| MisCon 40 Missoula's Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention (original) (raw)
Complete (Tentative) Schedule
MisCon 40
Thursday Schedule for MisCon 40
Quiet Hangout Tents (Hangout)
Thu 4:00 - 11:50 PM, (Quiet Tents)
Pros and Guests:
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the convention, come hang out here. You can bring your own comfy camp chairs or whatever you want/need in order to relax. You can also use ours. Just don't get in the way of other people doing the same thing in this area.
Create Your Own Cosplay (Kids’ Activities)
Thu 4:00 - 5:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Ever wanted to dress up like your favorite video game, anime, or comic book character? Now's your chance! We'll provide the materials, you provide the imagination!
Hangout & Open Gaming Cantina Edition (Hangout)
Thu 4:00 - 11:50 PM, (Cantina)
Pros and Guests:
Most of the Cantina is arranged for general hanging out and/or open gaming throughout MisCon. The bar will be open for business throughout. The Artist's Corner is marked and will be in use for scheduled fun activities.
Tea Party! (Costuming)
Thu 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak)
Moderator: Lynn (LilSnikSnak)
Zootown Tea is back again! We wouldn't exist without our wonderful community and to express our love and admiration we're throwing a small thank you party! There will be swag, treats, and a beautiful slide show of all our memories. If you've never been to a Zootown Tea this will also be a great time to learn about our season schedule, who we are, and what we're about!!
Film Festival Day 1: Horror (Film & Film Festival)
Thu 7:00 - 8:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Shane Edington
Watch the best of MisCon 40's International Film Festival's Horror film shorts submissions.
Friday Schedule for MisCon 40
Field Racing (Kids’ Activities)
Fri 10:00 - 10:50 AM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Enjoy some classic field day games like potato sack racing, egg-and-spoon racing, and 3-legged racing!
Hangout & Open Gaming Cantina Style (Hangout)
Fri 10:00 - 2:50 PM, (Cantina)
Pros and Guests:
Most of the Cantina is arranged for general hanging out and/or open gaming throughout MisCon. The bar will be open for business throughout. The Artist's Corner is marked and will be in use for scheduled fun activities.
Create Book Covers Using Canva (Writing)
Fri 10:00 - 10:50 AM, (Great Hall 2)
Pros and Guests: Hunter Kay Wallace
Moderator: Hunter Kay Wallace
People throw around, "Just make your own book cover," but that's daunting! Whether you need to create a finished product or inspiration you can send your cover artist, join in this demo and learn how it's done. Let's make cover mock ups!
Forge and Tool Construction (Makers, Geek Discussion)
Fri 10:00 - 10:50 AM, (Field of Wonder)
Pros and Guests: Valhalla's Workbench Silvan (Workman)
Join Valhalla's Workbench to learn about forge construction (both propane and solid fuel) and how to build your own blacksmithing tools.
Quiet Hangout Tents (Hangout)
Fri 10:00 - 11:50 PM, (Quiet Tents)
Pros and Guests:
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the convention, come hang out here. You can bring your own comfy camp chairs or whatever you want/need in order to relax. You can also use ours. Just don't get in the way of other people doing the same thing in this area.
Forge Demo (Makers)
Fri 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Field of Wonder)
Pros and Guests: Valhalla's Workbench Silvan (Workman)
Come see how a portable forge works.
Lightsaber Basics (Fight Demo or Class)
Fri 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: William Castle
Join a basic class on lightsaber techniques. Learn some fundamental movements and history about lightsaber sports. Loaner lightsabers will be provided, but if you bring your own it will need to be inspected before the class for safety.
Artist's Corner (Art)
Fri 11:00 - 12:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests: Todd Lockwood, Randy Pepprock, Jeff Sturgeon, Andy VanOverberghe
Hang out with some of MisCon's artists as they draw, paint, or play around with whatever catches their interest. Want to bring your own art materials and make your own stuff? Please do. Want to ask questions about anything art-related? Now is your chance. Just want to eat a sandwich, get something signed, and chat? Come have a seat. This is an informal hangout session--come and go as you like, or drop in for a few minutes between panels.
Opening Ceremonies (Geek Discussion, Performing Arts)
Fri Noon - 12:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Bruce Brenneise, Becky Cass, Dragon Dronet, Steven L Sears
Moderator: Justin Barba
Join our Guests of Honor at MisCon 40's Opening Ceremonies and find out what's going on throughout the weekend.
