Arisia Schedule

Generated: Tue Jan 14 18:54:40 2020

Friday - Saturday - Sunday - Monday

3:00pm Friday

THE ALCUBIERRE (Star Trek Adventures) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): “In their first assignment, the Player Characters must make contact with and recover the U.S.S. Alcubierre, a test-bed for a new type of warp drive.”; Wesley Toma-Lee (m)

4:00pm Friday

Tenchi Universe (Episodes 1–4) - Anime, Projected Media - 1hr 45min - Griffin (3E): Ordinary teenager Tenchi Masaki finds his life turned upside down when a space pirate Ryoko, space princess Ayeka, and galactic police officer Mihoshi come crashing into his life. Screened in Japanese with English subtitles. (1995, TV-14)

5:00pm Friday

Ogre board game - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): Steve Jackson Games’ Ogre is still going strong since 1977. Giant cybertanks battle along with infantry and armour in a deadly fast-playing game. Help playtest new scenarios on new maps with plastic miniatures. Veterans and novices alike are welcome to enjoy this classic. Help develop the gaming world of the future, today! The scenarios will be submitted for publication in Ogrezine. Stay for as many games as you like; new players may join whenever there is room at the table.; Maureen Reddington-Wilde (m)

5:30pm Friday

Shabbat Services - Meetups, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Shabbat Services for Jewish members of the community.

Figure Drawing: Basics and Creativity - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Always wanted to try figure drawing but found the studio setting too stuffy? Haven’t been keeping up with your drawing skills and want a refresher in a comfortable environment? Come do some social and relaxed figure drawing with a few specific exercises and some helpful hints offered by the proctor. Bring a sketchbook and pencil. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Griffin Ess (m)

SCA Bardic Circle - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) songs such as those sung at bardic circles of The Society for Creative Anachronism: Songs from the middle ages, songs about the middle ages, songs about the “current middle ages”, and other songs that don’t really fit any of the above but are still sung by SCAdians. (themed participatory song circle); Dan “Grim” Marsh (m), Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace)

Reading Around the Pictures - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Many of us read comics and illustrated children’s chapter books when we were young—and we may still enjoy them! But how does illustration change the experience of reading the story? There are readers who say they’d rather imagine for themselves what the characters and scenes look like. Can any illustrations equal what our imaginations create from verbal description? Or does illustration change and enhance how we experience prose?; Mike Luoma (m), Feklar42, Sioban Krzywicki, LB Lee, Heather Urbanski

Where Shall I Begin? - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): The easy answer to starting a story is beginning the moment the conflict is introduced, but how do you know when that is? Answering this question and whether or not to prologue, panelists will explore the unique challenge of starting a story in settings with thousands of different worlds, millennia of history, and dozens of characters.; Gordon Linzner (m), Alex Feinman, James Hailer, Kristin Janz, A. L. Kaplan

Stories from the Cities - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Cities are rife with stories. Join some of our authors as they read works set in the chaos of urban life.; James L. Cambias, Andrea Hairston, W. B.J. Williams

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First LARP - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): There are many, many opportunities for LARPing, in New England and around the world. The panelists will discuss how to find the right LARP for you, and how to get yourself started. They will talk about the lessons they learned the hard way, on everything from etiquette to casting, to help you get started on the right foot.; Rebecca Slitt (m), David Olsen, Lisa Padol, Mark “Justin” Waks

Fandom and Disability - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Many fans have disabilities, and they aren’t always apparent. Stigma, especially around mental illness keeps many people from seeking the assistance they need. What can conventions do to make sure every fan gets the full convention experience? What can all fans do to help their fellow fans who need it? How can we, as attendees and organizers, make our conventions more welcoming and inclusive?; Gail Terman (m), Bekah Anderson, Tikva (raycho), Kate Wechsler

Speculative Fiction Writers Cafe - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Come meetup with other speculative fiction writers. Share ideas, read someone else’s work, or just get together to talk about writing.; Morven Westfield (m), Cadwell Turnbull, Stephen R Wilk

Open Play Time - Fast Track, Panel - 2hr - Hancock (2W): Meet other kids and the Fast Track crew as we warm up for the weekend.

Introduction to Anime - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Streaming services make anime easier to access than ever before, but the sheer number of options can be daunting for a new viewer or returning fan. Our panelists help guide you to your new favorite series based on what you’ve watched before (whether it was Sailor Moon in the 1990s or Pokemon yesterday) or based on non-anime genres you enjoy (what could you watch if you like Star Wars or Stranger Things?) What resources are out there that might guide you to other shows once you leave Arisia?; Richard Ralston (m), Joseph Andelman, Reuben Baron, Paul Geromini, Julia Pugliese

First Steps for New Costumers - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): So you want to be a costumer, but don’t know where to begin? Then this panel is for you. Our group of veteran costumers tell you how to get started in the hobby with everything from tips and tricks to demystifying the terms and expectations that are out there. We all had to start somewhere, so let us help you do the same.; James Hinsey (m), Wonder Wendy Farrell, Anastasia Holt, Sarah “Tashari” Morrison, Raven Stern

SF Language & Linguistics: The Good, Bad, & Ugly - Science, Lecture - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): In this talk, we’ll talk about SF books and stories that handled linguistic issues well, and about others which didn’t do quite as well. Also, we’ll look at five things some languages do in fascinating detail, and make some suggestions for when you’re asked by Hollywood to construct a language for next summer’s blockbuster.; John O’Neil (m)

Introduction to Makeup - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Tinted moisturizer, BB cream, concealer, and foundation. Lip gloss, lip stick, and lip stain. Eye shadow, then liner? Or liner, and then eye shadow? And when do you put on the mascara? Our panelists will explain what all the products you can find in the makeup aisle are, and how to use them (or, as many as we can fit in the time allowed). No previous experience is assumed, and we’ll be sharing makeup tips for all genders and skin colors.; Forest Handford (m), Wendee Abramo, Marzell Barker, Sol Eidan Houser, Dale Meyer-Curley, Jennifer Pelland

5:45pm Friday

FLCL Part 1 (Episodes 1–3) - Anime, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): 12-year-old Naota Nandaba’s life in the city of Mabase is interrupted by the arrival of a Vespa-riding maniac named Haruko Haruhara, who draws him into a world of galactic intrigue and robots. Screened in Japanese with English subtitles. (2000–2001, TV-14)

6:00pm Friday

The Green Dragon of Bywater (The One Ring) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Some of the Bounders have noticed a troubling change in the shire. Lots of visitors have been coming by since the return of Bilbo from foreign parts. This latest development is rather queer though. A moving tree? Now its just tavern nonsense right now but the last time the trees moved in Bree it was quite dangerous. A fella should come and take a look. I mean not me as I have to get home to Primrose and its late, but maybe some of the travelers.; Michael Dlott (m)

Living Arcanis 5E Intro Adventure: Taboo - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): The heroes are asked by a local chieftain to retrieve the body of his dead son, whom he believes to have been killed in an area inhabited by unclean spirits while on an ordeal to prove himself. But not all is as it seems. Content Warnings: Depiction of torture, fantasy religious violence; Thomas Milner-Wohlers (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: The Emerald Spire - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 0hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Quests - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder/Starblazer Organized Play - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Starfinder/Pathfinder organized play - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

7:00pm Friday

Ultimate Are You a Werewolf? - Gaming, LARP - 3hr - Alcott (3W): Ultimate Are You a Werewolf is a social deduction game that pits you against an unknown enemy. Work with others over multiple rounds to either figure out who is a murderous werewolf before it’s too late or hide yourself from those pesky people attempting to root you out, you murderous werewolf.; Dan Chase (m)

Make Your Own Wings for Grown-ups - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): What can you make with a couple of wire coat hangers, a pair of pantyhose, and duct tape? Wings, of course! This workshop has long been a Fast Track favorite. Now the grown-ups finally get to make their own, and have a blast! The basic designs run from very easy to intermediate skill level, and take about an hour to assemble. Wear as-is, or add feathers, gems, glitter, or other decorations to make your wings one-of-a-kind. Materials fee: $5 per person. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15.; Cyd Brezinsky (m)

Sing-along: Yiddish Songs - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): There is a rich tradition of song from Jewish communities in Russia and Eastern Europe. Come sing along with some of these. Songs of work and play will be featured; no liturgical songs will be included. Leaders may play accompaniment to support the singing. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); Sonya Taaffe (m), Marnen Laibow-Koser, Danny Miller

Polyamory Basics - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): New to polyamory? Interested in exploring polyamorous relationships, or just want to find out what it’s all about? This panel is the one to start with! Our panelists will discuss the different kinds of polyamory, the kind of open dialogue necessary, and share insights from their experiences.; Kris “Nchanter” Snyder (m), Mark W. Richards, Ben Silver, Gail Terman

Starters’ Pack for Science Fiction - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): What are the best techniques for writing science fiction? This panel will address tips and advice for writers hoping to start writing science fiction, or fiction that extrapolates upon existing science to build speculative stories.; Sarah Smith (m), Laurence Raphael Brothers, Michael A. Burstein, Andrea Hairston, Kevin McLaughlin, W. B.J. Williams

Not With My Intellectual Property, You Don’t - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): British author Francis Spufford has written an eighth Narnia novel, praised by all who have seen it, but C.S. Lewis’ estate refuses to discuss any extension of the series. The estate of John Bellairs contracted another writer to continue Bellairs’ fantasy series. How do we feel about the franchising, or the suppression, of commercial (not fanfic) extensions of successful fictional series after their authors’ demise? Shameless corporate greed, more fiction for us to love, or it depends?; James L. Cambias (m), Kristin Janz, Emperor Joey-1, B. Diane Martin, Mark Painter

The GM-less Game - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): A major trend in indie tabletop RPGs is the GM-less game, in which all players collaborate to create the world and story. What is gained and lost by this approach? What happens when things stall? How can players ensure that everyone’s voice gets heard? What are some ways to introduce this kind of game to players who are more accustomed to traditional GMed games?; Rebecca Slitt (m), Naomi Hinchen, David Olsen, Jessica Waters, H. M. White

Come play Mario Party! - Gaming, Participatory Event - 3hr - Carlton (3E): Come hang out with us and play one of several versions of Mario Party with other like-minded gamers!

An evening with Troika - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 45min - Harbor I (3E): Prepare for some fantasy nonsense with the Numinous Edition of Troika! A recent edition of an old-school British role-playing game. With quick random character generation and equally simple resolution mechanics, you never know quite what to expect. Fans of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams should definitely take a look.; Aaron Marks (m)

Utlima Foran: Dead in Venice (Savage Worlds) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): It is 1515, 168 years since the Plague of the Dead swept across the world, destroying the kingdoms of men. Europe has partially recovered, establishing fortified fiefs from which to fight back against the Dead. You are a company of adventurers traveling on one of the miraculous airships of Ferrara, escorting a shipment of alchemical reagents to Vienna, a cushy contract, as flying over the Dead infested wilds is far easier than riding through it! Assuming nothing goes wrong with the airship…; Adrian Gunn (m)

Fate of the Flowering Lands (Fate) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Can your group of Archaeonauts discover what the newly risen warlord Judag has in store for the peaceful Flowering Lands before it is too late? Can they find the lost hermit sage Ermon? I hope so, otherwise we are all doomed!; David Buswell-Wible (m)

Strange Beasts (Call of Cthulhu) (18+) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Japan, 1550 A.D. An onmyōji, a specialist in divination, predicts a great evil may soon rise in the Pacific, threatening Japan, as well as the rest of the world. An eclectic team has been formed, including samurai, ninja, monks, and others, to thwart this peril. However, why does the solution involve a gorilla and a whale? 18+ only.; Richard B. Auffrey (m)

Vertigo: The Wake - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): In 1993 DC Comics gathered together its popular horror and fantasy titles, The Sandman, Swamp Thing and Hellblazer, to create a unique line where other such books could flourish; Vertigo Comics. Founder Karen Berger, along with editor Shelly Bond and others, allowed creators such as Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Brian K. Vaughn and others to pursue their visions to massive success. As the loss is being felt throughout the industry, our panelists will share their memories of the beloved imprint.; Jaime Garmendia (m), E. J. Barnes, Alisa Kwitney, Donna Martinez, Troy Minkowsky

POC Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Colorism often manifests even in communities of color, complicating ethic and racial heritage beyond what may be visible to outsiders. Regardless, being a person of color in the geek community can be isolating and alienating, particularly as minority creators, characters, and publishers are often erased and/or whitewashed. Join fellow geeks of color in a safer space to celebrate the joy of fandom without the white gaze. (To maintain a safe space, Allies are asked not to attend.); Diana Hsu (m), Monique “Moniquill” Poirier, Cadwell Turnbull

Our Mr. Whedon - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): From 1997–2010, you could reliably find at least one Joss Whedon-created show running on network TV at any given time. He’ll return soon with The Nevers, another story of strong women with super powers. However, in the decade since Dollhouse went off the air, Whedon’s standing as a feminist ally has taken some hits. Are we ready to welcome him back? We’ll look at the running themes in Whedon’s works with an eye toward reconciling them with the disillusionment some of his fanbase has experienced.; Marianna Martin PhD (m), Emma Caywood, Ari Donnelly, Sol Eidan Houser, Karen S.

