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Panels & Workshops

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You can view or download the Balticon 46 Program by Program Tracks list to see the panels, presentations, Special Events and workshops by program track. Note that this list does not include the Anime Room, Video Room, Autograph Table, Concerts or Author Readings schedules.

Panels and Workshops by Program Track

LITERARY: SMALL PRESS


Back to Index	ANIME PROGRAM MINI-TRACK	Back to Top

The Anime Program schedule is below. See the Exhibits and Functions page for the 2012 Anime Room Schedule.

Anime Program Schedule

Saturday, May 26, 2012


1:00 PM	AN-1. Anime 101	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Grig "Punkie" Larson, Panelists: Christine Chase, Lee Sarfati, Kat Sarfati, Tyler Waldman.

An introduction to Anime. Includes a history of Anime, art, voice acting, and Japanese culture.


4:00 PM	AN-4./T-9. Anime Cos-Play	(Salon D)

Moderators: Chelsey Bromery, Renee Sharvonique Fortune Panelists: TBD

Introduction to and discussion of Anime Cos-Play with info from experienced Cos-Players.


10:00 PM	*AN-6. Anime after dark: Adult Themes in Anime**	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Lee Sarfati, Panelists: Stephanie M. Burke, Christine Chase, Sonya Bleakley

Adult Anime Hentai, Huri, Yaoi, and even what Japaneese culture thinks is ok but we in the west think is a little too much for those under 18.

Sunday, May 27, 2012


11:00 AM	AN-2. Anime for Parents: No, It Isn't Just Cartoons	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator Grig "Punkie" Larson, Panelists: Stephanie Burke, Sharvonique Renee Fortune, Yoji Kondo, Sean Heare.

A small introduction to Anime, Anime ratings, Japanese culture and views on acceptability. In other words — why your 8 year old should not be watching Hentai or Yaoi.


12:00 Noon	AN-3. Anime and the Sci-Fi Genre	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Robert R. Chase; Panelists: Lee Sarfati, Christine Chase, Grig Larson, Ron Robinson.

Why anime fits so well with the Sci-Fi Genre.


12:00 Noon	AN-5. Fanfiction and Anime	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Christine Chase; Panelists: Kat Sarfati, Debra Kaplan, Diane Kovalcin, Laura Kovalcin.

Why fanfiction exists. how it is relevant to anime storylines, and how to write anime fanfiction without getting in trouble.


Back to Index	ART PROGRAM	Back to Top


Back to Index	ART FRIDAY	Back to Top


5:00 PM	A-4. From the Art Show Panel to Your Wallet	(Salon C)

Panelists discuss tips and tricks for getting making art show exhibiting a profitable experience.


9 to 10 PM	Friday Face Time: Meet the Artists Reception	(Art Show)

This reception is an opportunity to mix and mingle with program participants and the Guests of Honor. All Art program participants, Art Show exhibitors, and Balticon members are invited to attend.


Back to Index	ART SATURDAY	Back to Top

Saturday, May 26, 2012


9:00 AM	A-7. Broad Pen Calligraphy Workshop	(Salon C)

Facilitator: Brent Warner

There's one letter form that says "Middle Ages" to everyone. It goes by many names: "Old(e) English" or "Gothic" or "Blackletter" (which is how you should search it in Wikipedia.) It looks like it should be easy to do, because it's made up almost entirely of straight lines. Simple, right? We can talk about that during the session! I'll bring felt-tip pens for you to use, along with lots of practice sheets, set up specially for the size of pen I'll be handing out. I'll try to get through the entire lower-case alphabet during the session. Come and see if I make it!


11:00 AM	A-10. Drawing What Doesn't Exist	(Salon C)

Moderator: Ruth Lampi

How to draw the things in one's head to look real on paper by using, altering and creating references.


12:00 Noon	A-1. Brown Bag Lunch with the Art GoH	(Salon C)

Moderator: James Odbert, Art GoH

Bring your own lunch, relax, and chat with Art Guest of Honor Jim Odbert


2:00 PM	A-13. Pushing Yourself: Trying new styles and learning new things.	(Salon C)

Presenter: Tristan Alexander

A presentation and discussion about learning how to do new styles. Tristan will also discuss how he looks for new ideas.