Painting Minis (Kids’ Activities)
Fri 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Amber Edwards
Moderator: Amber Edwards
Pick your mini or bring your own, then settle in & personalize to your heart's content.
Composition Lesson with Todd Lockwood (Art)
Fri 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests: Todd Lockwood
Join legendary artist Todd Lockwood for a lesson in composition.
Costume Contest Pre-Meet (Costuming)
Fri 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Rocket Tent)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak), Mitchel Coombs
Required for Costume Contest Contestants.
This hour is for checking in with coordinators, getting a rundown of the timeline, and other important contest details.
Please be on time so ensure you get all necessary information
Indie by Choice: Publishing Without Compromise (Writing)
Fri 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Great Hall 1)
Pros and Guests: Katie Cross, Matthew Yetter (aurickle)
More authors than ever are choosing the independent path—but what does it take to produce professional-quality work without traditional publishing? This panel explores the realities of indie publishing, from production to distribution to maintaining high standards.
Creature Mash-Up: the Upside Down (Art)
Fri 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Todd Lockwood, Nikki Rossignol McCoy
Moderator: Todd Lockwood
Come help our artists create 1980s creatures on the fly. They will draw/sketch/paint creatures based on the traits/parts given by the audience and see what comes out. We'll draw attributes from some sort of .
Trivia Time (Kids’ Activities)
Fri 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Teams tackle kid-friendly trivia questions for a chance to win prizes!
Steven K Smith Mini Painting Demo (Art)
Fri 2:00 - 3:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests: Steven K Smith (SKS Props)
Steve will demo how to paint miniatures.
Cosplay Fitness (Costuming)
Fri 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Field of Wonder)
Pros and Guests: William Castle
Of course you don't need to be fit to cosplay, but if you're interested in getting in better shape, come to this panel. Cosplayer and certified fitness trainer William Sutton will discuss routine and how to set yourself up for fitness success.
Satanic Panic (Pop Culture Chat)
Fri 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Monster Tent)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Jeff Sturgeon
Moderator: Justin Barba
Let's discuss the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and today.
Costume Contest: Novice (Costuming)
Fri 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Rocket Tent)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak), Chris Blazer, Gabby Kaiser (Mattykeehl), Lacy Zee (Vox Moxxi)
Contestants in the Novice Category should report to the tent at this time for judging.
Leather Carving Demo (Art)
Fri 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Brian Grinnell (Belsac)
Leather artist Brian Grinnell will show how to work leather.
Critique 201: How to be a Great Critique Partner (Writing)
Fri 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Monster Tent)
Pros and Guests: Rhiannon Held, Esther Jones
Moderator: Rhiannon Held
You may already have the basics of critiquing a fellow writer's work down, but how do you go from "okay" to "great?" Come learn strategies to make yourself the person everyone wants to read their work.
Mindfulness Meditation (Geek Discussion)
Fri 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Monster Tent)
Pros and Guests: Mary Beth Barba
What is mindfulness? Come to this panel to learn about mindfulness and join in a few guided mindfulness meditations (if you want). You don't need to meditate, but it might help you better navigate the convention.
Watercolors (Kids’ Activities)
Fri 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests:
Explore the world of watercolors.
IRON NOODLE! (Party!)
Fri 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Fairy Pavilion)
Pros and Guests:
Do you love ramen? How about an eating contest? Join us outside for some free lunch (for those who participate) and laughs for the crowd.
Costume Contest: Journeyman (Costuming)
Fri 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Rocket Tent)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak), Chris Blazer, Mitchel Coombs, Gabby Kaiser (Mattykeehl), Lacy Zee (Vox Moxxi)
Contestants in the Journeyman Category should report to the tent at this time for judging.
Who Needs an Editor? (Writing)
Fri 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Manny Frishberg, Lynsey Griswold, Patrick Swenson: Fairwood Press
What exactly do editors do? Let's discuss the different types of editing (developmental, line, copy, proofreading etc), what editors look for in a manuscript, and how a good editor helps authors refine their voices and strengthen their narratives.
The History of White Boy Fandom Drama (Geek Discussion)
Fri 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Great Hall 1)
Pros and Guests: Tess Langston
Let's talk about the centuries of drama and tropes attributed to fandom stemming from white men. Including a French guy inserting his OC into Arthurian legend to men getting paid to make fan art and fan fiction for big companies.