How do I do the thing? - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Do you have a very specific problem that Google is not providing the answer to? We’ve all been there and maybe these panelists can help! Come prepared with your questions that could use an expert’s opinion, nothing is too big or too small! Bragging rights for whomever can stump the panel.; E. C. Ambrose, Anastasia Holt, Sarah “Tashari” Morrison, Jamila Sisco, Nightwing Whitehead

Linguistic Experimentation and Evolution - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Emojis. Vocal fry. The verbing of nouns. Language is constantly evolving. This panel will discuss trends and changes we are seeing in 2019, how these changes vary across communities of age, gender, race, and culture, and the roles played by text-based and digital communication.; Eyal Sagi (m), Jesi Lipp, John O’Neil, Shoshana Traum

The Collective You—Your Biome - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): All about the multitudes that live with and on humans, why we need them, and what that means for crewed space missions, future housing, and modern and future hospitals.; David G. Shaw (m), Bhadrika Love, Dr. Jim Prego

7:30pm Friday

The MRS. HAWKING series: Mrs. Frost - Theater, Performance - 1hr 40min - Grand B (1W): London, 1886— The reveal of Mrs. Hawking’s greatest enemy yet has left our hero brooding over past failures, so consumed in destroying the criminal mastermind that even apprentices Mary and Nathaniel feel frozen out of her life. But when Nathaniel is taken captive, and an important figure from her past returns, Mrs. Hawking must work with some remarkable women to defeat her nemesis once and for all. CN: mention of sexual assault, Victorian mental health practices. www.mrshawking.com; Phoebe Roberts (m)

7:45pm Friday

Captain Marvel - Video, Projected Media - 2hr 15min - Griffin (3E): Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. (2019, PG-13)

8:00pm Friday

Open Fencing - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 2hr - Grand A (1W): Come join us for some inter-group and inter-style sparring sponsored by Massachusetts Historical Swordsmanship! Whether you’re a modern sport fencer, a SCAdian, a HEMAist, or anyone else who crosses blades for fun, come join us for some Friday-night fun, exercise, and fellowship. Note: Safety equipment is REQUIRED (we have loaner gear) and you MUST abide by the safety rules and listen to the monitors. Info is available at historicalfencing.org/rules.htm.; Ken Mondschein (m)

8:30pm Friday

Blockprinting - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Relief block printmaking is a magical, sci-fi art form: it’s like carving with light into darkness, and then cloning the result. It’s also easy to get started, fun to experiment with, and you can print note cards, gifts, or limited edition artwork to frame and hang proudly. Come learn how to wield the magic, by designing, carving, and printing your own original rubber block. $5 materials fee. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15.; Anne E.G. Nydam (m)

Sing-along: CircleSinging - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): CircleSinging is a form of facilitated vocal improv, inspired by the work of Bobby McFerrin, which could be described as “a drum circle for singers” or “improvised choral music.” During the course of the ever-changing chant, the leader develops and gives parts to a circle of singers, which in turn supports individual solos. Both participating in and witnessing the creation of the music that emerges is an exhilarating and joyful experience. Fun for all, and no prior experience required.; Ben Silver (m), Benjamin Newman

Materials of the Medium - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Every art medium has materials used that have their own limitations and specific qualities. This panel will discuss those limitations, qualities, and some unusual and unexpected materials.; Sarah “Tashari” Morrison (m), Julia Austein, Kristina Carroll, Lisa Hertel, Scott Lefton

Sexuality and Gender Trends in Acceptance - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Acceptance of sexuality and gender seems to be gradually spreading, albeit with a lot of pushback in some quarters. This panel will look at the state of things in various subcultures as well as the larger society, and examine how things are changing.; Bhadrika Love (m), Aisha L Cruse, Forest Handford, Brent Weichsel

Drop in Coloring - Art & Maker, Participatory Event - 2hr 30min - Independence (3E): Coloring is a relaxing way to ease into the con! We have coloring pages and colored pencils for your enjoyment!

On Chainmail Bikinis and Succubi: Gender and D&D - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): With the release of D&D 5e, many people were pleased to see characters depicted in a less sexist light, with fully-clothed illustrations of female-presenting characters in its rulebooks. However, WotC also released a pink “Girl’s Guide” to D&D, and D&D has traditionally been seen as less inclusive. Has D&D—and fantasy RPGs in general—moved beyond marginalization of these communities, at least in part? If not, how much further does it need to go, and where could it use improvement?; Mildred Cady (m), Danny Miller, Jessica Waters

Cope vs. Marsh – the Bone Wars - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): In the mid-to-late 19th century, two paleontologists put the U.S. on the scientific map by vastly expanding our collection and knowledge of fossils. But Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope so hated each other, they actually destroyed priceless bones just to keep each other from getting them. And worse! To this day, we’re still not sure the brontosaurus was real.; James L. Cambias (m), Mark L Amidon, Ken Gale, Jeff Hecht

Arisia First Night Social - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Whether you are new to Arisia or a long-time attendee, come meet some new people. Say “hi”, share and learn useful info and tips, share interests, and make new friends.; Eric “in the Elevator” Zuckerman (m), Matthew McComb

Crisis on (Nearly) Infinite Arrowverse Series - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Now in its eighth season, the Arrowverse has just finished the massive Crisis on Infinite Earths, spreading across Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman, while also bringing in Black Lightning and a wide array of DC superheroes from decades past. Come join the panel as they say goodbye to Oliver Queen, hello to Kate Kane, and stand in amazement at an achievement on TV that rivaled any shared cinematic universe.; Bey Woodward (m), Michael A. Burstein, Kevin Eldridge, Naomi Hinchen, Dan Toland, Jonathan Woodward

Starters’ Pack for Fantasy Fiction - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): So, you’ve decided to write fantasy stories. That’s awesome, but how does one go about writing about the fantastical in 2020? Join a panel of fantasy writers in a discussion of the fundamentals of writing fantasy, the techniques used to create compelling stories, and a few suggestions on required reading.; Andrea Hairston (m), E. C. Ambrose, Debra Doyle, W. B.J. Williams, Keith Yatsuhashi

Comfort Food TV: Baking and Cooking Shows - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Whether it’s sweet British bakers or cutthroat cooking competitions, we love our food TV shows! What is the attraction of watching other people make food we can’t taste and will never be able to create ourselves? Who are your favorite celebrity foodies? Who are the geekiest? Did anyone bring snacks to this panel?; Tammy Coxen (m), Diana Hsu, Corinne Luz, Andy Rosequist, Raven Stern

Ravenous for The Hunger Games - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy has been phenomenally successful. Her series made Collins the top selling Kindle author of all time, inspired many imitators, were adapted into four films and redefined the YA dystopian genre. This May, Collins will release a prequel to the trilogy. What makes these books so compelling to so many readers?; Heather Urbanski (m), Lyndsay Ely, Karen S., Sarah Smith

9:00pm Friday

Roll the Dice! - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 2hr - Harbor I (3E): Hours of character creation got you down? Sick of a DM who won’t let you do anything fun? Bored of the same old warriors, mages, and rogues? Well boy do I have the game for you! Welcome to Roll the dice! Where the only thing limiting your creativity is RNG. Want to have you character be 100 feet tall and be able to talk to bees? Roll the dice! Want to retire from adventuring to become a peaceful farmer with a nagging spouse named Skree? Roll the dice! Anything is possible with enough luck!; Jack McDaid (m)

Card Masters! (Apocalypse) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): “In the underground arenas of Kado City, illegal duels take place using the most dangerous and deadly magic around: the Card Masters(tm) collectable trading card game! Immerse yourselves in a seedy world of black market deals, assassinations, and card games. Card Masters is a roleplaying game in which your characters play a trading card game, the rules of which are dubious and mostly improvised by the players. You’ll have cards as props, but dice determine the results of actions.”; Chris Ramsley (m)

9:30pm Friday

Dramatic Readings from the Ig Nobel Prizes - Science, Performance - 1hr - Grand CD (1W): Highlights from Ig Nobel prize-winning studies and patents, presented in dramatic mini-readings by luminaries and experts (in some field). The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions about the research presented—answers will be based on the expertise of the presenters, who may have a different expertise than the researchers.; Marc Abrahams, David Kessler, Michelle Liguori

10:00pm Friday

Sing-along: Gilbert and Sullivan Songs - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Do you have a song to sing, O? Steal up with cat-like tread and join us in singing songs from The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, Patience, and more! Note that there will be no assigning or claiming of parts—everyone will be free to sing along on everything! Songs will be led by panelists, who may also play accompaniment to support the singing. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace) (m), Rebecca Maxfield, Shoshana Traum

Open Singing - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come listen and/or make music in this unthemed song circle. All types of music are welcome. Time permitting, everyone who wishes to lead a song will have at least one opportunity to do so. (participatory song circle); Elizabeth Birdsall (m)

Circlet Press Reading (18+) - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Author Cecilia Tan reads selections from her work. 18+ only.; Cecilia Tan

BDSM for ALL (18+) - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Kinksters come in all types, but not all of us are represented at the local dungeon. How can we modify and accommodate all kinds of play to be accessible? Come connect with members of the community as we address differing health and ability levels, discuss ways to create safer spaces for marginalized participants, and find new ways to be inclusive. 18+ only.; Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye (m), Abigail Keenan, A. Szabla, Tikva (raycho)

Edward Scissorhands - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 45min - Griffin (3E): In Tim Burton’s 1990 breakout film. Johnny Depp plays an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation who has scissor blades instead of hands. The young man is taken in by a suburban family and falls in love with their teenage daughter Kim (Winona Ryder). (1990, PG-13)

Spike MacPhee Memorial - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): Spike was the original owner of the Science Fantasy Bookstore, in Harvard Square, and many a fan got their start there. He was both a GoH at the first Arisia, and a Worldcon Fan GoH. Spike always promoted cons and fandom to everyone, made great suggestions, and after he sold his store (which is now Pandemonium Books), he curated the SF section of Avenue Victor Hugo books.

Art Show Reception - Art & Maker, Participatory Event - 2hr - Harbor II-III (3E): Come meet the artists, see their work, and get an early chance to bid! There will be a cash bar.

Its Time to Worry—The End of MAD - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): For 67 years MAD Magazine set the standard for humor, biting political satire and all around tomfoolery in comics and publishing at large. The wildly popular book survived the ups and downs in publishing, saw its fair share of imitators and even spun off a successful TV show. But sadly, the Usual Gang of Idiots have found themselves out of work as the beloved magazine shutters its doors in 2019. Our panelists will pay tribute to MAD and ask the question “Is it time to worry?”.; E. J. Barnes (m), James Hailer, Danny Miller, Stephen R Wilk

Teasecraft Kinky Maker Meetup: Show & Tell (18+) - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Do you like making your own sex toys/BDSM equipment/costumes/other kinky and fun things? Come share your ideas and projects with other crafters. Or come ask questions and get inspired. Teasecraft is a meetup group for sex/kink-positive makers and crafters. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your (a)sexuality/orientation/gender/race/ability/specific kink or what materials you work with. 18+ only.; Kit Stubbs (m), Shirley Dulcey

Freaks and Geeks Can Buy Its Own Beer Now - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): 21 years ago, Paul Feig’s Freaks and Geeks presented the most realistic, least glamorized view of high school seen in popular entertainment. Following two groups of outcasts, one troubled and rebellious, the other socially awkward, it famously set a standard of high quality, it launched the careers of many young actors, including Seth Rogen, James Franco, Linda Cardellini, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, and more. Come look back on the tragically short run and long-lasting legacy of Freaks and Geeks.; Kevin Eldridge (m), Wendee Abramo, Kevin Cafferty, Dr. Jim Prego

Earn Your Ending - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): For the most part, endings are just as artificial as beginnings and yet every story needs a place where the conflict wraps up, and all (most of?) the ends are resolved. What tips, tricks and resources might help writers bring their creation to a satisfying conclusion? Panelists will discuss good and bad endings as examples but focus conversation but focus on the how and why of endings, not the what.; E. C. Ambrose (m), Donald S. Crankshaw, Alison Wilgus, Connie Wilkins, Keith Yatsuhashi

Drum & Dance - Music, Dance (Participatory) - 3hr - Grand A (1W): This is an open Drum and Dance Circle. All are welcome—if you have a drum, please bring it. You don’t need a drum to dance or sit back and enjoy the ambience, but if you have one, don’t forget to pack it. You can also bring zills, tambourines, and any non-amplified instruments. Kids are welcome, but this is not babysitting, so please do not leave children unattended.; Penny Messier (m), Angela Bowen, Richard Parker

Chronomancy: A 20th Century Dance Party - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 4hr - Commonwealth (1W): Join us when, through the magic of music, we journey through the temporal soundscape of the late 20th century! DJs Xero and Vivian Blush will weave wondrous witchcraft with a wide variety of yesteryear’s dance classics from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s to keep you dancing in celebration of Arisia’s 2020 opening night! Find more info at Arisia.SeeDarkly.com; DJ Xero (m), Vivian Blush