3:00 PM	A-15. Fantasy Art Drawing Workshop	(Salon C)

Facilitator: Charlene Taylor D'Alessio

This is a hands-on participation workshop. Attendees will be drawing Fantasy subject matter from a variety of small Fantasy props (provided) with a variety of drawing materials (provided). (1 hour, 50 minutes)


Back to Index	ART SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


10:00 AM	A-8. Specialization	(Salon C)

Moderator: James Odbert, Art GoH; Panelists: Renee Fortune, Laura Inglis, Heidi Hooper, Ray Ridenour

How did you find your niche? Should up and coming artists try to keep a wide scope rather than specializing or does specializing build skills and name recognition more rapidly? Panelists answer these and other questions about specializing.


12 Noon	A6. Iron Artist Competition	(Salon C)

Moderator: Ray Ridenour; Panelists: Jim Odbert, Todd Brugmans, Laura Inglis, Eimi Pinero-Singh

We'll take three suggestions from the audience (like Bagpipes, Exorcist,and Kitten.) The artists then have 45 minutes to produce a piece incorporating the 3 "ingredients". Each artist will spend part of the time in the "hot seat" with their work in process projected onto the screen so the audience can watch them worrk! The audience cheers them on, then votes and picks their favorite one. All pieces are sold at the Bobby Gear Memorial Auction to raise money for BSFS Books for Kids.


1:00 PM	A-3. Coming Up For Air	(Salon C)

Moderator: John Mierau Panelists: Todd Brugmans, Charlene Taylor D'Alessio, Michael D'Ambrosio, Eimi Pinero-Singh

When the creative juices are flowing and you're having trouble stopping to eat or sleep, how do you manage to keep from drowning in the creative juices, take care of yourself, and still keep the momentum going?


2:00 PM	A-9. Software Workshop for the Beginning DIY Designer	(Salon C)

Facilitators: Starla Huchton, Helen E. H. Madden

Learn the very basics of free and cheap software to create beautiful images. Bring your laptop and work step-by-step through this session, or simply watch and see how it's done. We'll walk you through the tools of GIMP and show you how to start creating smashing designs, plus show you the resources every digital artist needs in their back pocket. (1 hour, 50 minutes)


5:00 PM	A-5. Personal Artistic Journeys	(Salon C)

Moderator: Ray Ridenour; Panelists: Jim Odbert, Michael D'Ambrosio, Helen Madden, Heidi Hooper

Panelists discuss the various influences, teachers, forces, events, etc., that shaped the development of their style, technique, and subject matter.


Back to Index	ART MONDAY	Back to Top

Monday, May 28, 2012


11:00 AM	Art Show Monday A-11. Linoleum Block Cutting and Printing Workshop	(Hunt Ballroom)

Facilitator: Artist Ruth Lampi

Woodblock printing, and its more recent cousin Linoleum Block printing, result in a classic graphic image of rich lights and darks. This 90 minute hands on workshop will give you the opportunity to design, carve and print your own wood block style piece of art by carving linoleum, and making prints of your work on paper. (1 hour, 20 minutes)


12:30 PM	Art Show Monday	(Salon C)

Presenter: Heidi Hooper

Special art demonstration by Heidi Hooper.


Back to Index	CHILDREN'S FRIDAY	Back to Top

Friday, May 25, 2012


7:00 PM	Y-1. Manga and Anime for YA	(Chase Room)

Moderator: Ruth Lampi; Panelists: Christine M. Chase, Rachel Livengood, Leona Thompson, Brianna Thorndike

Teens discuss Manga and Anime being published for the young adult market. udience participation encouraged!


8:00 PM	Kamikaze Costuming	(Chase Room)

Make a Hall or Masquerade Costume with guidance from experienced Costumer Persus Thorndike


Back to Index	CHILDREN'S SATURDAY	Back to Top

Saturday, May 26, 2012


10:00 AM	Y-3. Filk Concert for Children	(Chase)

Weird and funny music by singer/song writer Danny Birt.