Artist Pictionary (Art)
Fri 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Bruce Brenneise, Cheyenna Krone, Todd Lockwood, Nikki Rossignol McCoy
Watch our artists play a vicious game of Pictionary against each other.
Wand Making (Kids’ Activities)
Fri 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Make your very own magic wand!
Costume Contest: Master (Costuming)
Fri 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Rocket Tent)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak), Chris Blazer, Mitchel Coombs, Gabby Kaiser (Mattykeehl), Lacy Zee (Vox Moxxi)
Contestants in the Master Category should report to the tent at this time for judging.
Stonekettle Station Q&A (Geek Discussion)
Fri 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Rocket Tent)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Jim Wright (Stonekettle)
Join us for a fun Q&A session with thinker/writer/artist/retired Navy intelligence officer Jim Wright of Stonekettle Station. We will discuss the state of the world today, including politics.
Freeform Art (Kids’ Activities)
Fri 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Relax at the end of the day by creating your own freeform art. Paint, draw, fold origami, the sky's the limit!
Film Festival Night 2: Sci-Fi (Film & Film Festival)
Fri 5:00 - 6:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Shane Edington
Watch the best of MisCon 40's International Film Festival's science fiction film submissions.
Cosplay Family Feud (Costuming)
Fri 5:00 - 6:50 PM, (Great Hall 2)
Pros and Guests: Black Shield Productions
It's the game show you all know and love, but this time we’re gettin’ nerdy! Our 4 teams will be answering crowd sourced questions like "We surveyed 100 geeks and asked them, what else, besides Mordor, can you not simply walk into... "
Come watch the wacky fun!
Cosplay/Costume Figure Drawing (Art)
Fri 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Fairy Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Jayel Draco, Cheyenna Krone, Todd Lockwood, Nikki Rossignol McCoy, Steven K Smith (SKS Props)
Attendees are invited to take turns posing in costume while we capture them in timed figure drawings (3-10 minutes each.) Model your costume, draw, or do both! Fun for artists and for costumers who want to be sketched.
MisCon's Second Annual Talent Show! (Performing Arts)
Fri 6:00 - 7:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Jones Family Magic
This year we're putting on a talent show! More details to come.
Mead Tasting! (Party!)
Fri 8:00 - 9:50 PM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Clay Cooper (Ol Scratch), Lee Stahl (OOPS Director)
Moderator: Justin Barba
Come join MisCon's Mead Lover's Club in their 7th annual Mead Tasting! We'll mostly sample local meads and perhaps a few non-mead honey drinks. Membership is $35, while seats last.
Saturday Schedule for MisCon 40
Art Hangout (Art)
Sat 10:00 - 2:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests:
MisCon provides a bunch of art supplies and the space to just hang out and make whatever you want. Aluminum foil sculptures? Drawings? Hang out, create some art, meet people or just keep tp yourself.
Open Mic Storytelling (Geek Discussion)
Sat 10:00 - 10:50 AM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Kyle Elliott (Big Kyle), Theresa Miller
Do you have a story you'd like to tell? Maybe you'd like to just sit in and listen. Join our open mic for oral storytelling. This is your chance to shine as a storyteller, sharing real-life experiences and spontaneous tales without a script. Our moderator will facilitate, ensuring every voice gets heard within a set time. Come contribute to a vibrant revival of this ancient art form.
Japanese Live-Action Spider-man (Geek Discussion, Film & Film Festival)
Sat 10:00 - 10:50 AM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests:
1970's Japanese live-action Spider-man existed? You bet it did! Join us in the continuation of watching this show!
Wand & Mini Pickup (Kids’ Activities)
Sat 10:00 - 10:50 AM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Your handmade wands and minis are dry and ready to go home with you!
Furry Gathering/Meetup (Costuming)
Sat 10:00 - 12:50 PM, (Fairy Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Mitchel Coombs
MisCon furries! Meet up for photos, conversation and fun. Other cosplayers are welcome to crash the gathering.
Cosplay Photographer: Poses Edition (Costuming)
Sat 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Great Hall 3)
Pros and Guests: Kurt Jagielow, Stephanie Jagielow
So you have the perfect costume, perfect
hair, and perfect makeup, but need some help to capture your perfect picture?
Got your camera ready to take the best photo ever but aren't sure how to talk to models?
Need some photography tips and tricks?