11:00pm Friday

Rocky Horror—Shiver with Antici...pation (18+) - Theater, Participatory Event - 3hr - Grand B (1W): Sex! Aliens! Rock and Roll!... All of this AND a floorshow! Make sure to do the Time Warp again with an Arisia staple: a shadowcast performance by The Teseracte Players of Boston. 18+ subject matter.; Glenn MacWilliams (m)

11:30pm Friday

Singing Into the Night - Music, Song Circle - 3hr 30min - Bulfinch (3W): Open Singing descends into chaos. Music will continue as long as people are interested. (participatory song circle)

Whips, chains, & capes: Superheroes & Kink (18+) - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Everyone knows that superheroes routinely save the world while dressed in skin tight clothes that leave nothing to the imagination. They pummel the bad guys and posture for each other in ways that suggest there’s more to what they do than serving justice. Our panelists will discuss the connections between costumed heroes, kink and super sexiness! This panel is 18+, no kids allowed!; Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye (m), Marzell Barker, Gillian Daniels, James Mobius

11:45pm Friday

Rollerball - Video, Projected Media - 2hr 15min - Griffin (3E): A movie about men fighting while racing on roller skates. Much better than “Starlight Express”. (1975, R)

8:00am Saturday

Animaniacs - Video, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): Warner Brothers’ anarchic 1990s TV masterpiece abounds with falling anvils, pop culture parodies, megalomaniac lab mice, and more. (1993–1998, TV-Y7)

8:30am Saturday

Saturday Christian Services - Meetups, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Non denominational Christian service.; Craig R McDonough (m)

Geeky Play Date - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Looking to meet up with other parents and kids at the con? Geeky Play Date is a casual, drop-in space for you and your children. Kids can bring their favorite toys and make new friends! Parents can do the same! Please note: this is NOT a babysitting service/venue, plan on tending to your children. If you need to leave a Red-Ribbon Fast Track child for a 10am panel, you may do so after 9:45, and checking in with Fast Track staff.; Bey Woodward

Steven Universe: Still Always Finding A Way - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Steven Universe, which saw the release of a movie in September, continues to be a show that deals uncompromisingly with issues around gender, childhood, and family in ways both unexpected and delightful (if not without the occasional problem). It’s also telling a great long-form adventure story. We’ll talk about all elements of this show in a panel that, like the show itself, will appeal to fans of all ages.; Arthur Chu (m), Sid Hackney, Sioban Krzywicki, Liam McGlohon

9:00am Saturday

Pathfinder Organized Play: Bandits of Immedwood - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder: Revolution on Riverside - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Dragons of Absalom - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Flooded King’s Court - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

10:00am Saturday

Kristina Carroll, Putting Yourself into Art - Art & Maker, Demonstration - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Kristina Carroll, Arisia’s Artist Guest of Honor, presents her work, and talks about her inspirations.; Kristina Carroll (m)

Arisia Town Hall - Reconciliation, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Arisia Inc. wants your feedback, your ideas, and your concerns! This is a safer space to talk about and talk to Arisia Inc. (the corporation that puts on the convention) in a semi-structured, town hall-style, public meeting. Discuss what matters to you as a community, in open discourse and small groups. (We will incorporate your questions and concerns into the Community Update on Monday.); Andy Rosequist (m), Rachel Silber

Hands-on (or Hands-off) Theremin Workshop - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): You’ve heard its spooky noises in movies, but there’s so much more that the theremin can do! In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of theremin technique and will have the opportunity to experiment with this unusual instrument. Some previous musical training is helpful but not required. If you are lucky enough to have a theremin of your own, please bring it! Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 5.; Marnen Laibow-Koser (m)

Economic Speculations - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): How do writers depict worlds with progressive values and economics focused on social betterment, not simple profit? Panelists will explore alternate economic systems (gift-based economies, worker cooperatives, solidarity-based economies to name a few) and how to portray these alternate economies in ways that engage readers’ imaginations.; Alexander Jablokov (m), Sara Codair, Kristin Janz, Cadwell Turnbull, Brent Weichsel

Guillermo del Toro: The Night Eternal - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): For thirty-five years, Guillermo del Toro has brought his uniquely dark and beautiful vision to the screens. From his early Spanish-language fantasies (Cronos, The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth) to big-budget Hollywood blockbusters (Blade II, Hellboy, Pacific Rim), to his Oscar-winning The Shape of Water, he has proven equally at home helming all manner of stories. We’ll look at the remarkable career of this visionary filmmaker.; Reuben Baron, Monica Castillo, Deirdre Crimmins, Liz Salazar, Gabriel Valdez

Ducktales: The Treasure of the Golden Suns Arc - Video, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): Marked by its spot-on blend of adventure, humor, and high quality animation, Disney’s Ducktales kicked off the renaissance of high-quality TV cartoons of the 80s and 90s. In this initial pilot arc, Donald Duck’s nephews are sent to live with their Uncle Scrooge, where they discover a model ship that contains a map to a treasure. (1987, TV-G)

Bullet Journaling for Geeks - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Bullet journaling is an intuitive planning method that needs only a notebook and a pen. Add your creativity, collections, movies, books, story ideas and more, and it becomes a personal organizer unlike any other. Join experienced bullet journaler Rachel Kenley as she guides you through the basics and helps you create a planner for your likes and life. Beginners and beyond are welcome. Blank notebooks provided or bring your own. Materials fee: $10. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 10.; Rachel Kenley (m)

Becoming Active Bystanders - Reconciliation, Workshop - 2hr - Lewis (3E): A bystander is a person who observes unacceptable behavior. It might be something serious or minor, one-time or repeated, but the bystander knows that the behavior is unacceptable or likely to make a bad situation worse. An active bystander takes steps that can make a positive difference in that situation. This class covers the basics of active bystander action and strategies, with opportunity for discussion and practice. Training provided by the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

Leaf Me Alone - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): The leaves are falling! Keep your yard the cleanest by quickly making a leaf pile and sending it flying at your opponents. It’s a rake to the finish!; Jeff Johnston (m)

A Gloom-y Journey (Pokemon Tabletop Adventures) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): For Pokemon Trainers of the Johto region, everyday is a fun adventure. However today is different than most. Our story begins with several young Pokemon Trainers on their way to Goldenrod City after successfully getting their second gym badges. Before they can get to Goldenrod, they must travel through the winding Ilex Forest and there have been rumors that some curious people have been seen moving through the forest after dark. Do you have what it takes to conquer this challenge?; Keegan Hannon (m)

Saga of the Goblin Horde (Savage Worlds) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Episodes 1 & 2 of Zadmar’s “Saga of the Goblin Horde,” updated to the new SWADE rules. Players take on the role of goblin bosses leading hordes of underlings to wage war on those vile, tiny-headed humans.; Robert Ursini (m)

WE ARE NOT OURSELVES (Star Trek Adventures) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Players will have an alien mystery to follow and investigate; Wesley Toma-Lee (m)

Inclusive Feminism - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Many traditional feminist causes have focused on the needs of mostly white, cisgender, able bodied, affluent women. This population still experiences sexism, as we routinely hear from the likes of Taylor Swift, the focus on their needs is often done at the expense of women of color, trans women, disabled women, and women with less privilege. How do we fix that? What can feminists do to make their spaces and advocacy more inclusive? Let’s reframe our thinking to be more mindfully intersectional.; Abigail Keenan (m), Vivian Abraham, Bekah Anderson, Marzell Barker, Forest Handford, Kat Tanaka Okopnik

NERF WAR- Kids Edition - Gaming, Participatory Event - 2hr 30min - Stone (2W): Bring your NERF guns and plenty of ammo for an all-out NERF gun battle! Please note that protective eyewear is Mandatory—bring goggles if you have them. A limited number of NERF guns and protective goggles are available for those who don’t own any. Because of safety considerations, please do not bring modified NERF guns.

Make Your Own Wings - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 30min - Hancock (2W): Come craft your own fairy or dragon wings to wear this weekend.

Duct Tape Roses - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Learn how to make roses out of duct tape! Feel free to BYO tape (2–3 colors), but limited colors will be available.; Kate Brick, Gail Terman

Swords of Chivalry - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Hands-on swordsmanship lessons for kids. Come use safe foam weapons to learn the skills a knight would have used!; Mr. Ferguson

I’ve Got All the Balls in the Air, Now What? - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Juggling for Kids; for both first time and experienced jugglers.; James Cronen (m), Jude Shabry

Using, Making, and Modifying Sewing Patterns - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Drafting a pattern can be difficult, but it’s made a lot easier when you can take an existing pattern and change it into what you need. But where do you start? Our panelists discuss useful base patterns and how to go about changing them, as well as where to start when making your own.; Barbara M Pugliese (m), E. C. Ambrose, Lisa A Ashton, Leslie Johnston, Dan “Grim” Marsh

What Makes Reading a Pleasure? - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Fiction readers are a minority—only about one in five Americans, on average, reads for pleasure, and of those, some say they prefer non-fiction and never read novels or stories. Reading’s prime Nemesis is television (not the Internet!)—as reading goes down, television viewing goes up. What makes an avid reader so passionate about the written word? What is distinctive about the pleasure of reading—and how do we get more people (of all ages) to share in it?; James Hailer (m), Lena G., Greer Gilman, Danny Miller, Meredith Schwartz

How to Be A Good Fan of Problematic Things - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): From NFL football to Kevin Spacey movies to Heinlein novels, our fandoms are rife with things that can be validly critiqued. How can we continue to like things, even passionately, while acknowledging flaws? How do we respond to valid critiques versus outright attacks on the fandom? How are these issues different when a problematic creator is no longer alive? Does the taint stay with a fandom forever?; Gillian Daniels (m), Mildred Cady, Jennifer Pelland, Karen S., Alan Wexelblat

Machine Learning, Now with Human Biases! - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): It began honestly enough: train an Artificial Intelligence to comb social media for hate speech. Machines would be much more objective and capable of keeping up with the gigantic amount of posted speech, right? Unfortunately, the algorithms flagged normal everyday African American speech at twice the rate of European American speech, underscoring the biases of the people who trained the programs. Are such things inherent in AI? Or can we get the apple to fall further from the tree?; Alex Feinman (m), Andrea Hairston, John O’Neil, Eyal Sagi

Saturday Masquerade Rehearsal - Cosplay & Costuming, Rehearsal - 4hr - Grand B (1W): Rehearsal for Masquerade participants.; James Hinsey (m)

Family Friendly Renaissance Dance - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 1hr - Commonwealth (1W): Family-Friendly Renaissance Dance: Ever wanted to learn some of the fun dances that people do at Ren Fairs? This is your chance! Children aged 8 and up are welcome, and all dances will be beginner-friendly and thoroughly taught. Costumes optional.; Jesse Wertheimer (m)

11:00am Saturday

Massachusetts Bay Colony 1630 Pike & Shot Drill - Fan Interest, Demonstration - 1hr - Grand A (1W): When the first English colonists came to America, they expected to have to fight. Muskets and pikes dominated the battlefields of Europe, and would soon decide Britain’s fate in the English Civil Wars. See the Salem Trayned Band, a re-enactment unit portraying the militia of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in its earliest years, demonstrate how the colonists brought this military technology—including sixteen-foot pikes—to the New World.; Paul Kenworthy (m)

11:30am Saturday

Cadwell Turnbull Reading - GOH, Reading - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Our Author Guest of Honor reads from his own work.; Cadwell Turnbull

Figure Drawing: Cosplay edition - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Arisia is a great opportunity to see some great costumes, and here is an opportunity to spend a little time drawing them. Our costumed volunteers will do several poses for short time periods (up to 15 minutes) to help you get it right. Minimal instruction given; paper and pencils provided, or bring your sketchbook and own materials. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 54.; Sarah “Tashari” Morrison (m), Lisa Hertel

Saturday Feedback Sessions - ConComm, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Tell us how to improve Arisia while there’s still time to fix (some) things!; Diana Hsu

Fifteen Years of Supernatural - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Despite dying numerous times Sam and Dean Winchester are in their 15th—and final—season of hunting things and saving people. What’s kept this show on the air for so long (besides perhaps a deal with a Crossroads Demon)? In the end, will the brothers evade the Reaper once again, or will they finally, truly, really die? And how much pie do you think Dean can really eat in one sitting?; Naomi Hinchen (m), Don Chase, Dr. Jim Prego, Lee Clever Roberts, Ilene Tatroe

Singing in the Pool - Music, Song Circle - 1hr - Pool (3W): What’s better than singing in a shower? Singing in a swimming pool! Bring a bathing suit and help us experiment with the acoustics. We will begin by gathering just outside the pool area for our traditional singing parade through the hotel’s public spaces. Follow the giant rubber duck! (themed participatory song circle); Jeremy H. Kessler (m), Marnen Laibow-Koser, Ben Silver

Techniques for Body Positive Cosplay - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Have you ever felt that you “couldn’t” cosplay your favorite character because you believed your body type was the “wrong” kind? Ever felt like you would have to change your body if you were to cosplay a character you loved? People come in all shapes and sizes, and cosplay should too! Join other body-positive cosplayers as we discuss design, construction, and modeling techniques to help your cosplay look good on the body that you have right now. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15.; Hannah Prum (Kirkette Cosplay) (m)