11:00 AM	Y-4. Puppet Masquerade	(Chase)

A finger puppets craft project with help from Sue Bowen and others.


12:00 Noon	Y-5. Green Eggs and Ham!	(Chase)

Moderator Eta Hack with Edible Creations inspired by stories from Dr. Seuss


1:00 PM	Y-6. It's Magic!	(Chase)

Magician Matt Neufeld astounds and amazes with his magic!


2:00 PM	Y-7. Story Time	(Chase)

Storyteller Bill Mayhew sure knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat!


3:00 PM	Y-8. Moving in Outer Space	(Chase Room)

Moderator: Leigh Alexander;
Warm-up - stretch to get ready for our journey
Rocket into Space - we make a rocket and clap, snap and stomp out rhythms to start our journey
Alien Nation - dance like an alien, then we will join partners until we have one big alien with lots of arms and legs
Orbiting the Sun - we use beach balls and hula hoops to become planets and dance around the Sun
Exploring different planets - we will play with the parachute in different ways to see how each planet varies
Scarf Dance - we dance about different space themes
Rocket Home - Brace for landing!!!


4:00 PM	Y-9. Make-n-Take Steampunk Goggles	(Chase)

Moderator: MacDicken
Make a pair of cool steampunk goggles to take with you.


5:00 PM	Y-10. Warped Children's Songs	(Chase)

Warped Children's Songs by singer/songwriter April Grant.


Back to Index	CHILDREN'S SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


10:00 AM	Y-11. Ball Crawl and Face Painting	(Chase)

Ming Diaz shows you how to do the Ball Crawl and paints your face if you want!


11:00 AM	Y-12. Making Hats	(Chase)

Pallas and Rene Bane know how to make hats. You can learn to make hats too. And take your very own creation home with you! (Stay after for the Mad Hatters' Tea at Noon!)


12:00 Noon	Y-13. Mad Hatters Tea	(Chase)

Join the 11:00 a.m. hatters for lunch, Mad Hatters' Tea style


1:00 PM	Y-14. Flabbergast the Magician	(Chase)

Flabbergast the Magician amazes and astounds! (And he's funny too!)


2:00 PM	Y-20. GoH Filk Concert for Children	(Chase)

Music Guests of Honor Heather Dale and Ben Deschamps play for the under-13 set.


3:00 PM	Y-15. Activity with Grandmother Elspeth	(Chase)


4:00 PM	Y-16. Steampunk Kids Meet-up	(Chase Room)

Activities for Steampunk kids aged 4-12. Get-to-know-you games and hands on activities. There are some prizes and lots of fun! We'll have a game to play, an exercise song and a craft project.


5:00 PM	Y-17. Leaping Back in Time	(Belmont)

Moderator: Leigh Alexander
Starting with a name game improv to meet everyone, we'll have some warm-up stretches to prepare us for time travel. Next, into the Time Machine! Off we go to The Dinosaur Age, then to Medieval Times, on to a Pirate Ship, then the Wild West. After that, we change directions and go to the Future! Finally, back to the Time Machine and home!


6:00 PM	Y-18. Storytime � with cookies and pudding	(Chase)

Come hear incredible stories, told by Don Sakers, Librarian Extraordinaire!


Back to Index	CHILDREN'S MONDAY	Back to Top

Monday, May 28, 2012


10:00 AM	Legos Challenge	(Con Suite)

With Prizes! Moderators Sue Bowen and Sandy Poretsky


12:00 Noon	Y-20. Balloon Aliens and Animals	(Con Suite)

Moderator: Mark MacDicken


1:00 PM	Y-21. Top Secret Special Surprise � You Have To Be Here to Find Out!	(Con Suite)


Back to Index	COSTUMING	Back to Top

Friday, May 25, 2012


6:00 PM	C-10. Costumers: How Did You Get Started?	(Salon D)

Moderator: Jeannette Holloman; Panelists: Stephanie Burke, Ming Diaz, Jason McClain, Ron Robinson

Join us for a light-hearted, interactive discussion on how costumers, novice thru experienced, got started in costuming. Bring your entertaining stories to share.


