks for assembly of different types of laser cut materials during your construction. During this class you can learn about crafting methods from small business owner and laser cutting expert Emmie Mayne of Lightning and Lace. There will be a variety of materials used including wood glue, so make sure you are wearing clothes that are alright to be made messy.