Bad Ad Hoc Hypotheses - Theater, Performance - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Bad Ad Hoc Hypotheses : the collected BAHFest talks of Michael Anderson; Michael Anderson (m)

Prop Weapons for Costumers - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Learn some tips on construction and modification of costume weapons. Special consideration will be given to safety and transport. How far does one go towards looking authentic without risking the safety and comfort of other attendees? Are simulated costume guns now verboten, or at least gauche? What about bladed costume weapons? Does peace-bonding obviate the issue, or is there something more in play? How can you modify your props to be con or stage safe?; KarlS Web (m), Amy J. Murphy, Jamila Sisco, Lisa J Steele

For a Brighter Future: The Return of the Legion - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): After a prolonged absence from the shelves, The Legion of Super Heroes is set to return at long last! These teen heroes from the future have seen many a reboot, including some that have been regarded as being some of the best that mainstream super-heroics have to offer. Join our panelists as they speculate on what tomorrow holds for Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad and the rest of the 30th century’s greatest heroes!; Sioban Krzywicki (m), Michael A. Burstein, Ken Gale, Danny Miller, Mercy Van Vlack

Foodcraft: How Science Can Reinvent Your Kitchen - Science, Lecture - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Foodies are always inventing and adapting scientific techniques to prepare their favorite ingredients in exciting new ways, but how can these modern miracles be made available to someone on a budget? Or is the Modern Kitchen only a pipe dream? Learn the wonders of sous vide, sonic cavitation, and food grade centrifuges.; David G. Shaw (m), B. Diane Martin, Cecilia Tan

From Menstruation to Menopause - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Let’s talk about the period. This topic is often shied away from in public, leaving young folks newly menstruating and older folk heading into menopause feeling adrift and alone. Let’s come together and share wisdom, and maybe some humor, about everything from cramps to night sweats to vaginal dryness, making sure to include the perspectives of everyone who experiences menstruation, regardless of gender. Nothing is off topic. From beginning to end, we will discuss the period.; Melissa Perreira-Andrews (m), Sid Hackney, Dale Meyer-Curley, Sharon Sbarsky

12:00pm Saturday

Mushi-shi - Anime, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): Ginko is a “Mushi-shi” who travels around to investigate and find out more about the “Mushi”, strange creatures which resemble the primeval body of life. In the process, he also lends a helping hand to people who face problems with supernatural occurrences which may be related to the “Mushi”. Screened in Japanese with English subtitles (2005, TV-14)

Wacky Max 1968 - Gaming, Board Game - 5hr - Harbor Prefunction (3E): Wacky Races meets Mad Max — in a dystopian world of 1960s Saturday morning cartoons, join the most daredevil group of daffy drivers to ever whirl their wheels in the way-out heavily-armed wacky races. Test your driving and combat skills with modified Wacky Races model cars on the tabletop using the fast-playing Maximillian 1934 Pulp-Action Road Rage Rules for miniatures gaming. Compete for the title of worlds wackiest road rage racer!; Maureen Reddington-Wilde (m)

The Martial Arts of A Game of Thrones - Fan Interest, Demonstration - 1hr 30min - Grand A (1W): From swaggering bravos to knightly duels, George R.R. Martin drew on historical examples to create his ultra-realistic, ultra-gritty fantasy world. But how did these martial arts really work? Where does truth end and fiction begin? Join historical combat master Dr. Ken Mondschein, author of Game of Thrones and the Medieval Art of War, and Massachusetts Historical Swordsmanship for a demonstration of the combat skills found in A Game of Thrones, followed by a class in knightly martial arts!; Ken Mondschein (m)

1:00pm Saturday

Cadwell Turnbull Signing - GOH, Signing - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Signing session with Writer Guest of Honor Cadwell Turnbull; Cadwell Turnbull

Decorate a Mini-Hat/Fascinator - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Join us to create your own mini-hat! There will be mini hats and fascinator bases which clip to the hair, and all manner of ribbon, trim, flowers, netting, feathers, and other decorative elements to attach to your hat. $5 materials fee. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Carol Salemi (m), Lisa A Ashton

Is This Right for My Kid? - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Web sites like Common Sense Media help parents navigate media, from books to TV to movies to apps. Every kid is different, as is every family, and general website recommendations, ratings, or feedback from friends and family don’t always match our needs. Panelists discuss how they figure out whether their child is ready, both for media they know well (like Star Wars) and things they may not (Minecraft YouTubers!), challenges they’ve faced, and times where further discussion was needed.; Nomi S. Burstein (m), Michael A. Burstein, Ilene Tatroe, Bey Woodward

Using Basic Electronics in Costumes - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): We’ll cover the basics of the use of electronics to create light, sound or movement in costume and prop design. We’ll cover topics such as soldering, wiring, and batteries, as well as how to get your hands on the basics.; Kevin Osborn (m), Shirley Dulcey, Michael Meissner, Jamila Sisco

Tools for Computer and Console Game Development - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Make your own world and tell your own stories. Game development software has come a long way over the last decade. Whether you want to build an actual game, create an MMO sandbox, or create an animated movie, the tools are available to do it and many of them are free. This panel will cover various tools available used for Game development including Unreal Engine 4, Unity, Gamemaker Studio, Godot and others.; Rich Maynard (m), Naomi Hinchen, Aran P. Ink, Lisa J Steele

Cosplay at Hawkins Pool - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Pool (3W): Stranger Things at Hawkins Pool! Stranger Things and/or Stranger Things pool-inspired cosplay for a fun meet-up at the hotel pool!; Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye (m)

Call of Cthulhu with Kristina Carroll - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Independence (3E): Kristina will run the first part of “A Cold Fire Within,” the Pulp Cthulhu campaign she illustrated. “NYC, May, 1935. Members of the Open Mind Group, a loose organization of people interested in strange phenomena, are approached by a fellow member to help find her missing husband. As they investigate the strange and sudden disappearance, they unravel a story of sinister and ancient powers. Will they find their missing member or lose their own sanity in the search?” 4–6 players.; Kristina Carroll

In Memoriam - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): Please join members of Arisia as we remember and celebrate the people we have lost this year.

MtG Cube Draft - Gaming, Board Game - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Cube draft is a collection of MTG cards specifically curated for a custom draft format. Once drafted the game will break off into two 4 player games. A second round can be played if there is interest. INCLUDES PRIZE SUPPORT FOR WINNERS!!!; Alan Betts (m)

Star Trek: Horror at Sarkis V - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): Captain’s Log, Stardate 7740.5: The Ares left Starbase 6 last night, on assignment to patrol the Tholian border. The crew is well-rested after an extended leave at the starbase while the ship underwent maintenance on its warp core. This is expected to be an uneventful deployment. The Tholians, while xenophobic and fiercely territorial, don’t tend to venture past their own borders. Generally speaking, if you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.; Charles Leiserson (m)

Buy the Vote! - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): A quick 15 minute blind betting game with an US election theme. Tested at Metatopia November 2019 and Anonycon 2019 and people loved it!; David Dai (m)

The Infrared god-bot (Paranoia) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): The Infrared God-bot of the Outdoor Sector with a Thousand Clones: Something unauthorized is happening in COC sector. The bots are chanting, the walls are bleeding, and all the Yellow clearance clones have disappeared. But don’t worry, citizen, the Computer has selected your Troubleshooting team to investigate! It’s a mission of mandatory fun and guaranteed safety*! PARANOIA is a lighthearted game of death and betrayal; Now with added Cosmic Horror™! ( *not valid in all dimensions); Matthew Timmins (m)

Directors’ Tour of the Art Show - Art & Maker, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Harbor II-III (3E): Come get a guided tour of the Art Show with commentary by our art show directors, and hear what goes into putting an art show together.

How to Be Inclusive - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Outreach and diversity is awesome! People from different communities have returned to your con, or come for the first time. Now what? We’ll discuss strategies to foster an inclusive community, how to create connections, and how to support each other to help facilitate a true sense of community.; Abigail Keenan (m), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Kat Tanaka Okopnik, Andy Rosequist

Trans and Nonbinary Skill Share - Communities, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): This meetup is for trans, nonbinary, and questioning individuals. Come ask some trans folk about how they figured out they were trans, how they navigate difficult situations, handle dysphoria, etc. Our panel won’t have all the answers, and no one answer will solve a given problem for everyone, so we’ll also be looking to the audience to give suggestions.; Forest Handford (m), Brian Liberge, Lee Clever Roberts

An Introduction to Magic: The Gathering - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Magic: The Gathering is a collectible card game that has been around for over 20 years. Come learn a bit about the game and try it out for yourself.; Micah Schneider

Science Experiments - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Come participate in cool science experiments using common household materials.; Stephen R Wilk

Project Cosplay - Fast Track, Panel - 4hr - Webster (2W): Fabrics, Pins, Imagination! Come make your own costume. Then, show off your creation in the Masquerade tomorrow if you want.; Inanna Arthen, Kate Brick

Magic Show: Daniel Dern - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Come enjoy an exciting magic show by Daniel Dern.; Daniel P. Dern

Fractured Selves: Dis-embodied Identity in SF - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Works such as Battlestar Galactica, Altered Carbon, Westworld, and the Ancillary series all share themes of memory, identity, and trauma, and raise questions of what constitutes “core” identity and what doesn’t. When one consciousness is able to inhabit multiple bodies, what does “identity” even mean? How does this affect what we would call “identity politics” in these universes? What are the ethical and legal ramifications of separating consciousness from the corporeal?; Heather Urbanski (m), Athena Andreadis PhD, Griffin Ess, LB Lee

Movie Year in Review - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Our annual look back at the year in SF, horror, and fantasy film. Our panel of experts will cover every theatrical release of 2019. Find out which ones are worth catching up with. Note: Time for audience participation is reserved for the end of our panel’s high speed review.; Deirdre Crimmins (m), Monica Castillo, Randee Dawn, Megan Kearns

Wonder Woman: Past, Future and Beyond - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): 2020 promises to be an exciting year for Wonder Woman as highly anticipated projects in both the comics and on screen make their debuts. Fans will see the untold history of the Amazons in DeConnick and Jimenez’s ‘Wonder Woman Historia’. While the sequel to her hit 2017 movie ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ sets Diana’s adventures in the totally radical 80’s. Our panelists will discuss all this and what lies beyond for the world’s most beloved super-heroine.; Donna Martinez (m), James Hailer, Cassandra Lease, Dale Meyer-Curley, Mercy Van Vlack

Con Safety: The Watch, IRT & What Comes Next - Reconciliation, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Have questions about how Convention Safety works at Arisia? Meet members of the Watch, Incident Response Team, and Incident Report Management Committee as we discuss how our safety process works now, and what we can do to improve for future years.

1:30pm Saturday

Pathfinder Organized Play: Trailblazer’s Bounty - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Star-Crossed Voyages - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder: Mysteries Under Moonlight - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Starfinder/Pathfinder organized play - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 1hr 15min - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

2:00pm Saturday

FLCL Part 2 (Episodes 4–6) - Anime, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): Naota’s life keeps getting stranger as robots keep popping out of his head and the forces of the sinister Medical Mechanica start to make their move. Screened in Japanese with English subtitles. (2000–2001, TV-14)

Lords of Waterdeep - Gaming, Board Game - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): A Euro style scoring worker placement game with a Dungeons and Dragons feel to it. In Lords of Waterdeep, a strategy board game for 3–6 players, you take on the role of one of the masked Lords of Waterdeep, Through your agents, you recruit adventurers to go on quests on your behalf, earning rewards and increasing your influence over the city.; Michael Sharrow (m)

The Cutting Truth of the Sword - Fan Interest, Demonstration - 1hr 30min - Grand A (1W): Athena School of Arms presents: A Demonstration of cutting with a variety of real swords, and other elements of advanced training. Followed immediately by hands-on lessons in either the Longsword or Broadsword. All equipment provided, no experience necessary. Advanced lessons available for students who have already done the basic lesson.; Steven Hirsch (m)

Catalyze Short Play Readings - Theater, Performance - 1hr 30min - Grand CD (1W): A selection of short science fiction plays from local playwriting collaborative Catalyze!; Nathan Comstock, Gillian Daniels

SCA Renaissance Ball - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 1hr 30min - Commonwealth (1W): Come join in a variety of lively dances from the European Renaissance (15th—17th centuries), suitable for historical or LARP events. Everything will be taught, and no previous experience is required. If you have costuming from the period that would be great, but it’s absolutely not necessary. (This is the annual event where we often find a stormtrooper dancing a stately pavane with a warrior princess.) Sponsored by the Society for Creative Anachronism.; Mark “Justin” Waks (m)

2:30pm Saturday

Sing-along: Instrument-Friendly Classic Songs - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Bring your instruments! Bring your voices! We’ll do a bunch of well-known songs—pop, filk, who-knows-what. (participatory sing-along with words, chords, and maybe score provided, via either projection or paper handout); Susan Weiner (m), Nat Budin