9:00 PM	C-1./ T-7. Anime/Cosplay 101	(Parlor 1041)

Moderators:Jason McClain, Karen Dick; Panelists: Joram Stanley, Caramon Stanley

TEEN WORKSHOP Create a design for a costume that looks like that Anime/Manga come to life! Fellow teens plus and experienced moderator will share their tips and tricks.


Back to Index	COSTUMING SATURDAY	Back to Top

Saturday, May 26, 2012


9:00 AM	C-2. Costuming the Young Fan	(Salon D)

Moderator: Pavlina Panelists: Ming Diaz, Janine K. Spendlove, Jacalyn "Lady Ozma" Stanley

Costuming for the pint size is fun! Those little bodies don't use much yardage! We'll discuss how to make a tiny costume that looks like the real deal, mostly, yet won't break the bank. Turn your tiny tike into a superhero, a fairy princess, a Jedi or anything in between.


10:00 AM	C-3. I Want That Little Hat! Workshop	(Salon D)

Moderator: Sharon Landrum; Panelists: Lisa Ashton, Nancy Frey, Jeannette Holloman, Ron Robinson, Carol Salemi

Do you love and adore those decorated little hats that are all the rage? Learn how easy it is to take a plain hat and adorn it to your whim. Workshop carries a $10 fee for supplies. You will leave the workshop with a smale, decorated hat! (1 hour, 50 minutes)


12:00 Noon	C-4. Costume Embellishment	(Salon D)

Moderator: Karen Dick; Panelists: J. R. Blackwell, Nancy Frey, Carol Salemi , Alanna Whitestar

You have the costume but it just needs a little more...something. Learn techniques to give your creation that bit of sparkle, illumination, movements or radiance.


1:00 PM	C-5. Just Dandy: The Importance of Accessories in Steampunk	(Salon D)

Moderator: Elektra Hammond; Panelists: Jared Axelrod, Doc Coleman, Rebecca Davis, Janine Spendlove

Finding the perfect accessories is vital to having the perfect steampunk costume: Find out the best places to get these accessories and tips and tricks to making your own.


Back to Index	COSTUMING SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


10:00 AM	C-7. The Hall vs. the Masquerade Costume	(Salon D)

Moderator: Jason McLain; Panelists: Jeannette Holloman, Bill Kennedy, Laura Kovalcin, Kristina Kopnishy, Sharon Landrum, Ron Robinson

Sure, you loved wearing that 6 ft wingspan glory at the last masquerade, everyone wants to see it again! How will you fit through the door to the dealers room though? Take some pointers from veteran costumers as they give advice on taking the masquerade costume to the halls.


11:00 AM	C-8. The Warriors Creed	(Salon D)

Moderator: Karen Dick; Panelists: Lisa Adler-Golden, Jason McLain, Bill Kennedy, Heidi Hooper, Janine K. Spendove

Ever wondered how to make that super cool Stormtrooper armour? What about some cool anime armor? Chain mail? We've got you covered. From vacuum forming to fun foam and everything in between �we'll give you overviews of the techniques and see examples of all.


12:00 Noon	C-9. Costume Design: Patterning	(Salon D)

Moderator: Jeannette Holloman; Panelists: Lisa Ashton, Judy "Tree", Mitchell, Sharon Landrum, Diane Kovalcin

Don't reinvent the wheel! Hundreds of patterns exist. Learn how to find, use and adapt one to build your costume.


1:00 PM	C-12. Costume from the Head Down	(Salon D)

Moderator: Carol Salemi,; Panelists: Lisa Ashton, Stephanie Burke, Gaia Eirich, Marty Gear

You costume does not end at your neck! Matching makeup and hairstyling can be the difference between ho-hum and extraordinary!


3:00 PM	C-6. Masquerade Dead Dog	(Salon D)

Moderator: Marty Gear;Panelists: Karen Dick, Thomas Meade, Carol Salemi, Cathy Raymond

See the masquerade entries up close and personal. Learn how they constructed their costumes.