We've got you covered! This panel will go over ways to put your best foot forward to get irrefutable evidence of your magic cosplay moment. Discuss how to get the perfect picture from experienced Photographers.
Sharpie-Dyed Coasters (Kids’ Activities)
Sat 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Make your own colorful coasters to use at home.
First Page Idol a.k.a. Live Action Slush Pile (Writing)
Sat 11:00 - 12:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Lynsey Griswold, Tod McCoy, Theresa Miller, Patrick Swenson: Fairwood Press
Moderator: Theresa Miller
Join us for MisCon's annual First Page Idol! Here's how it works: Hand in the FIRST PAGE of your story at the start of the panel. Pages will be randomly chosen and read aloud. Our panelists will indicate when, had the submission come across their desk, they'd stop reading and tell us why. Submissions will be anonymous and will not be returned. (All submissions may not be read).
Improv For Gaming and Life (Gaming)
Sat 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Monster Tent)
Pros and Guests: Kyle Elliott (Big Kyle), Luke Hutson (Comixguy)
How to use improvisation skills to make your games better and to hack your life.
Intro To World Fusion Belly Dance (Performing Arts)
Sat 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: Dark Moon Fusion , Erika Noble (Eekie)
Have you ever wanted to shimmy and shake until you couldn’t any more? Move your body in a creative way to express yourself for skits or just in general? Look no further! Join Eekie and learn some of the basics of belly dance. No prior experience necessary, bring some water and be ready to move!
From Brainstorm to Bookshelf (Writing)
Sat 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Great Hall 1)
Pros and Guests: Tess Langston
Join creators Jayel Draco and Tess Langston for a deep dive into the journey of indie publishing. Learn how to transform a raw idea into a finished, professional book and navigate the steps of getting your work into the hands of your audience.
Decorate a Yoshi Egg (Kids’ Activities)
Sat Noon - 12:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Amber Edwards
Moderator: Amber Edwards
Come join us to decorate your very own egg inspired by the Mushroom Kingdom’s one and only Yoshi! Will you go with the classic colored spots? Or maybe try some stripes or stars? The possibilities are endless! Materials will be provided and you get to keep your creation once you are finished.
Anime Trivia Unhinged (Geek Discussion)
Sat Noon - 12:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak)
Regular Anime Trivia got boring, lets add some SPICE.
Come enjoy our panel of vict-participants answer off the wall anime questions.
Ethical AI for Authors: Creativity, Credit, and Responsibility (Writing)
Sat Noon - 12:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Manny Frishberg, Frog Jones, Matthew Vetter, Matthew Yetter (aurickle)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the creative landscape—but where are the ethical boundaries for authors? This panel explores responsible uses of AI in writing, publishing, and marketing, including questions of authorship, originality, transparency, and reader trust. How can writers use these tools without compromising the integrity of their work?
RPGs for Teens (Kids’ Activities)
Sat Noon - 1:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Mars (Mars)
Moderator: Mars (Mars)
Ever wanted to try out Roleplaying Games like Dungeons and Dragons? Are you between 13 and 18 years old? Here's your chance! Join us for a 2-hour one-shot game with Mars Magee!
Looking Back at My Little Pony (Pop Culture Chat)
Sat 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Great Hall 2)
Pros and Guests: Emily Mihalic (Princess Emily)
Moderator: Emily Mihalic (Princess Emily)
It's MLP's 40th anniversary. Let's join up and talk about it all, the nostalgia, the toys, the cartoons, and more!
Craft Show and Tell (Costuming)
Sat 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Fairy Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak), Katie Pak
Do you have a craft project you’re super proud of it and just don’t feel like you got enough props for it?
Have a craft project that just brings you joy and you want to share?
Bring it or pics of it to Craft Show and Tell! We’ll cheer and give you the appreciation you deserve!!
Skepticism, Imagination, & Fuzzy Thinking: Year 3 (Geek Discussion)
Sat 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Randy Pepprock, Gregory Swensrud (Elling Hrolleifson), Jim Wright (Stonekettle)
Moderator: Justin Barba
Let's discuss skepticism in this modern age of propaganda, groupthink, and the end of the world. Is skepticism the best way to advance humanity? Is it the only way to resist propaganda? Does it kill creativity and imagination? How can we become more skeptical without losing creativity, dampening imaginations, and turning into cyborgs?