Gravity Defying Headdresses Using EVA Foam - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Cosplayers everywhere are using EVA foam to create lightweight, self-supporting, wearable pieces. What’s the difference between a perfect piece and one that’s “not quite right?” A few simple techniques can turn you from a newbie into an experienced foamsmith. Learn how to pattern, cut, shape, and attach patterned parts to create incredible headwear that is feather-light yet strong enough to last years! No materials fee. Info packets will be available. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Basil El Halwagy (m)

Tabletop GM Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Are you a game master for table top role playing games, or are you interested in starting a campaign? Come meet with other GMs, exchange ideas, and maybe setup some game sessions for the weekend.; Alan Wexelblat (m), Richard Moore, Lisa J Steele

Cross-Cultural Costuming - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): When presenting a character or costume of a race, ethnicity, or culture not your own, to what issues must we be sensitive? What are the pitfalls, and how do we avoid them? Where is the line between respectful cultural representation and cultural appropriation? Not everything that is well meaning is acceptable and the distinction between the two is usually difficult to discern.; Alder Fehler (m), Hannah Prum (Kirkette Cosplay), James Hinsey, Milo Martinez, Monique “Moniquill” Poirier

Photographing Respectfully - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): This panel will address, for amateurs and emerging artists, how to respectfully take and share photographs of models, cosplayers, performers, and community members.; Raven Stern (m), Ken Kingsgrave-Ernstein, Michael Meissner, Israel Peskowitz, Kate Wechsler

Whispers in the Dark - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): Come close and listen to authors read from works of horror and dark fantasy.; Lore Graham, Kristin Janz, Gordon Linzner

Manners, Discourse and Privilege - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Manners and politeness are tools for social gatekeeping, designed not to include people, but to exclude them. Tone policing, calls for logic and civility are regularly used to silence marginalized people. Let talk about how we can have important conversations, when it is important to give space to discussions, and when it is important to close down discussion, for the safety and well being of marginalized people.; etana (m), Bekah Anderson, Kat Tanaka Okopnik

Neurodiversity Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Arisia is a very welcoming place, but even the best spaces can be difficult to navigate if you are neurodiverse. This meetup is for neurodiverse folks (self-diagnosed welcome) to hang out and meet other individuals who may share similar experiences. (Neurodiversity encompasses mental illness, autism, learning disabilities, and anything else affecting brain function. To maintain a safe space, Allies are asked not to attend.); Nightwing Whitehead (m)

Wand Making Workshop - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Olivander was not available to come to Arisia this year, so young wizards and witches are invited to create a wand of their own design. We will use paint, a glue melting tool, and various decorations. You are invited to bring small found objects (1/2” or smaller), such as small stones, shells, beads, or other embellishments to personalize your creation. Note: even washable paint can get messy, so parental participation is welcomed, especially for younger magical folk.; Inanna Arthen, melissa macintyre

Cartooning & Comic Creating - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Learn how to draw cartoons and construct a comic.; Mercy Van Vlack

All About Poi - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Poi is a performance art in which a ball or balls suspended from a length of flexible material, usually a plaited cord, are held in the hand and swung in circular patterns. In this class, you will create practice poi and learn some basic dance moves.; Forest Handford

Fantastic Beasts and How to Heal Them - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): When a centaur has a heart attack, do you put the pads on the horse part or the human part? Or both? Is it safe to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a medusa? Do mermaids have gills? If not, can they be drowned?; Aran P. Ink (m), LJ Cohen, Bhadrika Love, Daniela Sharma, Kevin Turausky

Box Office Bombs That Are Better Than You Think - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Every year there’s a film that comes out and tanks something awful. Sometimes, however, that’s not because they were terrible; perhaps the studio overspent, or promotion was lacking, or the stars failed to align, and a worthy(-ish) film just didn’t work. Perhaps you thought Hugo was gorgeous, or John Carter was fun, or you’re the one who’ll defend Speed Racer to anyone who’ll listen. What movies do you feel deserve a better reputation, despite their not having been financially successful?; Sonya Taaffe (m), Deirdre Crimmins, Ari Donnelly, Griffin Ess, Gabriel Valdez

Batman: 80 Years in the Shadow of the Bat - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): 2019 marked the 80th anniversary of Batman, who is easily the world’s most recognized and successful super hero ever. Few characters in popular culture have seen the range of portrayals that the Caped Crusader has. Batman has been everything from a ruthless, brooding vigilante to campy kids’ hero. And we couldn’t discuss Batman without Robin, the Boy Wonder and every member of ever-growing Bat Family. Join our panelists to celebrate 80 years of everyone’s favorite Dark Knight.; Sioban Krzywicki (m), James Hailer, Kyri Lorenz, A.J. Odasso, Sam Schreiber

Worldbuilding in RPG Settings - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): With the release of D&D 5e, Wizards of the Coast set its “core” game world as the Forgotten Realms, one of the most fully-realized RPG settings ever. This past year, the re-release of the fourth edition of Warhammer, made a conscious effort towards revisiting the worldbuilding of the first and second editions. How much does the worldbuilding in the core manuals of any RPG matter for the actual gameplay? And does it matter at all if players are going to homebrew their own settings anyway?; Jonathan Woodward (m), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Renie Jesanis, Liam McGlohon, Pablo Vazquez

3:00pm Saturday

Super Smash Bros. Tournament - Gaming, Participatory Event - 3hr - Carlton (3E): Come compete with some TDB version of smash! Bring your best kirby voice.

Living Arcanis 5E Intro: A Thousand Words - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): At What Price, Immortality? A noble uncomfortable with an immoral activity he has gotten involved with calls upon the heroes to right a grave wrong. But there are others who see nothing wrong, and everything right, with the awful activities taking place.... Content Warning: Strong themes of fantasy racism, depictions of torture.; Thomas Milner-Wohlers (m)

Princess Bride—Shadowcast Performance - Theater, Performance - 2hr - Grand B (1W): A show sure to make you believe in twue wuv—to miss it would be inconceivable! The Teseracte Players return with their version of this classic—a new family friendly Arisia tradition.; Glenn MacWilliams (m)

3:30pm Saturday

En Garde! SCA Rapier Fencing Demo - Fan Interest, Demonstration - 1hr - Commonwealth (1W): Ever wish you could duel like the Three Musketeers, swashbuckle like a pirate, or fight in a tavern brawl? Fencers from the Barony of Carolingia — Boston’s local Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) group — will demonstrate 16th & 17th Century rapier techniques. Spectators will experience the duel and group melees up close, and see how historical sword fights differ from the world of Hollywood adventure. Information on how to join the group’s practices will also be available.; Meg Swanton (m)

4:00pm Saturday

Traditional Ballad Bingo - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Join the fun as attendees (that’s you!) take turns performing traditional ballads for the assemblage. Listen carefully to mark your Ballad Bingo cards when you detect such classic tropes as drowning, pregnancy out of wedlock, or murder of a loved one. Compete for “valuable” prizes! Bingo cards will be provided, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring a pen or pencil. (themed participatory song circle); Angela Kessler (m), Jeremy H. Kessler, Dan “Grim” Marsh, Rebecca Maxfield, Sonya Taaffe

Bling It On! - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Learn how to work with and attach Swarovski rhinestones. Pre-packed kit provided for $10 fee payable to instructors. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Carol Salemi (m), Lisa A Ashton

Fans over 65 Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Have you been a fan all your life or did you recently get into fandom? Either way come get together with other fans over 65.; Morven Westfield (m)

Forget Snape; Let’s Talk Dumbledore! - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Readers of Harry Potter often focus on Severus Snape as an “evil” character, but what about Albus Dumbledore? From his sympathies with Gellert Grindelwald’s wizard supremacy to his insisting on keeping Harry in an abusive Muggle household (perhaps to groom him as a personal weapon against He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?), Dumbledore is at least as problematic a character as any other in J.K. Rowling’s franchise. Come discuss these issues, and we’ll decide who the real problem is.; Cecilia Tan (m), Lisa Batya Feld, James Hinsey, Cassandra Lease, Karen S.

Fans on the Spectrum - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): There are many people in the fandom community on the Autism Spectrum. We’re here to discuss the range of challenges to participation at conventions, and look at some ways conventions can innovate to be more inclusive and welcoming.; A.J. Odasso (m), Reuben Baron, Kate Kaynak, Dr. Jim Prego, Tori Queeno

Godzilla vs Destroyah - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 45min - Griffin (3E): Godzilla’s heart, which acts as a nuclear reactor, is nearing a nuclear meltdown which threatens the Earth. Meanwhile, a colony of mutated creatures known as Destoroyah emerge from the ocean, changing form and terrorizing Japan, forcing the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to devise a plan to eliminate both threats. Screened in Japanese with English subtitles (1995, NR)

Fantastic History - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): Join authors as they read selections from their works of fantastic history.; Laurence Raphael Brothers, Walter H. Hunt, Anne E.G. Nydam

Tactile Tour of the Art Show - Art & Maker, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Harbor II-III (3E): The use of touch can stimulate the imagination and help complete your mental image of a work of art. This guided tour allows access to selected art in the Art Show.

Getting Into Character - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Getting into character is the key to making your cosplay shine. Our panel of performance-minded costumers share with you their secrets for bringing their costume to life through communication, movement, visual, verbal, and nonverbal actions.; Lee Clever Roberts (m), Michael Bailey, Wonder Wendy Farrell, Ken Kingsgrave-Ernstein, Nightwing Whitehead

Fans with Disabilities Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Being disabled in fandom has its ups and downs. Some things are more accessible in fan spaces; others still need a lot of work. Come relax with some fellow disabled folks in a low-stim environment, and tell us how your con experience is going. Rants welcome.; Bekah Anderson (m)

Fun With Card Games - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Munchkin, Fluxx, Apples to Apples, and more!; Jude Shabry, Scott Wilhelm

Mask Making - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Masks make your personality, with costumes or not.

Dern Grim Bedtime Tales & Other Stories - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Gather ‘round to listen to Daniel Dern read from his Dern Grim Bedtime Tales (Few Of Which End Well) & Other Stories, like “The Boy Who Didn’t Like His Food Touching Each Other”, “The Girl Who Put Off Cleaning Her Room A Little Too Long, Oh No!”, “The Girl Whose Mama Was A Kangaroo”, and his ever-popular “If You Give A T. Rex A Cookie”.; Daniel P. Dern

So you want to start a con... - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): How do you start a con from scratch? From financials to hotel relationships and cultivating culture, there’s a lot to consider, and our panelists will break it all down for you. Or, as much as they in 75 minutes.; Kris “Nchanter” Snyder (m), Ken Gale, Ellen Kranzer, Susan Weiner

Marvel Cinematic Universe, 2019 Edition - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): While we could spend an entire panel talking about Avengers: Endgame and the culmination of an eleven-year, 22 film epic storytelling event, 2019 had Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home hit theaters as well. Further, with the Disney/Fox merger, Dark Phoenix retroactively became Kevin Feige’s problem. With a slew of forthcoming announcements at this year’s SDCC panel, come talk with us about the shakeups to the Marvel Universe and where things will go from here!; Morgan Crooks (m), Sara Codair, Timothy Luz, Marianna Martin PhD, Troy Minkowsky

The George Perez Retrospective - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Legendary comics creator George Perez has worked on every super hero comic ever. He’s had stellar runs on The Avengers, Justice League America, Wonder Woman and perhaps most famously, The New Teen Titans. Perez’s art inspired a generation of creators with his skills at depicting action, emotional expression and truly epic crowd scenes. This panel will celebrate his work and wish him well in his retirement, however long that may last!; Kevin Eldridge (m), Donna Martinez, James Mobius, Shaheen Rogers/Multiverse

Cooperative Games - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Board and video games have recently seen a major uptick in games that emphasize cooperation between players. In titles ranging from Sentinels of the Multiverse to Overcooked! to Pandemic to Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime to Spirit Island, the notion of working together to battle a common foe is becoming more normal. Panelists will explore these games, as well as “hybrid” social-deduction games (where most players are working together against a secret enemy).; H. M. White (m), Nathan Comstock, David Olsen, Raven Stern, Gail Terman

Boston Lightsaber presents Jedi High School - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 1hr - Grand A (1W): What happens when it’s the first day a class is using lightsabers, but one of the students doesn’t know which way to point a lightsaber? JEDI HIGH SCHOOL is a farcical comedy, after which we will teach a short workshop (limited availability; we’ll take signups just before the show starts).; David Leung (m), Jacky Martin

5:00pm Saturday

Roll the Dice! - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 2hr - Harbor I (3E): Hours of character creation got you down? Sick of a DM who won’t let you do anything fun? Bored of the same old warriors, mages, and rogues? Well boy do I have the game for you! Welcome to Roll the dice! Where the only thing limiting your creativity is RNG. Want to have you character be 100 feet tall and be able to talk to bees? Roll the dice! Want to retire from adventuring to become a peaceful farmer with a nagging spouse named Skree? Roll the dice! Anything is possible with enough luck!; Jack McDaid (m)

