Programming

 

Tentative (repeat -TENTATIVE) Schedule of Events

 

Planning for WillyCon XI has begun! This page will

be updated as more offerings are identified...

 

Untill then, see what was offered at WIllyCon X!

Artists for the WillyCon X Art Show are: John E. Kaufmann (Artist GoH) | Peri Charlifu (Aegean Goods) | Maria J. William - WillyCon XI Artist GoH! | Moifa | Sharon Young | Sarah Clemens | Alan F. Beck | Meredith Dillman | John Lyell | Earlynn Collier | Joe Mueller | Kathleen Lowe | Ralph Ryan | James Humble | Theresa Mather | Lubov | Kathleen Hardy |

Friday, April 4:      

Time

Event/Activity

Location

10:00 AM

— WillyCon Art Show Begins (Open to the public!}

Niobrara

12:00 PM

— WillyCon Registration Desk Opens

Atrium

1:00 PM

— Digital Art vs Traditional Art

Has the digital art revolution killed the use of traditional art mediums? ...John E. Kaufmann

Meadowlark

 

— Editing Seminar (alternate title: "How to make low budget movies")

Bring in films, or portions of films (no longer than 7 minutes) you are producing and Paul Lawrence will talk about what you can do to
make the project work or work better....Paul Lawrence

Cottonwood
2:30 PM

— Films of Paul Lawrence (1.5 hour program)

Paul will show some of his short films and discuss their creation. Films include: "Questionableinfo", a 30 minute UFO docucomedy. "Journey to a Dream" a 12 minute video interpretation of Navajo poet Doc Martin Jacques poem"Dream." "Street Part B," a 3 1/2 minute pixilated film of Columbus Street in San Francisco in the late 60s. This film is in the museum of Modern Art. "Dreamer" a 7 1/2 minute romance about unrequited love. All of the films are award winners...Paul Lawrence

Cottonwood

3:00 PM

— Art Demo: Sand Paper Art

Colored pencils and sandpaper - you won't believe it! ...John E. Kaufmann

Meadowlark

4:00 PM

— Vender's Room (Set Up/Open)

Elkhorn

5:00 PM

— Supper - Cafeteria open 4:30 - 6:00 PM - Pay at the door

Cafeteria

7:00 PM

— Opening Ceremonies

An informal Mystery Dinner Theater performance - The Wedding: "Til Death Do Us Part." Refreshments and students having fun performing for you...and it's free! There will be a "free will" donation box available on the refreshment table should you be feel so inclined - your support is appreciated!

Lower Level

8:00 PM

— It isn't barrens chat....

  Tired of sitting in front of a computer after killing hundreds of beasts, just so you can collect one heart? Sick of that guy corpse camping you in TM? Do you feel the need to brag about your character and the insane gear that you have? Well log off from the World of Warcraft and get down here. We will have general chat, Movies, and maybe a few arguments over who is better in PvP. So come on down and bring your funny stories, your knowledge or if you have one, your laptop to play, just in case you are itching to play...Josh Dill

Frey SW

8:30 PM

— Chocolate Party!

During the Chocolate there will be a screening of Pastiche of the Dead, a 9-minute anthology film of short zombie tales, created on a shoe-string budget by a team of amateur filmmakers. A captivating trilogy of zombie incidents that take place during Romero's events of the living dead. For more information, visit the Pastiche of the Dead website...

Frey NE

 

— Gaming begins...

Lower Level

9:00 PM

— D&D Gaming for First Timers
Come learn how to play in this fun and quick adventure. 2-5 players - please sign up at the registration desk...Scott Abraham

Meadowlark

  — Super Techno Jamboree with DJ Jonny and Little Sis
Come join the fun and excitement of internationally know music! Themes and more from your favorite video games, soundtrack and title themes from movies we all know and love...even some down to the beat techno action! WARNING (more like a PROMISE): Flashing lights and loud music! (side effects may include partying 'till you're Purple!)
Frey SE
 

— Halo 3 Tournament
Outwit your enemies and take top prize for cold, hard cash. There will be
two modes of play, Capture the Flag and Free-for-All, with the top prize set at $40! There are also cash prizes for second and third places. Entry fee is $5.

Upper deck area

of Lower Level

Saturday, April 5:    

Time

Event/Activity

Location

7:30 AM

— Pancake Breakfast ($3 per person)

MC Center

8:00 AM

— Registration Desk Opens

Atrium

 

— Gaming continues...

Lower Level

 

— Art Show opens

Niobrara

 

— Vender's Room Opens

Elkhorn

9:00 AM

The Life of a SF Author

Want to be a writer? Join Jack during this session to learn what it is like, and what it takes, to be a successful writer...Jack McDevitt

Frey NW

 

— T-tunics, the staple "shirt" of the dark ages...

For those interested in costuming, join Fan GoH Trudy Myers to learn more about this garment...

Frey SE

 

— Anime: The Early Years

Join Fan GoH John Shoberg to learn about/discuss anime, especially about the very early days of this genre...