Back to Index	COSTUMING MONDAY	Back to Top

Monday, May 28, 2012


11:00 AM	C-11. The Budget Friendly Costume	(Salon B)

Moderator: Laura Kovalcin;Panelists: Gwyn Fireman, Amy Kaplan, Kristina Kopnisky

Making the perfect costume does not necessarily mean breaking the bank. Our panelists share tips and techniques for keeping expenses down while producing a terrific costume.


Back to Index	DANCE	Back to Top


Friday, 7:00 PM	D-3. Hula Hoop Jam	(Garden Room)

Hula hooping is great for adults as well as kids. Let out your inner child play with hula hoops! There will be music and hula hoops and YOU! Patches has had great success in getting people who swear they cannot hoop to be able to hoop. Come on out! Dance Instructress Sonya "Patches" Gross


Friday, 10:00 PM	D-1./SE-2. Dancing in the Gears: Steam Punk Ball	(Valley Ballroom)

At Attention! All aeronauts, aethernauts, lady and gentleman adventurers, mad scientists, inventors, and other Steampunks and neo-Victorians! Join us at 10 pm Friday night at for a time-traveling formal evening at the Steampunk Ball! Become part of the living clockwork of Victorian and Victorian-inspired set dances and spin madly with your partner to romantic waltzes and lively polkas. No previous experience is needed; all dances will be taught by Dance Mistress Susan de Guardiola. Music will be an eclectic mix of modern and nineteenth century. Steampunk, neo-Victorian, or Victorian costume encouraged and admired but not required. Airships and time machines should be parked outside the ballroom. No sabers, ray guns, or clanks permitted on the dance floor.


Friday, 12:00 Midnight through Saturday, 2:00 AM	D-2. Midnight Dance Party	(Valley Ballroom)

-- FOR TEENS ONLY -- Dance to the music of DJ Talis Thorndike. Ages 13 to 19.


Saturday, 2:30 PM	D-4. Medieval Dance	(Garden Room)

Come learn a bunch of easy and fun medieval dances. Wear period dress or your jeans - just arrive dressed for fun. Music provided by Maugorn and friends. Dance Instructress Patches


Back to Index	FAN PROGRAM FRIDAY	Back to Top

Friday, May 25, 2012


4:00 PM	F-14. Words of Wisdom for Newbies	(Salon D)

Moderator: Robert R. Chase;Panelists: Lisa Adler-Golden, Stephanie Burke, Ruth Lampi, David Silverman

Balticon veteran program participants and attendees give newcomers tips on how to get the most from their Balticon experience.


4:00 PM	F-21. Digital Comics	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Wayne Hall;Panelists: Gabe Fremuth, Peter Prellwitz, Larry Reclusado, Ryan C. Thompson

The future is here--or is it? Are we ready to put down our paper copies to read the latest issues on our screens?


5:00 PM	F-13. The Worst Panel Ever!	(Salon D)

Moderator: Vonnie Winslow Crist;Panelists: Stephanie M. Burke, Perrianne Lurie, Wayne Arthur Hall, Jean Marie Ward

Panelists trade stories about their worst ever panel experiences.


6:00 PM	F-2. Martial Arts Demos	(Garden Room)

Moderator: Larry Reclusado;Panelists: Steve and Deja Biernesser, Jonah Knight, Yoji Kondo, John Sprunk

Some of the expert martial artists in fandom show us how it's done and explain the differences between their particular disciplines. Wear comfy clothes and learn some great warm-up stretches!


10:00 PM	F-1. Family?	(Belmont Room)

Moderator: Ray Ridenour;Panelists: Bernard Dukas, Kristina Kopnisky, Steven H. Wilson, Trish C. Wilson

An alternative lifestyle lecturer has said there are three kinds of family:

the one you're born or adopted into,
the one that includes the relatives of relatives and spouses, and
the one you choose, which may include friends, lovers, relatives, etc.
Or do we add a fourth now to reflect our online social media family.

Panelists discuss the changing concepts of family and familial relationships.


Friday 12 Midnight to Saturday 1:00 AM	F-24. Storytelling for Adults	(Chase Room)

Bill Mayhew spins tales for the grown-ups.