5:30pm Saturday

Still Waiting For My Food Pills - Science, Lecture - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): How far can science take us in the kitchen? We’ve clearly moved beyond “astronaut food,” but are some of the more outlandish predictions SF has made about food within reach? We’ll look at examples—both old and new—of the extremes to which cooking can be pushed.; David G. Shaw (m)

Soldering 101 - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Learn to solder by building a simple circuit that blinks. This year’s design is the Arisia Lens. NOTE: This is a quick project, so this block is divided into three short sections. Be sure you go to the one you sign up for! Materials fee: $5 per participant. Kids under 10 may participate but must have an adult “assistant.” Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15 per session.; Kevin Osborn (m)

Songs of Rudyard Kipling - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Rudyard Kipling wrote a wealth of poems that make excellent songs, as demonstrated by the likes of Peter Bellamy and (especially in filk and SCA circles) Leslie Fish. Come “Kiple” with us as we indulge in a number of them and maybe a few parodies. If you can, bring some to share! (themed participatory song circle); Ellen Kranzer (m), Jeremy H. Kessler, Benjamin Newman, Sonya Taaffe

So You Want to Show Your Art (Beyond Arisia) - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): It can be intimidating thinking about getting your art in a professional art show. The panel will discuss how to show at an art fair, show, or other event, what kind of events exist, what practices are predatory, and how to tell if it’s a good show to enter. What you need to get ready, and what you will need to be successful as a professional artist.; Nicholas “phi” Shectman (m), James Hailer, Lisa Hertel, Anne E.G. Nydam

Improving the Plot in Your RPG - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): From D&D forward, the main plot of RPGs often revolves around killing members of other races and taking their stuff. This cliche is not only truly problematic, but can be boring as well. How have GMs, players, and game designers created more interesting stories in both traditional and narrative tabletop RPGs. What tips can you learn to make your game better?; Pablo Vazquez (m), Marzell Barker, Aaron Marks, Lisa J Steele, Jonathan Woodward

Gal Pal Gathering- Femslashers unite! - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Let’s get together and share what queer lady romances in SFF media we can’t get enough of right now! Discussions will likely be all ages friendly, but not every piece of media discussed or recommended will be.; Julie Vinomano (m)

Mind’s Eye Society-Changeling: the Lost 2E - Gaming, LARP - 4hr - Lewis (3E): Chatham’s a quintessential Cape fishing town—but the Changelings there are anything but typical. The Tide Courts are welcoming visitors for the first time in almost a century. Rumor says a bargain struck 200 years ago has kept them safe, but people go missing anyway. If the lighthouse stays lit, the town is safe…so why are the beaches so crowded? Part of an ongoing chronicle; focused on mystery, discovery, and personal turmoil. Build a character or use our sheets for new players.

Kristina Carroll Tour of the Art Show - Art & Maker, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Harbor II-III (3E): Tour the Art Show with our Artist Guest of Honor, Kristina Carroll!; Kristina Carroll

Judging and Being Judged in Costume Contests - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): What makes a good judge? How involved is the process, and what are the expectations of the judge? And why does it take soooooo long? Our panelists will discuss what goes on in the judging process, the difference between presentation and workmanship, and why skill categories exist, in addition to offering their advice on how to prepare yourself to be judged...or be a judge yourself.; James Hinsey (m), Alder Fehler, Carol Salemi, Sharon Sbarsky, Jamila Sisco

Artists Collaborate! - Meetups, Meeting - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Meetup of creative types who are looking to collaborate. Let’s say you’re making an indie game, and you need someone to write a killer soundtrack. Or, you’re a musician, but you need a graphic designer to work on your merch. Or, you’re a graphic designer who wants to learn animation, or an animator who needs voice talent. Bring samples of your work if you like, but mostly you’re hanging out, meeting people, making friends, building connections, etc.; Andy Hicks (m)

Graphic Headlines: Comics as Journalism - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Comics is a flexible medium that can be used to tell a variety of stories, including real ones. Creators like Joe Sacco, Barbara Slate and Guy Delisle have tackled everything from war zones to high level political conspiracies ripper from today’s headlines. Join the panelists as they take a deeper look at how comics journalism can be as effective as its other media counterparts.; Mike Luoma (m), Ken Gale, Israel Peskowitz, Tori Queeno, Mark “Justin” Waks

Feet of Clay, Mind of Light - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Fascination with, and stories about, sentient life in non-organic bodies go back to ancient times. From the Jewish lore of the golem to the robots of SF to AI entities like the Marvel character Vision, what do these characters say about our uneasy relationship between our minds and our all-too-breakable bodies?; Jeffrey A Carver (m), Laurence Raphael Brothers, Andrea Hairston, Heather Urbanski, H. M. White

Diversity in History - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): The perennial refrain: but having gay people/women/people of color in this fantasy story would be historically inaccurate! Panelists will challenge whitewashed assumptions about American and European history, and what kinds of people did and did not exist in “the past” (spoiler alert: they pretty much all existed) and discuss their favorite facts and stories about black people in the Renaissance, queer folks in the 17th century, women in the Age of Sail, and more.; A.J. Odasso (m), Sol Eidan Houser, Diana Hsu, Victoria Janssen, Sioban Krzywicki

What Sort of Writer are You? - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): In last year’s Writers’ Round Table Andrea Hairston mentioned her approach in writing as being a choreographer for characters and plot. Are there different approaches to writing a story rather than simply writing one word after another? Can other elements of a writer’s life (job, hobby, family, etc.) help organize a writer’s ideas? A panel of writers discuss their own strategies for performing the work of a writer.; E. C. Ambrose (m), Sara Codair, Rachel Kenley, Kevin McLaughlin, BH Pierce, Cadwell Turnbull

5:45pm Saturday

X-Men (2000) - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 45min - Griffin (3E): Charles Xavier and his X-Men fight to save the world from the mutant supremacist Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants. (2000, PG-13)

6:00pm Saturday

It’s NOT my Fault! (Fate) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): This is a pickup style game of Fate, using their It’s NOT My Fault cards that let you generate characters and a starting situation in minutes. It is improvised fun!; David Buswell-Wible (m)

MtG Channeled Cube Draft - Gaming, Board Game - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): “A wild, casual experience in Magic drafting, the Channeled Cube has been curated and fine tuned for years now. This cube features ”“modifiers”” that change cards in a variety of ways, keeping things fresh every draft, as well as rules updates that make the game even more fun. No more will players be mana screwed or mana flooded when any spell can also be a land!”; Chris Ramsley (m)

Organized Play: Lost on the Spirit Road - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play:The Absalom Initiation - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Organized Play: Cats of Catthulhu - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Organized Play: Cyberpunk - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

The MRS. HAWKING Series: Fallen Woman - Theater, Performance - 1hr 40min - Grand B (1W): London, 1888— Mrs. Hawking’s great rival may have been vanquished, but the struggle has left rifts in the once-close bond between our heroes. They find themselves alienated and in pain even as they must take on the infamous murderer Jack the Ripper. A new life path opening up for Mary, Nathaniel’s lingering trauma, and Mrs. Hawking’s pulling away from her chosen family threaten to shatter the team forever. CN: gunshots, mention of spousal violence, violence against sex workers.; Phoebe Roberts (m)

Geeky Belly Dance - Dance, Performance - 2hr - Grand CD (1W): From a galaxy far, far away, the geeky bellydancers return to Arisia once more! From Star Trek to Firefly, science fiction and fantasy have long been entranced by the shimmying undulations of bellydance. Join us as we explore brave new worlds of geeky bellydance fusion, featuring performances from some of infinity and beyond’s finest dancers!; Samara Metzler (m)

7:00pm Saturday

Praise the Dead: The End of WicDiv - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s hit series The Wicked + The Divine took readers into a world where gods were pop stars and pop stars were gods and examined the connections between fandom and hero worship. It was decadent, complicated, hated, loved and now it is over. Did Gillen and McKelvie accomplish what they set out to do? Our panelists are here to praise and bury the book, the characters and maybe even give a shout out to Cam from The Letters Page.; Donna Martinez (m), Beth Barnett, Andrea Martinez Corbin, Tori Queeno, Mark “Justin” Waks

Writers’ Improv - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Using the games and techniques of improvisation, writers break through writer’s block and vanquish their inner critics. There are games to help writers come up with plots, games to explore character motivations, and games to develop scenes and settings. Writers come away enthused and excited to write. Interview your protagonist! Have your protagonist and antagonist debate! Turn the scene around and find out how it looks from another character’s point of view! Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15.; Alisa Kwitney (m)

Sing To Your Friends - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) songs that you feel like sharing, from any musical tradition or topic. Most of our song circles are heavily weighted towards songs that have a chorus the whole room can join in on, but this one will be heavily weighted towards songs that don’t. (themed participatory song circle – this theme is one of structure rather than content); Angela Kessler (m), Nat Budin, Naomi Hinchen

Isaac Asimov: Celebrating 100 Years - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): January 2, 2020 would have been Isaac Asimov’s 100th birthday. Let’s discuss the life and career of one of SFF’s legends, and celebrate the centennial of a true literary polymath.; Michael A. Burstein (m), Bhadrika Love, A Joseph Ross, Ian Randal Strock

Harassment, Missing Stairs and Safety in LARP - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Communities are often prone to problems of harassment and coercion; LARPs are no exception. When these problems are swept under the rug, the “missing stair” situation often arises, where much of the community knows of a problem player, but tacitly allows them to keep preying on others by failing to take concerted action. This panel will explore these problems, and discuss some of the do’s and don’ts of writing (and enforcing) codes of conduct and helping your players stay safe in your community.; Susan Weiner, H. M. White

Weird New England - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Weird and wonderful stories set around New England.; Alex Feinman, Sonya Taaffe, Stephen R Wilk

Spirit of the Holiday (Clockwork Dominion) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): In 1845, the people of London are preparing for the Christmas holiday. Alchemists keep homes of the elite toasty for their parties, and magicians are banishing the malevolent spirits that congregate around this time of year. For a select few however, the days before Christmas are met with assignments. The Witchfinders have a special task for a specialist group: To examine sightings of a suspicious individual. Routine work, but hopefully that means everyone will be home for Christmas soon.; Keegan Hannon (m)

Arkham Horror (original) - Gaming, Board Game - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): I’m bringing the rare 1987 original version of Arkham Horror to Arisia, so get your shotgun and your Eldritch Signs and let’s go save Arkham.; Kenneth Marin (m)

Art Show- Open House for Fans with Disabilities - Art & Maker, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Harbor II-III (3E): The Art Show will be open for people who use mobility devices to navigate or who otherwise need an uncrowded space to navigate the Art Show

Dungeons, Dragons, and Writers: The Return - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Using the most recent edition of Dungeons & Dragons, a select group of writers will delve into a classic dungeon for the audience’s delight and amusement. Panelists/Role-players will draw from a variety of backgrounds, genres, and familiarity with role-playing games. Come for the monster-slaying, stay for the table banter between writers who also game.; Morgan Crooks (m), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Shaheen Rogers/Multiverse, Jessica Waters, Brent Weichsel

Gender Non-Binary Mixer & Safe Space - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Androgyne, GenderQueer, Gender Expansive, BiGender, questioning, and everyone whose identity lies outside of the male-female gender binary is invited to socialize with new and old friends in a judgment-free zone. We’ll begin with introductions, follow with a party game, and end with attendees having the space to mix and mingle. (To maintain a safe space, allies are asked to not attend.) What’s said in the space stays in the space.; Sol Eidan Houser (m)

Biohacks, Implants, & Other Internal Accessories - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): A gambler implanted magnets under his fingertips in 1981. Since then, “extra senses” have been tried to varying levels of success. A hacker collective recently implanted a networked hard drive, limited only by the size of its SD card. Medical teams have been working on a subcutaneous glucometer, powered by a body’s own glucose. What else is out there? What’s working well? What’s a major security risk?; Richard Moore (m), Thomas A. Amoroso, Dr. Jim Prego

Fiction That Dies Unseen - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): In recent years numerous books (for example, Amelie Wen Zhao’s YA fantasy, Blood Heir) have been withdrawn or postponed before publication after early publicity created a storm of outrage on Goodreads or Twitter. Although especially vigorous in the YA community, “cancel culture” has doomed adult books, too. Some authors insist that some of the critics haven’t read the books and are misrepresenting selected details. Is this censorship, or should some books never be published?; Lyndsay Ely (m), Michael Bailey, Meredith Schwartz

Arisia’s House of Games - GOH, Performance - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Watch the Con Chair and the Guests of Honor match wits in Arisia’s House of Games! Hosted by Wes Hazard, this event inspired by a popular British game show pits contestants against each other in a variety of games that will test their creativity, trivia knowledge, teamwork, and more!; Wes Hazard (m), Kristina Carroll, Arthur Chu, Diana Hsu, Cadwell Turnbull

Let’s Go To The Mall: Stranger Things - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): The latest iteration of this neverending story saw Hawkins, Indiana’s new Starcourt Mall under siege. Our teenaged heroes were beset on all sides by Russians, Mind Flayers, and the changing interpersonal dynamics between the kids themselves. The panel will discuss the latest season, chart the growth of the characters, and continue to pine for The Robin and Steve Show.; Kevin Eldridge (m), Kristin Janz, David Olsen, Richard Ralston, Bey Woodward

Walk the Labyrinth - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 1hr - Grand A (1W): What’s blue & white and bigger on the inside? Our 30’x30’ seven-circuit classical labyrinth! A tool for walking meditation, self-inquiry, relaxation, or just for fun, use it to find a little peace during the excitement of Arisia. The labyrinth is open to all who can respect the space. You can arrive anytime and walk it as many times as you’d like.; Jude Shabry (m)

7:30pm Saturday

Real Genius - Video, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): Teenage genius Mitch (Gabriel Jarret) and his slacker roommate Chris (Val Kilmer) are assigned to develop a high-powered laser for a university project. When their professor intends to turn their work into a military weapon, they decide to ruin his plans. (1985, PG)

English Country Dance - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 1hr 30min - Commonwealth (1W): ECD is an elegant, flirtatious, and popular form of community social dance enjoyed by people all over the world, but where else in New England can you try Jane Austen-style dancing with the likes of Darth Vader? Teaching by experienced caller Sam Weiler; lively music by TBD. Dancers are encouraged to change partners between dances. All experience levels welcome. No partner necessary. Costumes optional.; Sam Weiler (m)

8:00pm Saturday

Jackbox—Quiplash 2 - Gaming, Participatory Event - 3hr - Carlton (3E): Bring your phone, and lets play some Quiplash!