Frey SW

10:00 AM

Getting Your Portfolio Up To Snuff

Tips on how to make your portfolio ready for a professional review. This session will also include John showing some of the excellent art he has produced...John E. Kaufmann

Frey SE

 

— Fandom: What is it and where do I find it?

Many of our students are new to conventions and have never attended one outside of WillyCon. Join Fan GoHs John Lars Shoberg and Trudy Myers to learn more about the history of fandom in general and the types of events and activities associated with Fandom - they both have lots of experience and stories to share...John Shoberg & Trudy Myers

Frey SW

 

— The Swordinator...

Sword changes in England from Roman times to the Norman conquest. Come explore the changes and see sharp shinies... Kayla Dolphin

Frey NW
 

— Films of Paul Lawrence (1.5 hour program)

Paul show some of his short films and discuss their creation. Films include: "Questionableinfo", a 30 minute UFO docucomedy. "Journey to a Dream" a 12 minute video interpretation of Navajo poet Doc Martin Jacques poem"Dream". "Street Part B", 3 1/2 minute pixilated film of Columbus Street in San Francisco in the late 60s. This film is in the museum of Modern Art."Dreamer" a 7 1/2 minute romance about unrequited love. All of the films are award winners...Paul Lawrence

Cottonwood

11:00 AM

Author GoH reading and book signing

Jack will read from selected works and autograph any of his books that you have brought with you - the bookstore will have copies of Jack's work for purchase....Jack McDevitt

WSC Bookstore

 

— Running an art show...

Join Fan GoH Trudy Myers to learn about running an art show at a convention...

Frey SW

 

"Sith, Slayers, Stargates & Cyborgs: Modern Mythology in the New Millennium

Explores modern science fiction and fantasy that function as myth in our daily lives. Science fiction and fantasy stories are told over and over and shape how the world is viewed, much like the effect of myth in the time of the ancient Greek and Romans... Mike Marek (Wayne State College), David Whitt (Neb. Wesleyan), and - possibly - John Perlich (Hastings)

Frey SE

 

— Gaming

Cottonwood

12:00 PM

— Lunch - Cafeteria open 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Pay at the door

Cafeteria

1:00 PM

— How to guarantee your ms. gets rejected...

All aspiring writers usually ask "what does it take to get published?" Our Author GoH suggests they should be asking themselves, "What does it take to get rejected?" Jack will talk about the most common mistakes and problems that will guarantee your manuscript gets rejected...Jack McDevitt

Frey NW

 

Artists' Workshop: Figure Drawing

Come to the Art Show and learn techniques for drawing live models (or be a live model and get drawn)...John E. Kaufmann

Niobrara

 

— Villains of Harry Potter

Major villain discussed will, of course, be Lord Voldemort, his history, his motives, his successes and failures. We will also talk about other Death Eaters (Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, etc) and what prompted them to do what they did...Faye Chamberlaine, Stephanie Hamik

Frey SE

2:00 PM

"Top Ten" unquestioned developments/events/expectations in Science Fiction (working title).

The presentation will cover things that fans have an unwarranted expectation of coming about. Unwarranted as in available evidence, physical laws, etc. Things that can be discussed may include: time travel, galactic empire, computers that take over, terraforming, and so on...Rod Vasek

Frey SW

 

— Harry Potter Panel (2 hours)

Join Heidi and Kayla to talk about the books and the movies of Harry Potter now that the final installment has been released...Heidi Swanson and Kayla Dolphin

Frey SE

 

— Behind the scenes in Hollywood and at Star Trek Deep Space 9

Media GoH Paul Lawrence will share stories and information about his film career and working in Hollywood.

Cottonwood

3:00 PM

Conventions and Fandom in the Omaha/Lincoln Area

Our Fan GoHs, members of OSFES (The Omaha Science Fiction Education Society), will be continuing their talk about fandom in general and more specifically, the activities available now in the Omaha/Lincoln area as well as letting us know what to expect at the Omaha Science Fiction Festival (OSFest) coming soon....Trudy Myers and John Shoberg

Frey NW

 

— Harry Potter Panel (continued)

Frey SE

 

— Ghosts!

Discussion on the different types of ghosts, equipment you can use to 'hunt' for them, different supposedly haunted places, etc etc etc...Faye Chamberlaine, Jen Whitlock

Frey SW

4:00 PM

—Other Worlds Other Suns

A discussion about extra solar planets and the exotic suns they orbit... John E. Kaufmann

Frey SE

 

—Upcoming Superhero Movies

Why so serious? Join our open discussion of the newest movies coming this summer including The Dark Knight, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk. We will view the trailers and images and also discuss other movies on the horizon including X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Magneto, Punisher: War Zone, and Watchmen, along with the potential developments in the Spider-Man and Superman franchises... Kevin Rasmussen

Frey NW

 

— Halo

Discuss everything from Halo 1 to 3. The panel will include demonstrations of in-game easter eggs and glitches as well as discussions on the plot of the game. Small prizes will be raffled off to guests who participate in the discussions...Michael Hirschman, Dane Jessen

Cottonwood

 

Anita Blake

Discuss the Anita Blake book series as well as the comics. Discussion of plot, characters, or anything else you want to talk to about...Faye/Jen3

Frey SW

 

— Film Screenings

Screening of Pastiche of the Dead, a 9-minute anthology film of short zombie tales, created on a shoe-string budget by a team of amateur filmmakers. A captivating trilogy of zombie incidents that take place during Romero's events of the living dead. For more information, visit the Pastiche of the Dead website...

