We’re stoked to bring you a vibrant, varied, and interactive program for Capricon 46 — all written by humans!
Capricon 46’s programming will bridge the divide between the convention’s theme, “Rise of the Humans,” and the wide-reaching tentacles of discovery that Capricon fans come to expect. We plan to tackle the convention’s theme by creating spaces to discussion about SFFH’s penchant for interrogating, dooming and glooming, and breaking apart (sometimes with a brick) techno-futures, whether it be to imagine revolutionary alternatives, to examine the consequences of giving ourselves over to techno-feudalism or other fantastic dictatorial nightmares, or to tackle the complex human element that makes integrating technologies into a society so fraught (but also potentially liberating). Ultimately, we want to leave you, our attendees, a complicated answer to a core question behind our theme: What direction do we want to go, and how will we get there?
Click here for the Capricon 46 Program Guide!
Highlights
Some GOH items:
Luddism and Science Fiction – Contrary to popular opinion, the Luddites didn’t simply fear technological development. As Cory Doctorow argues, they asked “not what a technology does, but who it does it to and who it does it for.” It’s no wonder then that these ideas are found all throughout science fiction. Our panelists discuss these intersections and more!
Writing From Animal POVs – What is it like to be a rabbit? What is it like to write for a human audience from an animal’s perspective and do right by both? And if you take on this great endeavor – where do you start? Join our panelists as they share their tips, research, and their favorite animals to write for!
Actual Play: Gosh Darn Fiasco – What happens when some robots and some humans and some swords are loose in the suburbs? This actual-play show will possibly answer that question, with a game of Fiasco played by Special Guest Laser Webber and friends. Once a long-running actual-play podcast, now a live show, Gosh Darn Fiasco emphasizes the fun that comes from disasters and the joy that comes from a diverse group of improvisers/players who lead with love and trust.
Other items we’re excited for:
Herzog Marionettes – David Herzog presents his famous marionette puppet show, featuring hand-carved marionettes and marvelous entertainment. Suitable for all ages!
The Carl Brandon Society Tea Party! – Do you love reading Andrea Hairston, N. K. Jemisin, Premee Mohamed, Caroline M. Yoachim, Usman T. Malik, Octavia E. Butler, Stephen Graham Jones, and Suzan Palumbo? Then join the Carl Brandon Society for a celebration of BIPOC speculative fiction writers and illustrators, learn about the organization, and enjoy some warming tea and snacks. Carl Brandon Society members, guests, and readers of all backgrounds are welcomed to attend. Masks are strongly encouraged and will be provided if needed.
Miles J. Breuer at the Birth of American SF – Full title: “Miles (Miloslav) J. Breuer: Czech-American Writer at the Birth of American SF.” Jaroslav Olša, Jr. presents a lecture on the work of Miles J. Breuer (1889-1945), the first author to have original fiction published in Hugo Gernsback’s Amazing Stories in 1927. Olša, Jr. will explore Breuer’s career in English, recent discoveries of his work, and more!
Ask a Scientist – Scientists (fields soon to be revealed!) field your questions about their respective fields, scientific inquiry, the state of science, and more!
Um, Actually Game Show – In this game show based on the Dropout show of the same name, CONtestants are given incorrect statements about geeky topics and have to figure out what’s wrong. But they only get a point if they remember to say “Um, actually.” It’s a fun contest of pedantry and geeky knowledge!
Beginning Handspinning: Make Your Own Yarn! – This class will give students an introduction to creating yarn. Students will learn about fiber, drafting, twist and plying, see a spinning wheel at work, and get hands-on practice with their own drop spindle and fiber. $5 materials fee covers the cost of a drop spindle and fiber. Spindles and fiber will be provided, but if you have your own spindle, feel free to bring it. Limit of 12 participants, but if you want to just watch, you’re welcome.
Science Fiction Haiku – Can you write a SciFaiku? Yes you can, and you will. This hands-on workshop will introduce the concept of science fiction and fantasy haiku, discuss how it is like and unlike other kinds of haiku, and guide you through the actual creation of some poems. Bring a pen or pencil. Inspiration will be provided.
See the Program Guide for more.