Ringrealms of Vagevuur (D&D 5E) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): “Mother” is a square pit carved half a mile deep into solid rock. At another half a mile wide, it serves as downtown to the densely packed metropolis of the City of Lost Souls. Citizens shoulder their way through dark, claustrophobic streets. Buildings, carved from rock, reach into the sky like cadaverous hands from a grave. Wooden trains, suspended on ropes crisscrossing the pit, ferry people from one district to another. You, dear adventurer, ride one such train down into the dark streets...; Matt Yancik (m)

Savage Worlds: Relics and Rayguns - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): Savage Worlds: Relics and Rayguns takes players into a far future where wormhole networks left behind by an ancient alien civilization connect millions of alien races, and where faster-than-light social networking is king. Players build their character’s reputations by undertaking dangerous expeditions into lost alien monuments, seeking fame and lost technologies, and broadcasting the results in real-time to their fanbase.; Scott Marchand Davis (m)

8:30pm Saturday

Beyond Metaphor: Explicit Representation in SFF - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): There are many SFF works that talk around an issue, rather than facing it head-on. What SFF books and stories directly present themes such as race, sexuality, gender identity, disability, class, ageism or religion that have been addressed in the past in metaphorical terms? How can authors incorporate explicit representation of diverse identities in their protagonists in ways that include all readers?; Sioban Krzywicki (m), Lisa Batya Feld, Julia Gilstein, Andrea Hairston, Monique “Moniquill” Poirier

Blockprinting - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Relief block printmaking is a magical, sci-fi art form: it’s like carving with light into darkness, and then cloning the result. It’s also easy to get started, fun to experiment with, and you can print note cards, gifts, or limited edition artwork to frame and hang proudly. Come learn how to wield the magic, by designing, carving, and printing your own original rubber block. $5 materials fee. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15.; Anne E.G. Nydam (m)

Rousing Chorus Songs - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) songs with uncommonly good and energetic choruses that really pull people in. Filk, folk, and anything else are all welcome, but insufficiently rousing songs and songs without choruses will be gonged! (themed participatory song circle); Nat Budin (m), Angela Kessler, Benjamin Newman

All Ears For a Good Read - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Audiobooks are the new ebook revolution in publishing, their sales increasing by double digit percentages each month. Is the experience of listening to narrated prose different from reading oneself and “hearing the voice in your head?” Are audiobooks produced as mini-radio dramas with multiple actors the next wave—or do we never outgrow the absorbing pleasure of simply being read to?; Dan “Grim” Marsh (m), Bekah Anderson, Emma Caywood, Bhadrika Love, Mike Luoma, Cadwell Turnbull

Legacy Games - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Starting with Risk Legacy, and really entering the mainstream with Pandemic Legacy, we have seen the rise of games that change and evolve over time—games where you add stickers, change rules and even tear up old cards as the months pass. This panel will explore the Legacy Game field, which games work well (and which ones don’t), and discuss the characteristics of a great Legacy game.; Cate Schneiderman (m), Morgan Crooks, Walter H. Hunt

Hope is not a Business Plan - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Recent years have seen many options for revenue streams for creative people, such as Patreon, GoFundMe, and Kickstarter. We’ll look at the ways in which these models succeed and fail, and how they have and have not influenced the general public’s perception of how creative product should be paid for and consumed. Do these options actually make it easier to make a living as a creative person?; Kristin Janz (m), Griffin Ess, LB Lee, Ian Randal Strock, A. Szabla

Meetup to Play Board Games - Meetups, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): Come to the tabletop game room and meetup with other interested in playing a board game. Meetup, say hi, then break into groups to play board games from the large collection of available games.

Writing With The Rainbow - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): The opportunities for LGBTQIA speculative fiction writers to find markets for their work have increased, but challenges remain. This panel will explore the current state of science fiction and fantasy for this community both in terms of how writers might use LGBTQIA themes in their writing, but also discussing ways for all writers to make sexual orientation and gender identity perspectives part of their work.; Alex Feinman (m), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Lore Graham, Forest Handford, Connie Wilkins

Polyamory Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Come make connections with other members of the Arisia community who identify as polyamorous or engage in other forms of ethical non-monogamy. Commiserate about the challenges that are unique to people in non-traditional relationship structures. We want this to be a welcoming environment for people of all experience levels and those who are not open to more relationships at the moment—this is not the place to seek out a new partner or date.; Santiago Rivas, Micah Schneider, Kate Wechsler, Bey Woodward

Shame on Slut-Shaming - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Slut-shaming is the act of treating people, often women, as inferior or shameful for engaging in sexual behaviors that deviate from the norm, failing to uphold gender expectations, dressing in provocative ways, acquiring access to birth control, or even for being sexually assaulted. We’ll seek to examine the sociological stress this places on people, where it comes from, and how it serves those in positions of power, as well as what can be done to change these behaviors.; Melissa Perreira-Andrews (m), Marzell Barker, Tammy Coxen, Abigail Keenan, Ken Kingsgrave-Ernstein

Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Come discover your new favorite writer as members of Broad Universe read short excerpts from their work. Each writer has just a few minutes to show you what we’re capable of! We offer chocolate and the chance to win prizes. Broad Universe is an international organization that supports women and other non-privileged gender writers, editors, and publishers. NOTE: Not all authors may be in attendance for the entire time slot. Other members of Broad Universe not listed may be reading.; E. C. Ambrose (m), Terri Bruce, LJ Cohen, Randee Dawn, Marianna Martin PhD

The Orville: Its Continuing Mission - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Many wrote off The Orville as “Family Guy in Space”. We soon saw that Seth MacFarlane’s SF outing was actually a surprisingly straight-faced love letter to the space operas of his youth, especially Star Trek: The Next Generation. In between the antics, The Orville has tackled such weighty topics as racism, gender identity, and religious fanaticism. Our panel will go over the ways the Orville has surprised and impressed, and speculate on where it might go when it returns to Hulu in the fall.; Gordon Linzner (m), Melissa Honig, Cassandra Lease, Dale Meyer-Curley, Dan Toland

9:30pm Saturday

Ad Astra - Video, Projected Media - 2hr 15min - Griffin (3E): Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father (Tommy Lee Jones) and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe. (2019, PG-13)

PMRP Doors Open - Theater, Performance - 30min - Grand AB (1W): Doors open for seating.

10:00pm Saturday

Rope Fundamentals (18+) - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): In this introductory rope bondage demonstration, learn the fundamentals of rope safety along with basic knots and standard techniques. No matter your experience or skill level, it’s always important to brush up on the basics! 18+ only. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Abigail Keenan (m)

Open Singing - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come listen and/or make music in this unthemed song circle. All types of music are welcome. Time permitting, everyone who wishes to lead a song will have at least one opportunity to do so. (participatory song circle); Ellen Kranzer (m)

Late Night Writers Cafe - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Come meetup with other writers. Share ideas, read someone else’s work, or just get together to talk about writing.; James L. Cambias (m), Julia Gilstein

Reading the Rainbow - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): A reading of speculative fiction works that center and the stories of LGBTQIA+ people. PG-13; Sara Codair, A.J. Odasso, Mark Painter, Connie Wilkins

Rewarding a Reader’s Expectations - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): In a story, a writer and reader enter into a contract. For the price of reading a work of fiction, a writer agrees to reward the reader with entertainment and perhaps even a deeper message. At times this contract promises the reader that certain topics will not be discussed or handled in a casual manner. What are some other unspoken contracts between writers and readers and how can a writer use these agreements to their advantage and the reader’s entertainment?; Sarah Smith (m), Jeanne Cavelos, Harrison Demchick, John Sundman, Alison Wilgus

The Arisia Munch (18+) - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): A munch is an informal gathering of people interested in BDSM and other fetish activities. Munches are held so that kinky people can socialize and talk about any of their hobbies or interests in a non-sexual environment. Munches are often the first step for those interested in kink to join their local fetish scene. Connect with Arisia’s experienced BDSM players, the kink curious, and fetishists of all kinds. 18+ only.; Micah Schneider (m), Mildred Cady

How do I Live This Life? - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Disability and chronic illness doesn’t just “get better.” At some point, we accept that we live with this for the rest of our lives, and figure out how to cope and enjoy what we have. We’ll tell stories about the amusing and surprising things we see, and how we deal with it all.; Alan Wexelblat (m), Bekah Anderson, Tikva (raycho), Heather Urbanski, Kate Wechsler

End of the Night - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): End your evening with some great readings from Arisia authors.; Donald S. Crankshaw, Morgan Crooks, Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace)

Rocky Horror: A Wild and Untamed Thing at 45 - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): In 1975, this adaptation of Richard O’Brien’s cult stage sensation fared poorly with audiences. But within a year, The Rocky Horror Picture Show became a midnight favorite as a new crowd discovered it, and with it a community that accepted and upraised them. More of an event than a movie, we’ll look back on our own experiences with a film that launched careers, celebrated cheesy B-movies, and had us milling around Church Street in Harvard Square every weekend.; Dan “Grim” Marsh (m), Kristina Carroll, Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye, Sam Schreiber, Susan Weiner

PMRP Gender-Swapped Star Trek: By Any Other Name - Theater, Performance - 1hr 30min - Grand AB (1W): The crew of the Enterprise is captured by aliens set on reaching the Andromeda galaxy. It is up to Kirk and her officers to stop them, even if only with their wits—and Scotty’s liquor cabinet.; Caitlin

11:00pm Saturday

Get Thee Behind Me, Santa (18+) - Theater, Performance - 1hr - Grand CD (1W): An Inexcusably Filthy Children’s Time-Travel Farce, FOR ADULTS ONLY! It’s December 21st, 2012, and something’s gone terribly wrong with the timeline. Now it’s up to Saint Nicholas, a soft-boiled detective, and an unknown carpenter’s son named Jesus of Nazareth to set things right in this giddily blasphemous collection of literary parodies by internationally touring storyteller Phillip Andrew Bennett Low!; phillip andrew bennett low (m)

Arisia Saturday Night Dance - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 4hr - Commonwealth (1W): DJ DIRGE returns for another Saturday night Arisia dance. Join us as DIRGE spins all of your dance floor favorites ranging from Goth, Electronic, and Pop from the 80’s to today. The party goes all night so you can dance until you drop.; DJ Dirge (m)

11:30pm Saturday

Singing Into the Night - Music, Song Circle - 3hr 30min - Bulfinch (3W): Open Singing descends into chaos. Music will continue as long as people are interested. (participatory song circle)

11:45pm Saturday

Waterworld - Video, Projected Media - 2hr 15min - Griffin (3E): The ice caps have melted and the planet is coverd with water. Kevin Costner plays a mariner trying to help a woman and her daughter find a safe place to live.

12:00am Sunday

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog - Theater, Performance - 1hr - Grand AB (1W): Groupies, corporate tools, and members of the ELE: Does the status not feel quo? Join The Teseracte Players for a sing-a-long where the rapture or evil inside of you will be rekindled.; Glenn MacWilliams (m)

1:30am Sunday

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More With Feeling - Theater, Performance - 1hr 15min - Grand AB (1W): Groupies, corporate tools, and members of the ELE: Does the status not feel quo? Join The Teseracte Players for a sing-a-long where the rapture or evil inside of you will be rekindled.; Glenn MacWilliams (m)

8:00am Sunday

Emperor’s New Groove - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 30min - Griffin (3E): Incan Emperor Kuzco is young and self-centered, earning the contempt of his advisers, who transform him into a llama. Kuzco’s quest to regain his human form will require him to reevaluate his behavior and treatment of those around him. An animated comedy from Disney featuring the voices of David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, and Patrick Warburton, plus singing by Sting. (2000, G).

