Abe no Seimei is a figure surrounded by myth, from his rumored kitsune bloodline to his powers of divination. How much was true? Join us for a look at Japan's most famous onmyouji in fact and fiction.
Description:
Unlike his Western corollary Merlin, Abe no Seimei was a real person with a life recorded in court and legal documents. Learn who he really was and how many of the fantastic deeds attributed to him might be real in this study of his life and times.
We love our Chinese dramas, even with (especially for?) their flaws! Join us for our favorite gaffes, marketing stunts, production disasters, and behind-the-scenes nonsense from the world of C-dramas.
Description:
When any production cuts corners, the results can be unintentionally hilarious. As the world's most prolific producer of live action dramas, China's television industry has no shortage of examples! We've curated a selection of "oops" moments and behind-the-scenes stories from dramas big and small. (Your fave may be on the list!)
Foam, Thermoplastics, & More: Featherweight Cosplay Mega Workshop
Summary:
You can make great costumes and armor without metalworking! Learn to construct unique armor and accessories using lightweight, hall-safe materials. Make a custom thermoplastic bracer to wear out!
Description:
In this workshop, you'll learn about a variety of metal- and fiberglass-free construction methods for costume armor and accessories--and it's all (relatively) non-toxic, too! We'll cover working with EVA foam, Worbla, Wonderflex, Kobracast, Sintra, ABS, and more!
From Dragon Ball to Jackie Chan, there have been countless adaptations of the world's most popular folk tale! Learn the true history that inspired the stories, the legends, and the 16th-century novel.
Description:
Though less ubiquitous in Western culture, the Journey to the West story is thought to be the widest-known cultural tale in the world. Many modern adaptations take their inspiration from the 16th-century novel, but the stories themselves date back nearly a thousand years earlier -- and were based on real events. We'll examine the historical and cultural context for the novel and the lore it collected, plus take a look at modern adaptations including cinematic blockbusters, McDonald's Happy Meal toys, video games, and even K-pop hits!
With its limited phonetic syllabary, the Japanese language is built for puns and double meanings! Come enjoy some of our favorite Japanese plays on words, from dad jokes to advertising slogans.
Description:
We'll also share examples from anime, manga, and pop culture.
Mold-making, Casting, Silicone & Resins for Costuming
Summary:
Learn to fabricate hard plastic and flexible synthetic accessories! Sculpt an original design, make a reusable mold, and cast a finished piece in resin! Take your pieces home with you to use again.
Description:
Want to make custom pieces for your costume, game, or other hobby? Well discuss the various types of casting and mold-making materials, explore their pros and cons, and walk you through the mold-making and casting process. During the workshop period, you will sculpt an original piece from clay, make a reusable silicone mold from it, and cast a resin positive. You can take your creation and the mold home with you!
The First Superhero: A History of The Scarlet Pimpernel
Summary:
Long before Zorro or Batman, a colorful crusader with a secret identity revolutionized the world of adventure fiction. Learn the origin story of this seminal hero and the woman who created him.
Description:
Plus (time permitting) see rare antique Scarlet Pimpernel memorabilia from a local collector's archives!
If they wanted to keep Toons out, they should have hidden it better! A Toon spin on an old-school module.
Description:
Your party is lost! You should never have abandoned the ship and struck out into the marshes, but you're Toons and no one tells you what to do! Old school module run with Toons. Expect wacky traps, cursed items, hijinks, chaos, and a lot of silly cartoon violence.
If they wanted to keep Toons out, they should have hidden it better! A Toon spin on an old-school module.
Description:
Your party is lost! You should never have abandoned the ship and struck out into the marshes, but you're Toons and no one tells you what to do! Old school module run with Toons. Expect wacky traps, cursed items, hijinks, chaos, and a lot of silly cartoon violence.