Back to Index	FAN PROGRAM SATURDAY	Back to Top

Saturday, May 26, 2012


2:00 PM	F-15. A Cthulhu Out of the Hat; Writing Prompts for the Deranged	(Salon B)

Moderator: Andrew Fox;Panelists: Gabe Fremuth, Brandon "Brand" Gamblin, Larry Reclusado, Hildy Silverman, Cindy Young-Turner

Panelists and audience write science fiction stories based on the items pulled out of a hat. Panelists will read their stories at the end, audience members will share their resulting stories tomorrow at 5:00 pm in the Con Suite.


3:00 PM	F-19. Which Podcasts Do You Enjoy?	(Salon B)

Moderator: Wayne Hall;Panelists: Andrew Fox, Kristina Kopnisky, James Maxey, A. B. Kovacs

Who's hot and who's not in the podcasting universe? Panelists who spend waaay too much time online tell us which podcasts keep them glued to their desk chair, ipod, android, etc.


3:00 PM	F-3. The Portrayal of Paganism in Literature	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Carl Cipra;Panelists: Bernard Dukas, Billy Flynn, Val Griswold -Ford, Jim Odbert, TJ Perkins, Zan Rosin, Izolda Trakhtenberg, Steven J. Wilson, John C. Wright

Roundtable Discussion. What is paganism? How is it portrayed in modern literature? How does it influence modern literature.


8:00 PM		(Salon A)

Moderator: Brick Barrientos once again brings us a Balticon tradition; see how much you really know about the field.


Saturday Midnight through Sunday 1:00 AM	F-23. Geek Parenting	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Bill T. Levay;;Panelists: Collin Earl, Kristina Kopnisky, Jay Smith, John Wright

Tired of having to defend your right to make your child memorize Star Trek lines? Worried your geeklet is turning out just like all the other kids? Discuss the finer points of Geek Parenting with our panel of experts.


Back to Index	FAN PROGRAM SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


10:00 AM	F-18. Introduction to Astrosociology	(Garden Room)

Presenter: Dr. Simone Caroti, Secretary-Treasurer, Acting Director of Public and Educational Outreach, and staff Senior Research Scientist at the Astrosociology Research Institute introduces us to this fledgling field of research which looks at the social, cultural, and behavioral patterns related to outer space.


2:00 PM	F-17. Xenoarchaeology Road Show	(Salon A)

Moderator: Jody Lynn Nye;;Panelists: Christiana M. Ellis, John Hemry, Grig Larson, Mark Van Name

What will future archaeologists make of common 20th century household objects? Our panelists take their best guesses.

2:00 PM F-12. Gender Identity and Sexuality in Fandom (Parlor 1041)

Moderator: Carl Cipra;;Panelists: Michael D'Ambrosio, Rebecca K. Davis, Kristina Kopnisky, Perrianne Lurie, Lyle Blake Smythers

Round Table Discussion. Fandom seems to easily open a safe space for marginalized sub-groups. No fuss, no bother, we just accept them as they are. Why is that? And if fandom can do it, why can't society as a whole manage it?


3:00 PM	F-9. How to Get to Other Stars � If We Can	(Parlor 1041)

Moderator: John G. Hemry;;Panelists: David Allen Batchelor, Simone Caroti, Tad Daley, Charles Edward Gannon, Yoji Kondo, Jody Lynn Nye, James Maxey, Ian Randal Strock, John C. Wright

A Roundtable discussion. Panelists discuss serious and speculative ideas for pushing our frontier beyond our solar system.


8:00 PM	F-4. Waxing Moon Ritual	(Chase Room)

Moderator: Patti Kinlock;;Panelists: Members of Turning Circle, Zan Rosin, Jim Odbert, Elspeth Odbert and anyone else who wants to celebrate the waxing moon!

How do modern Pagans stand with ancient roots, yet surf the net of 21st century life? Join Turning Circle for a modern waxing moon rite as we both honor our place on Mother Earth, and beg the favor of some Modern deities: Logos, God of Telecommunication, and Cybernata, Goddess of the internet. In the Courtyard, weather permitting, otherwise we'll be in the Chase Room.


