Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
April 10-12, 2026
2026 Masterclasses
This year, we are offering 4, separately ticketed, exclusive classes with industry pros. Get unprecedented access to some of the greatest creative minds as they teach subjects close to their hearts and expertise. Each ticket is $30, and the need for a full-day ticket isn't necessary. And if you're one of our VIP's, you get entrance to one class of your choosing.
Drawing Animals
with Aaron Blaise
Saturday, April 11
Ward Hall | 9:00 - 10:30 AM
From the Disney Supervising Animator of Rajah in Aladdin, Young Nala in The Lion King, and the co-director of Brother Bear, comes the best class on drawing animals from a master of the subject, Aaron Blaise. Join Blaise as he teaches on his approach to research, breaking down the subject into understandable shapes, and creating motion and expression that turn into relatable characters. Examples from his famous work will be discussed! This masterclass is a must!
World Building for Story
with Samuel Michlap
Saturday, April 11
Ward Hall | 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Join Production Designer, Samuel Michlap, for World Building for Story, a hands-on class focused on turning ideas into cinematic worlds. Drawing from a career spent building worlds across animation and live action, Michlap will break down how story becomes cinematic space — from understanding the story ask, through research and mood boards, into vignette thumbnails, refined sketches, and the design choices that shape a world through form, color, and light. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to take ideas from script to screen, this masterclass unpacks a real-world process to help you level up your visual storytelling.
The Making of Mushka
with Andreas Deja
Sunday, April 12
Ward Hall | 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Disney Animation Legend Andreas Deja, creator of beloved characters ranging from 'Scar' in The Lion King and 'Lilo' in Lilo and Stitch and more, presents a beautiful 28-minute animated short film, Mushka, a story of love & sacrifice between a young girl and a tiger cub set in Russia. This is a passion project for Deja that he has worked on for over 10 years! Do you have a short film you are passionate about? Come learn how he brought this 2D animated short to life, step by step.
Dynamic Posing and Expressions
with Mel Milton
Sunday, April 12
Ward Hall | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Face expressions and body language convey what a person is doing or feeling. In this masterclass, Milton will share construction techniques that help push character dynamism through posing and facial expressions, and will show you how to analyze references and add your personal touches to make it uniquely "yours". We will start with the face and move into the body, and put them together in a way that adds more depth to your characters and another notch to your creative tool belt.