 

Also being screened is Questionableinfo, a 30 minute UFO docucomedy produced by Paul Lawrence.

Meadowlark

5:00 PM

— Supper - Cafeteria open 4:30 - 6:00 PM - Pay at the door

Cafeteria

6:30 PM

— Art Auction - John Shoberg, Auctioneer (gaming suspended)

Lower Level

8:00 PM

— Masquerade Show -

Judges: John Lars Shoberg, Trudy Myers, John E. Kaufmann, Jack McDevitt, and Jodie Meyer

Lower Level

 

— Physical Science Show: "The Wonders of Science"

While the judges are deciding on the winners of the Masquerade Show, you will be entertained by Dr. Paul Karr and Dr. Todd Young with amazing effects related to the physical sciences - those in the front rows might want to scoot back a little...

Lower Level

9:30 PM

Battle of the "Rock Band(s)"

Gather your friends for an epic showdown of fake instrument playing! Sign up 2-4 band members for vocalist, guitarist, bass guitarist, and drummer for a tournament of the video game Rock Band. Pick a cool name and practice your karaoke and air guitar skills as well as style and flair for a chance to win equally cheesy prizes. Anyone else is welcome to watch and rock out!

Lower Level

 

— Advanced D&D

Join Scott Abraham for a D&D adventure designed for more experienced players...

Lower Level

 Sunday, April 6:

Time

Event/Activity

Location

7:30 AM

— Pancake Breakfast ($3 per person)

MC Center

8:00 AM

— Gaming continues (if it ever stopped)...

Lower Level

9:00 AM

Artists' Workshop: Dragon Anatomy Lesson

Things to think about when rendering imaginary creatures...John E. Kaufmann

Goldenrod

 

Writers' Workshop (2-hour program)

Jack will give a workshop for aspiring writers.To participate, you need to register for the workshop ($5) as well as WillyCon and submit a story in advance so all participants (and Jack) can read it before the workshop. The focus of the workshop will be to discuss and critique each story and get professional feedback from our Author GoH... Jack McDevitt

Meadowlark

 

— Art Show Opens - Don't forget to pick up your art!

Niobrara

 

Magic the Gathering: Pre-Constructed Tournament

$5 entry fee. Bring your cards and play with your friends. There will be cash prizes!

TBA

10:00 AM

— Future Scenario Workshop: Environmental Dystopia or Technological Utopia

Participants will be asked to envision one of three future scenarios set about 2050, which pertain to the local water availability and quality. After we envision these scenarios, participants will be asked to inhabit them. Finally, participants will be asked what they would do now to either make their scenario happen or to avoid their scenario... Dr. Barbara Hayford and Dr. Pamela Dixon

Frey NW

11:00 AM

— Johnny Depp movies involving sci-fi/fantasy themes

A panel over all the different Johnny Depp movies with sci-fi/fantasy themes. He's done so many! We first considered just doing like a Sweeney Todd thing, but we decided to go with Johnny Depp in general to allow for a broader concept of things...Faye Chamberlaine, Christy Whitt

Frey NW

12:00 PM

— Lunch - Cafeteria open 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Pay at the door

Cafeteria

12:30 PM

— What the Hell is an Aluminum Falcon? (1.5 hour program)

Here we will witness the mockery of the Star Wars saga at it's finest. At 12:30 we will watch the Robot Chicken Star Wars Special and at 1:00 we will watch the Family Guy episode "Blue Harvest" dedicated to Episode IV. So sit back, and enjoy some good Sunday parodies.. Kevin Rasmussen, Josh Dill

Frey SW

1:00 PM

— Artist ~ Author: Visualizing Other Worlds

One uses thoughts and words, the other uses colors and shapes. See how Author's and Artist's visualize other worlds in different ways...John E. Kaufmann, John Lars Shoberg, and Jack McDevitt

Meadowlark

2:00 PM

— NBC's Heroes

We will be discussing the plot, characters, possible scenarios, and personal interests of the show. Come if you want to chat... Faye Chamberlaine, Kevin Rasmussen, Jen Whitlock, & Steph Hamick

Frey SE

3:30 PM

— Planetarium Show: "Surveying Spring and Summer Skies"

This is an intimate look at the evening skies of Spring dominated by the bright planets Mercury, Saturn, and Jupiter, as well as numerous interesting star clusters and nebulae. As Spring changes to Summer, the star clouds of the distant galactic core swing into view, with meteor showers adding to the sky drama... Carl Rump

Planetarium

6:00 PM

— End-Of-The-Con Gathering (AKA "Dead Dog Party")

Frey NE