10:00 PM	F-20. Kuzco's Sleazy Characters Show	(Garden Room)

Moderator: Kuzco!

What if those sleazy relationship confrontation shows featured fandom characters? What would Vegeta say to Goku on national TV? What would Captain Picard retort if Captain Kirk accused him of being a boring Enterprise captain? Would Obi-Wan and Anakin care to comment on allegations of a secret liaison? Attend and find out! Leave your inhibitions behind. Volunteers welcome.


Back to Index	FAN PROGRAM MONDAY	Back to Top

Monday, May 28, 2012


4:00 PM	Improving Balticon	(Salon A)

Come and help us learn how to do this smoother, bigger, better! (Oh yeah, and how about easier?!!!) Moderator: Balticon Chair Patti Kinlock


Back to Index	FILM and TV	Back to Top


Friday, 9:00 PM	Film Premiere: TBA	(Garden Room)

The Balticon Sunday Night Short Film Festival sponsors the fifth annual Balticon Friday Film Premier with a dynamite double feature!

Filmmaker Mark Lund brings us his new short "Justice is Mind: Evidence" for its Convention circuit premier. Mark and lead actor Vernon Aldershoff will be on hand to introduce the film and do a Q&A after.

The Justice is Mind: Evidence premier will be followed immediately by the Maryland premier of "Dark Resurrection, Volume 0". Volume 0 is the Prequel to Volume 1, which had its U.S. premier here at Balticon several years ago.


Monday, 10:00 AM	Film Festival Winners and Coming Attractions	(Garden Room)

If you missed the Sunday Night Short Film Festival, this is your chance to come and see the Directors Choice and Audience Choice Live Action and Animated Film Winners. The screening of the winners will be followed by Coming Attractions - Lance Oszko spends hours trolling the internet and talking to film distributors to find entertaining trailers to share with us for soon-to-be-released and never-to-be-released independent and commercial films from around the world. Moderator Lance Oszko


Back to Index	FILMMAKING	Back to Top

If you are involved in the independent filmmaking industry, we would love to have you share your knowledge, talent, and experiences at Balticon. Please email the Filmmaking Program Coordinator if you are interested in being a Filmmaking Program participant and/or have ideas for Filmmaking Program panels.

Friday, May 25, 2012


Back to Index	FILMMAKING SATURDAY	Back to Top

Saturday, May 26, 2012


Back to Index	FILMMAKING SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


7:30 PM	BALTICON 46 SUNDAY NIGHT SHORT FILM FESTIVAL	(Valley Ballroom)

If you have a film to submit to the Balticon 46 Sunday Night Short Film Festival you can download the submission application form here and the Permission to Screen and Release Form here. Submission instructions are included in the forms.

Doors open at 7:15 PM for seating. See the Film Festival Schedule for more details. Be sure to stick around for the intermission for the door prize drawing!


Back to Index	GAMING SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


Back to Index	KAFFEEKLATSCHES	Back to Top

Friday, May 25, 2012


10:00 PM	Friday Night Open Filk until...	(Salon C-D)


Back to Index	MUSIC PROGRAM: SATURDAY	Back to Top

Saturday, May 26, 2012


11:00 PM	Saturday Night Open Filk until...	(Garden Room)


Back to Index	MUSIC SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


Back to Index	MUSIC MONDAY	Back to Top

Monday, May 28, 2012


Back to Index	NEW MEDIA	Back to Top

Friday, May 25, 2012


Back to Index	NEW MEDIA SATURDAY	Back to Top

Saturday, May 26, 2012


Back to Index	NEW MEDIA SUNDAY	Back to Top

Sunday, May 27, 2012


Back to Index	NEW MEDIA MONDAY	Back to Top

Monday, May 28, 2012


Back to Index	LITERARY: READERS	Back to Top

Friday, May 25, 2012

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Sunday, May 27, 2012


Back to Index	LITERARY: READERS - MONDAY	Back to Top

Monday, May 28, 2012


Back to Index	SCIENCE - FRIDAY	Back to Top

Friday, May 25, 2012


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Saturday, May 26, 2012


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Sunday, May 27, 2012


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Monday, May 28, 2012


Back to Index	VIDEO	Back to Top

Our Video Coordinator Thomas the Red stays up nights finding all manner of genre films for you to enjoy. The Video Room, located in Salon F, is open from 3:00 pm on Friday the end of the last movie which starts at 1 pm on Monday. Please click here to open the Functions page and see the Video Schedule.