Improved Unarmed Strike: Intro to Martial Arts (Fight Demo or Class)
Sat 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: Noah Visscher
We will talk about some of the fundamentals of martial arts, how context dictates how they are used in different real world styles, and some details of consider if you wanted to create a fictional martial art style for your story or game
Illustrating a Magic the Gathering Land Card (Art)
Sat 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Bruce Brenneise
Join MisCon 40 Artist GoH Bruce Brenneise for a step by step, behind the scenes look at the process of creating the art for MtG.
Artificial Intelligence in Fiction vs Reality (Geek Discussion)
Sat 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: James Glass, GS Jennsen, Steven K Smith (SKS Props), Jim Wright (Stonekettle)
Moderator: GS Jennsen
Let's discuss the current versions of artificial intelligence and how it compares what we've dreamed up across fiction, from short stories to novels, to comics, and films.
Potions (Kids’ Activities)
Sat 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Much like the Evil Queen in Snow White, come on down and mix up your own special brews!
Building a Story on the Fly (Writing)
Sat 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Sanan Kolva, Cheyenna Krone, Gwendolyn Nix, Steven L Sears
Moderator: Sanan Kolva
Your page is blank. Even worse, your map is blank: no lands, no plants, no buildings, no industry, and not a single inhabitant in your world, let alone a culture. So how do you create a story? The panelists will ask questions, the audience will lend a hand giving answers and sharing ideas. Andy will make it all visual, and together we will give shape to a world. No blocking, no wimping, but laughter is encouraged as we show that the blank space is not empty: it's full of potential
UFO: UnFinished Projects (Costuming)
Sat 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Great Hall 1)
Pros and Guests: Gabby Kaiser (Mattykeehl), Katie Pak
Stuck on a costume? Don't know how to finish a prop?
Consult an expert. Bring projects you're stuck on and discuss solutions with our crafting experts.
Jeff Sturgeon Painting Demo (Art)
Sat 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests: Jeff Sturgeon
Watch artist Jeff Sturgeon work on a painting. You can ask him questions while you watch him work.
Backyard Games (Kids’ Activities)
Sat 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: Amber Edwards
Moderator: Amber Edwards
Burn off some energy with backyard games, including ring toss, memory, tin can bowling, and an obstacle course!
What's New In Science (Geek Discussion)
Sat 3:00 - 3:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: James Glass
Learn about what's new in science this year.
Handprint Suncatchers (Kids’ Activities)
Sat 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Make your own suncatcher out of your handprint!
Jones Family Magic Stage Show (Performing Arts)
Sat 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Field of Wonder)
Pros and Guests: Jones Family Magic , James Jones (Lord Alden Blackhand), MaryAlice Jones (Mistress Azira), Sir. James Jones (Sir .James)
Ladies and gentlemen, beings of all kinds, shapes and ages---this is your chance to see the spectacle of a lifetime! Stage illusions, mentalism, deeds of mystery and danger and more! Watch Jones Family Magic combine traditional magic and sideshow performance into a mystic, marvelous and puzzling show you won't forget. How do they do that? Why?? Wonders await! Come and enjoy!
Story Time with Dragon and Steven L Sears (Geek Discussion)
Sat 4:00 - 5:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Dragon Dronet, Kyle Elliott (Big Kyle), Steven L Sears
Moderator: Kyle Elliott (Big Kyle)
Come grab a pint and chat, listen, discuss, and laugh as we go through the career and thoughts of Miscon 40 Special Guests of Honor Dragon Dronet and Steven L Sears.
Film Festival Day 3: Fantasy (Film & Film Festival)
Sat 4:00 - 5:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Shane Edington
Watch the best of MisCon 40's International Film Festival's fantasy submissions.
Repousse & Chasing Demo (Art)
Sat 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Fairy Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: John Barba
MisCon artist John Barba will demonstrate the old art form of repousse and chasing (beating sheets of metal into shapes and designs).
Advanced Lightsaber Combat (Fight Demo or Class)
Sat 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: William Castle
Advanced Lightsaber Combat- a step up from beginner, this class focuses on developing the basics into more advanced skills in lightsaber combat.
This panel is 16+
Freeform Art (Kids’ Activities)
Sat 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Relax at the end of the day by creating your own freeform art. Paint, draw, fold origami, the sky's the limit!
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night . . . (Writing)
Sat 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Great Hall 1)
Pros and Guests: Katie Cross, Manny Frishberg, Rhiannon Held, Danith McPherson
What makes a good opening for a novel? What is most likely to entice you to read the book? What should a first sentence/first paragraph accomplish? We’ll discuss openings, both good and bad.
