Below is a list of our currently approved workshops!The exact times and locations of panels & events are listed in our registration page. REGISTER and check out our full list of events!
Workshop: Language Creation
By: David J. Peterson
Organization: Language Creation Society
Description
Ever experienced an incredible work of fantasy or science fiction that takes one to strange worlds or entirely new universes, only to discover that, as if by magic, all the native inhabitants speak English? Ever wanted to do something about it?
In this workshop, participants will work together in groups to create several brand new languages from the ground up. Explicit instruction will cover phonology (the sound system of a language), morphology (verb conjugation, noun inflection, derivation), syntax (the order of elements in sentences and phrases), and semantics (meaning). By the end of this workshop, participants will know how to:
- -Create a sound system.
- -Coin new words and names.
- -Create inflectional systems.
- -Create a new writing system.
- -Learn about language evolution.
- -Facilitate language learning.
No prior linguistic knowledge is necessary. This workshop will be led by David J. Peterson, the creator of the Dothraki language for HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Workshop: ONE-ON-ONE WITH JEFF GOMEZ
By: Jeff Gomez
Organization: Starlight Runner Entertainment
Description
Have you ever wanted to ask a Hollywood insider questions? Get career or life advise from someone who has realized his own dreams? Now’s your chance! In this exclusive Wyrd Con offer, you can spend 20 minutes with Jeff Gomez, who has worked to expand some of the greatest story worlds in all of pop culture, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar, Halo and Magic: The Gathering. Tell him your dreams — sometimes what happens in a few moments can change a life.
Workshop: Ars Amandi Workshop
By: Lizzie Stark
Description
This workshop will teach the mechanic of Ars Amandi, a Nordic way of representing romance; it’s boffers for lust. Participants engaging in Ars Amandi touch one another on the arms and shoulders, lightly and firmly, playfully and forcefully. During the workshop, we will be exploring different modes of touching in a safe, structured environment. Come prepared to touch a strangers arms. Why should you try Ars Amandi? Well, larp needs love. Think about it: In a typical larp, your character is far more likely to kill something or die than she is to fall in love. The ability to play romance and love safely opens a whole new vista of possible plots, character developments, and player experience. To learn more about Ars Amandi, including rundowns of previous workshops check out http://elizabethrstark.com/tag/ars-amandi/
Notes:
Combat Type: No combat, but there is arm-touching
Other: My event is 18+ only.
Workshop: Combat 101
Run by: John Lin
Description
Learn the basics of how to play in a light combat system. Great for beginners!
Workshop: Sewing for Not-So-Dummies: Meet Needle and Thread
By: Aya Columbia
Description
Learn basic hand sewing techniques, how to thread a generic sewing machine (And sew with it!), and NOT stab the snot out of yourself while doing it!
Workshop: Weapon Making
By: Rob McDiarmid
Description
Come learn to make a safe and sturdy foam sword using easy to find materials. This seminar is perfect for complete beginners – no weapon making experience is needed.
Participants will be cutting foam using razor blades and will be using contact cement, which produces fumes and is flammable. Therefore, this seminar is not appropriate for the very young – those under 12 should not participate.
You will be able to complete a basic weapon by the end of the seminar, which will be ready to use for the rest of the weekend (for best results, plan on letting the glue set until the next morning before wielding it). You will also leave with a set of weapon building instructions that will serve you well when you need to build foam weapons again.
Notes:
Combat Type: None
Workshop: Character Photography
By: Amanda Mielke
Organization: Live Effects
Description
Don your favorite costume and grab your coolest props for a chance to meet one on one or with your group for professional character photos. Recreate your favorite moments, pose dramatically for the camera or simply role play before the camera as the photographer captures your character on film.
There will be ten 5-minute photo sessions. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register. Groups may pre-register as a single participant but will not receive extra camera time. Each participant will receive a CD of their images by mail after the event.
Workshop: Wire Wrapping Jewelry
By: Roland Gridley
Organization: Roland Gridley Design
Description
Come learn the art of heavy bail wire wrapping with Roland Gridley Design! We’ll work through bailing and pendants, move on through trinkets and charms and then finally apply what we’ve discovered to dangling necklaces and bracelets. This style is heavy on the hands, hard on the fingers, but we’ll be bringing all we’ve got to help pass this craft on.
Check out what you can make with Roland Gridley Design: http://doctor-twitch.deviantart.com/
Workshop: Bookmaking
By: Amanda Mielke
Description
Ancient scrolls, brittle tomes, gilded manuscripts and travel worn journals – books are some of the most beautiful and captivating props a game can have. From the tattered notes of the unfortunately over-curious explorer, to the elven scroll, to the Necronomicon books capture our imaginations, allow us to record our thoughts, and let the Game Master share their world and disseminate lore that will make players hunger for more.
Participants learn about several methods of bookmaking including scrolls, softbound, Japanese, album and hardcover. Make and take home a book of your own as well as detailed instructions on how to keep crafting.