This year we're trying something new. Thomas will be running themed movie screenings in overnight in the Belmont Room, so we'll have a schedule for that as well!


Back to Index	WORKSHOPS	Back to Top


Saturday, 9:00 AM	Writers' Workshop	(Belmont)

How's This For Openers?

In this fast-paced age, it's more important than before � and more difficult � -to grab and hold your reader's attention. So how do we do this? We'll explore different methods through discussion and exercises.

All participants are asked to bring the first page of at least one story they are working on, short story, novellette, novella, novel. I don't guarantee we'll use every one (depends on how many people show up), but we'll do the best we can.

Registration required before Balticon - write to writersworkshop AT bsfs DOT org. Workshop is 3 hours at Balticon. For more information see the Writers' Workshop page on the Baltimore Science Fiction Society's website.


Saturday, 12:00 Noon	Exploring the Magick and Lore of the Celtic/Norse Gods/Goddesses	(Belmont)

Maria and T. J. will present the lives, background, myths/legends of Gods/Goddesses of Celtic and Norse Mythology, followed by a Pathworking for you to 'meet' the character you'd like to work with, then a fun writing exercise or 2.


Sunday, 1:00 PM	Poetry Workshop	(Belmont Room)

Explore the arena of verse from inspiration and writing to submitting for publication and small press publishing. Open mic& reading follows. (2 hours) Join us in Salon C at 5:00 pm for the annual Balticon Poetry Contest winners' awards and readings of the winning poems, followed by open mic.


Monday, 11:00 AM	Teaching With Science Fiction Workshop	(Chase Room)

This is a four hour Workshop to prepare teachers use science fiction in classes for primary or secondary students, or to develop a class on science fiction. Click here to see the Workshop Program Schedule

The workshop will take place on Monday, May 28, 2012, (Memorial Day) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm in the Chase Room at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn. No advance registration is required. Baltimore Science Fiction Society is pleased to present this workshop as a service to the community, and there is no charge for teachers attending the Workshop, which is also available to all registered Balticon members.

The Teaching With Science Fiction Workshop is designed to provide insights into science fiction and the different ways it can be used effectively in a classroom setting. The Workshop answers questions educators may have about this idea-oriented, forward-looking, student stimulating body of speculative literature. This year's workshop features two scientists with experience in introducing science fiction within a classroom setting, Dr. John Ashmead and Dr David Batchelor, as well as Atlanta, Georgia author and Steampunk workshop creator/presenter Emilie Bush and educator Christoper Doody. Additionally, attendees will be provided with resource materials for science fiction that have been developed by the presenters and by AboutSF Science Fiction Resource Center, a joint project of the University of Kansas, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the Science Fiction Research Association.

To receive additional information about the Workshop, or if you have questions, please contact Balticon's AboutSF Coordinator, Peter Eirich, via email to: TeachingWithSF AT bsfs DOT org.


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Saturday, May 26, 2012

Sunday, May 27, 2012


1:00 PM	Poetry Workshop	(Belmont Room)

Explore the arena of verse from inspiration and writing to submitting for publication and mall press publishing. Open mic&annual poetry contest winners' awards reading follows.Moderator Patti Kinlock

Poetry Contest

Enter the Annual Balticon Poetry Contest! Here's your chance to win cash prizes, a convention membership, and have your work published in the BSFAN, the souvenir book of Balticon. Entries should address the themes of science fiction/fantasy/horror/science. Limit: 3 poems/person, maximum 50 lines each. Email/postmark deadline: April 1. No entry fee. Complete information is available on the Baltimore Science Fiction Society Poetry Workshop page.


9:00 AM	Writers' Workshop Facilitated by Steve Lubs	(Belmont Room)

How's This For Openers?

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2:00 PM	F-12. Gender Identity and Sexuality in Fandom	(Parlor 1041)