Andy VanOverberghe Art Demo (Art)
Sat 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests: Andy VanOverberghe
Andy will work on a piece while you watch.
Film Festival: Best of Theme (Film & Film Festival)
Sat 6:00 - 7:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Shane Edington
Come see the International Film Festival favorites that embody this year's Theme: the Upside Down. We may sneak some best of if time!
Mini Reveal (Art)
Sat 6:00 - 6:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests: Becky Cass
Moderator: Becky Cass
Check out the entries and winners in MisCon's Mini Painting contest. Entries and awards will be on display for the public for this period. Entries can be picked up at the end of this panel.
Costume Contest (Costuming)
Sat 6:00 - 6:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak), Chris Blazer, Lacy Zee (Vox Moxxi)
Moderator: Lynn (LilSnikSnak)
MisCon's Costume and Skit Contest! Participants will show off their costumes, some may even share some fun skits, and awards will be given for the best as well as the winners in each category. MisCon's own Lacy Zee will emcee the event, so get ready to have fun and be entertained!
Nerd Prom: Dance Party (Party!)
Sat 8:00 - 12:50 AM, (Cantina)
Pros and Guests:
Geeks, gamers, cosplayers! Join us for an evening of epic dance music spun by DJ HAuLi. This is an all-ages dance, where you can let loose, show off your true self, and dance like no one's watching (even though everyone will be admiring your moves!).
Sake Tasting! (Party!)
Sat 8:00 - 9:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Kyle Elliott (Big Kyle)
Come and taste both local and international flavors and styles of this growing category of ancient and storied brew.
More details to come.
Karaoke With Diz and Jason! (Party!)
Sat 8:00 - 1:50 AM, (Cantina)
Pros and Guests: F.R. McNeil (Diz), Jason Rocheleau
Come show off your karaoke skills! This can run as late as 2am if the hosts are willing and there is interest.
Sunday Schedule for MisCon 40
Science Fiction: What Is It? (Writing)
Sun 10:00 - 10:50 AM, (Monster Tent)
Pros and Guests: GS Jennsen, Danith McPherson, Steven L Sears
Mysteries need mystery, right? Romances need romance. Horror needs horror. Does Science Fiction simply require "science?" That's not really accurate. SF is a huge genre that sprawls across places, times, technology. It asks questions about humanity, morality, the future, and usually provokes thought about the real world. Let's discuss what makes stories science fiction.
Poison Dart Frogs (Kids’ Activities)
Sun 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Will you be a frog taking people out with a flick of the tongue? Will you be the detective trying to find the frogs? Or will you get to practice your best dramatic death scene?
Cosplay Chess: What it is and How to Get Started (Costuming)
Sun 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Great Hall 3)
Pros and Guests: William Castle
Interested in getting involved with cosplay chess but have no idea where to start? Come use this time to sign up, ask questions, and get a brief primer on cosplay chess before the game!
Workshop: Constructing Short Stories (Writing)
Sun 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: James Glass
Join author Jim Glass for a Writers of the Future-style workshop on the architecture of short stories. Bring a notebook; this panel includes a hands-on exercise in plotting a complete short story from start to finish.
Cosplay and Montana Weather (Costuming)
Sun 11:00 - 11:50 AM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Mitchel Coombs
Local meteorologist Mitchel Coombs will explore the intersection of Montana’s volatile weather and cosplay. Learn how temperature and humidity affect adhesives and paints, and hear survival stories for heat and rain. We’ll also discuss leveraging natural elements—like sun angles, clouds, and snow—for dynamic photography. Share your own weather horror stories, ask questions, and learn to make the elements work for your next build/photoshoot.
Cosplay Chess Prep (Costuming)
Sun Noon - 12:50 PM, (Great Hall 3)
Pros and Guests: Lynn (LilSnikSnak), Elizabeth Shaw
Set-up for Cosplay Chess. If you are a chess piece, please show up so you can prepare for the big match.
An Artist's Life (Art)
Sun Noon - 12:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Bruce Brenneise, Echo Chernik, Todd Lockwood, Steven K Smith (SKS Props)
Is the "artist's life" a romantic ideal? A relentless grind? Let's examine the journey of becoming and being an artist. We'll explore the diverse paths into creative careers, the daily realities (both exhilarating and exhausting) and will share the triumphs, challenges, and experiences that define a life dedicated to art.
Making Lightsabers (Kids’ Activities)
Sun Noon - 12:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Amber Edwards
Moderator: Amber Edwards
The power to defeat the Dark Side is at your fingertips with your own lightsaber!
Cosplay Chess! (Costuming)
Sun 1:00 - 2:50 PM, (Great Hall 3)
Pros and Guests: John Barba, William Castle, Gabby Kaiser (Mattykeehl), Samantha King (Sam), Elizabeth Shaw
Watch our live-actor-chess-pieces fight to the death at the whims of their commanding Chessmasters in a fantastic story of love, war, and just flat out insanity.
Broadsword Basics (Fight Demo or Class)
Sun 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: D.L. Solum
This panel will teach you the very basics of how to swing a broadsword effectively. Footwork, range, breathing, and finally, good form and power. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and are encouraged to bring their own training swords. Some training weapons will be available
Slime Making (Kids’ Activities)
Sun 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Come make your own slime! Only 12 spots available.
Sci-fi and Fantasy Landscape Art (Art)
Sun 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Dungeon)
Pros and Guests: Bruce Brenneise, Todd Lockwood, Nikki Rossignol McCoy, Jeff Sturgeon
Moderator: Bruce Brenneise
Let's discuss methods and best practices for genre landscape illustration/painting.
1 Lie, 2 Truths (Geek Discussion)
Sun 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Rocket Tent)
Pros and Guests: Dragon Dronet, Kyle Elliott (Big Kyle), Steven L Sears
Moderator: Kyle Elliott (Big Kyle)
Come play a game with Dragon, Steven L Sears, and Big Kyle. They'll take turns making simple (probably outlandish) statements, and the audience will vote on whether they're lies or not.
Sasquatch Tale: Not For the Faint of Heart (Geek Discussion)
Sun 1:00 - 1:50 PM, (Great Hall 2)
Pros and Guests: Jeff Fennel, Jeff Sturgeon, Andy VanOverberghe
Artist Jeff Sturgeon will share some of his experiences in the remote wilderness of Northern California. Check out evidence and hear the terrifying encounters over a ten day period in summer and fall of 2023 and in the summer of 2025.
Cosplay and Craft Swap! (Costuming)
Sun 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Fairy Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Katie Pak
We're bringing it back baby! Drag out out yor cosplay parts, full cosplays, random craft tools, random craft supplies and see if you can't trade for something you like better! One person's garbage is another's treasure!
*No money transactions, trades or give aways only.
Writing Stories without Heroes and Villains (Writing)
Sun 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Manny Frishberg, Dean Wells
Moderator: Manny Frishberg
"Nobody is the villain in her own movie" (except some sociopaths). But more often than not we are kind and decent sometimes, thoughtless or cruel at others. And, sometimes, even good people are left with nothing but bad choices.
Can you write satisfying adventure stories without twirling mustaches and capes flapping in the breeze?
Capture the Flag (Kids’ Activities)
Sun 2:00 - 2:50 PM, (The Hollow)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Run and grab the flag and get back to your base without being tagged! Will your team win the match?
Art Auction (Art)
Sun 3:00 - 4:50 PM, (Artist's Corner)
Pros and Guests: Mary Beth Barba, Amber Edwards, Lacy Zee (Vox Moxxi)
Come bid on your favorite piece from the Art Show. Start bidding wars with your friends and support your favorite artists. Don't make them take their art home with them. Weather permitting, we will hold this just outside the Commercial Building in front of the big staircase.
Velcro Darts (Kids’ Activities)
Sun 4:00 - 4:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Wind down the weekend with an easy game of Velcro darts.
Freeform Art (Kids’ Activities)
Sun 5:00 - 5:50 PM, (Great Hall 4)
Pros and Guests: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne), Phil Mascia
Moderator: Patty Mascia (Azzarinne)
Relax at the end of the day by creating your own freeform art. Paint, draw, fold origami, the sky's the limit!
Closing Ceremonies (Geek Discussion)
Sun 6:00 - 6:50 PM, (Dragon Pavilion)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Bruce Brenneise, Becky Cass, Dragon Dronet, Steven L Sears
Moderator: Justin Barba
Finish out MisCon 40 in style, and catch a sneak peek at what's in store for you next year at MisCon 41.
Map of Facilities
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