8:30am Sunday

Sunday Christian Services - Meetups, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Non denominational Christian service.; Craig R McDonough (m)

Geeky Play Date - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Looking to meet up with other parents and kids at the con? Geeky Play Date is a casual, drop-in space for you and your children. Kids can bring their favorite toys and make new friends! Parents can do the same! Please note: this is NOT a babysitting service/venue, plan on tending to your children. If you need to leave a Red-Ribbon Fast Track child for a 10am panel, you may do so after 9:45, and checking in with Fast Track staff.; James Cronen

1999: The Year Nobody Left The Theater - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): 1999 was another one of those years where it seemed like there was a new genre film in the cinemas every week: The Matrix, The Iron Giant, Being John Malkovich, The Sixth Sense, The Mummy, Toy Story 2, South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, plus that one with the midichlorians in it. How many did you see before the Y2K bug destroyed modern civilization?; Nomi S. Burstein (m), Monica Castillo, Arthur Chu, Randee Dawn, Andy Hicks, Troy Minkowsky

9:00am Sunday

MtG Cube Draft - Gaming, Board Game - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Cube draft is a collection of MTG cards specifically curated for a custom draft format. Once drafted the game will break off into two 4 player games. A second round can be played if there is interest. INCLUDES PRIZE SUPPORT FOR WINNERS!!!; Alan Betts (m)

Starfinder Organized Play: The Withering World - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: The Mosquito Witch - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Star-Crossed Voyages - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Escaping the Grave - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

9:30am Sunday

Tiny Toon Adventures - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 30min - Griffin (3E): Tiny Toon Adventures: “How I Spent My Summer Vacation”—Warner Bros.’ Tiny Toons are out of school and ready for a summer of fun. But fun comes with plenty of ups and downs including a flooded neighborhood, an escaped convict, hungry animals in hot pursuit, and a conveniently-placed plot hole. Packed with parodies of celebrities and pop culture trends of its time, including other cartoons, this was one of the USA’s top-selling videos the summer of its release. (1992, NR).

10:00am Sunday

Northern Lights Costumers Guild Meeting - Cosplay & Costuming, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): The Northern Lights is the New England Chapter of the ICG (International Costumers Guild). This will be their monthly guild meeting, new/prospective members are welcome to come and chat and maybe eveng join the guild!

Paint Your Own Suits! Using Fabric Paint - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): For 10 years I’ve been creating my own characters by fabric painting patterns on cotton unitards. In this workshop I’ll share my approach and my techniques, using Jacquard fabric paint. I’ll cover masking, airbrush, spraying, stenciling, creating vinyl patterns with interesting motifs, and of course, brush painting on fabric. This workshop will be a demonstration covering lots of information, and info packets will also be available. No materials fee. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Basil El Halwagy (m)

Songs of Protest and Resistance - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) songs about resisting oppression in any of its myriad forms. From oppressive overlords to ordinary ohms, resistance is not always futile. Remember that, while protest and resistance may not always be peaceful, songs which promote/encourage/glorify violence are not appropriate at Arisia. Instead, let’s sing songs that speak to hope for a brighter future, and building a more peaceful world. (themed participatory song circle); Angela Kessler (m), Elizabeth Birdsall, Mercy Van Vlack

The Ethics of Writing Speculative Fiction - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): In an online article for Bustle, writer JR Thorpe describes speculative fiction as helping thinking people be more ethical. How can writers grapple with challenging dilemma and real-world problems through fiction? This panel will examine the use and misuse of speculative fiction to confront thorny ethical problems.; Sam Schreiber (m), Gillian Daniels, Andrea Hairston, Liz Salazar, Sarah Smith

Ask a Maker - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Not sure where to source parts for building your first robot? Wondering what kind of paint to use on your replica blaster pistol? Bring your questions, and our panelists will discuss the tools and techniques they’ve used to solve problems like yours.; Scott Lefton (m), Lisa Hertel, Kevin Osborn, Drew Van Zandt, Nightwing Whitehead

Parents of teens/tweens meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Do you want to meet other Arisia attendees that are parents of teens or tweens? Come share advice or just some stories.; Ilene Tatroe (m)

Pokemon Go and Wizards Unite Meetup - Meetups, Meeting - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): This is two meetups in one: Harry Potter Wizards Unite and Pokemon Go. Come meet other players. Make new friends. Coordinate group activities, and share strategies and stories. All affiliations and levels are welcome!; Cate Schneiderman (m), Lena G.

Bearly Asleep - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): You are bear cubs scheming together to stay up all winter long.; Jeff Johnston (m)

THE PIERCED VEIL (Star Trek Adventures) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Part three brings the campaign to a dramatic conclusion, with the Players tackling the alien scheme head on, they will have to make difficult decisions that will tackle their moral perspective.; Wesley Toma-Lee (m)

Bio for Computer Scientists: Programming Life - Science, Lecture - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Living cells operate both similarly and wildly differently to many principles of modern computing. Learn how the muck that sticks to your shoe can perform feats of data management that would make The Cloud green with envy!; John Sundman (m)

Current Events in Comics - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Ever since the Golden Age, comics haven’t shied away from tackling the big stores that affect the real world. From fighting Nazis in the 40’s, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War in the 60’s, to today’s headlines that remind us that we’re not done fighting yet. Our panelists will confront the hits and misses of seeing real world issues played out in comic books of all kinds.; Ken Gale (m), Emperor Joey-1, Israel Peskowitz

Short Story Contest - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Do you have creative ideas that are just bursting to get out? Come and try your hand at writing a short story and submitting it to win a small prize!; LJ Cohen (m), Inanna Arthen, Sara Codair

Tubular friendship bracelet weaving - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Come learn to weave a friendship bracelet (or two! Or three!) more quickly than the usual “flat” knot-tying method! You can easily complete one in about 30 minutes. Bracelets can have beads, dangles, be multi-color or monotone. Your creativity will be your guide. We will provide everything you need—but if you have a special bead (or a few) with an opening of ~1/16–1/4”, feel free to bring them along so you can add them in.; melissa macintyre

Collectible Card Games - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Duel Masters, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, and more. Let’s talk about our favorites and show off our collections!; Micah Schneider

Swords of Chivalry - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Hands-on swordsmanship lessons for kids. Come use safe foam weapons to learn the skills a knight would have used!; Mr. Ferguson

Improv Theater Games For Kids - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Using exercises inspired by improv theater, New Games, and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, we’ll play, pretend, and get random together. You’ll be surprised by how fast you can think and how creative you can be. No acting experience required, only the willingness to be silly.; Gail Terman, Susan Weiner

2019: The Year in Horror - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): 2019 had something for every horror film aficionado. Brightburn gave us the darker side of superheroes. Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark aimed its scares squarely at younger audiences. Blumhouse Pictures continued its run of offerings like Ma and Happy Death Day 2U. Big releases (It: Chapter Two, Us, Midsommar), reboots of old favorites (Child’s Play, Pet Sematary) and comedies (The Dead Don’t Die, Zombieland: Double Tap) filled out the roster. We’ll run down the best of what we saw this year!; Corinne Luz (m), Deirdre Crimmins, Megan Kearns, Timothy Luz, Troy Minkowsky

Fifty Years After Ringworld - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Larry Niven’s classic SF novel Ringworld was published in 1970. How have its concepts and themes held up over time, and how have they influenced SF fiction in the decades since its publication? And why, despite its obvious influence on other SF movies (Interstellar for example), and despite several attempts, has it never been filmed?; James L. Cambias (m), Jeff Hecht, Alexander Jablokov, Sioban Krzywicki, Mark Painter

How Arisia Inc. Works - Reconciliation, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Curious about what’s behind the Arisia curtain? Wondered how to get your voice heard? At this panel, members of the Arisia corporation will explain how to operate the non-profit that keeps the conventions and related activities going. This is an optional entry-level look that will prepare you to participate the official corporate meeting on Sunday at 1pm. Attendance is open to all.; Kelly Fabijanic, Rachel Kadel, Nicholas “phi” Shectman

Trains in Space - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Captain Marvel. Firefly. Doctor Who. These all have trains in space. Lets talk about how awesome trains are, how much more awesome they are in space, and like, how that would actually WORK (or not). TRAINS IN SPACE. How can this go wrong?; Jonathan Woodward (m), Debra Doyle, Danny Miller, Andy Rosequist, Kevin Turausky

11:00am Sunday

Pinky and the Brain - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 30min - Griffin (3E): What are two enhanced lab mice to do with their artificially boosted mental faculties? Watch The Brain hatch diabolical plans to take over the world, only to be repeatedly foiled by the bumbling but friendly Pinky in this popular spinoff from Animaniacs, featuring humor often aimed at adults. (1995–1998, G).

Dance Games - Gaming, Participatory Event - 3hr - Carlton (3E): Come play various dance games in the video game room with other like-minded individuals.

Steampunk Martial Arts - Fan Interest, Demonstration - 1hr - Grand A (1W): Characters in the perilous worlds of steampunk study a variety of martial arts. Whether to fight off ruffians, prepare for a duel at dawn, or recreate elegant weapons of a less civilized age, the people of our world’s Victorian era did too. Join Dr. Ken Mondschein, Maître d’Armes Historique, author of “Game of Thrones and the Medieval Art of War” and his students from MHS as they present an exhibition of historical martial arts, followed by a hands-on class in Victorian greatstick fencing!; Ken Mondschein (m)

Walk the Labyrinth - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 1hr - Commonwealth (1W): What’s blue & white and bigger on the inside? Our 30’x30’ seven-circuit classical labyrinth! A tool for walking meditation, self-inquiry, relaxation, or just for fun, use it to find a little peace during the excitement of Arisia. The labyrinth is open to all who can respect the space. You can arrive anytime and walk it as many times as you’d like; Jude Shabry (m)

11:30am Sunday

Superhero Costuming - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): In many cases, superhero costuming means spandex and capes, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Bring out your inner hero and learn about the different types of superhero costumes and the techniques used to create them. Also, discuss the most popular and mainstream superhero costumes, and those that get overshadowed by them.; Nightwing Whitehead (m), Basil El Halwagy, Mercy Van Vlack

Redesign It! - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Cosplay isn’t always about replicating the exact look of a canon character. Your favorite character can wear a fancy ball gown or a steampunk suit. You can turn your favorite monster, object, or sci-fi vehicle into a stunning ensemble! But what does it take to make your original cosplay design recognizable? How do you even decide on a concept to start with? This workshop will discuss tips and techniques to bring your unique vision to life! Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15.; Hannah Prum (Kirkette Cosplay) (m)

Chantey Sing - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) songs of sailing in all forms, with an emphasis on work songs from the age of sail. Fun for all! (themed participatory song circle); Jeremy H. Kessler (m), Sonya Taaffe

Get Rec’d! Books for Aspiring Writers - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): A panel of writers will suggest books that they’ve found helpful in learning the craft of writing, describing what makes those books effective and what they learned from them. Books will be drawn from a variety of genres and time periods and used to highlight practical solutions to common writing problems.; James Hailer (m), Morgan Crooks, Tanya Gold, Rachel Kenley, W. B.J. Williams

The State of Microcontrollers - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Micro-controllers like the Arduino and Raspberry Pi have changed a lot in the last few years, and new devices like the Raspberry Pi 4 and the Arduino M0 and M4’s have come onto the scene. Not only are these devices more powerful but they come in smaller packages as well. Our panelists will discuss the latest tools and how they use them to make robots, art, and other awesome stuff.; Rich Maynard (m), Shirley Dulcey, Scott Lefton, Michael Meissner, Drew Van Zandt

Create a Telephone Wire Tree - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Using recycled telephone wire, we’ll make small but colorful wire trees for you to take home. All materials and tools provided, and display ideas will be shown. Ages 8+ suggested. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Lisa Hertel (m)

Just the Facts: Telomeres and Aging - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Why do we age? One exciting theory is that telomeres, the extra “buffer” genetic material on the ends of each chromosome, deteriorate with each successive cell division. The loss of telomeres may lead to impaired functioning throughout our bodies. Since the 1970s, some researchers have speculated that telomere therapy may be a path to human immortality. What’s really going on?; Richard Moore (m), Athena Andreadis PhD, Dr. Jim Prego

Branching out from the Big Two - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): While Marvel and DC dominate the comics landscape with hundreds of super hero titles between them, other publishers such as Image, Dark Horse and IDW are staking a larger claim on the audience every month. This begs the question, can we really call DC and Marvel “The Big Two”? anymore? As the readership grows, perhaps its time to make room for a Big Three or even a Big Four.; Alison Wilgus (m), Jaime Garmendia, Emperor Joey-1, Donna Martinez, Mark “Justin” Waks

Captain Marvel Has Nothing To Prove To You - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): February’s Captain Marvel was the culmination of two years of the typical online calls for boycotts and attempts to influence its reviews negatively when a tentpole franchise doesn’t have a white man in the lead; it nevertheless found considerable success, if its box office and an internet full of pictures of fans dressed as Carol Danvers is anything to go by. As the first MCU release with a woman as the sole title character, we’ll talk about what worked and what could come next.; Heather Urbanski (m), Christopher K. Davis, Lyndsay Ely, Victoria Janssen, Jennifer Pelland

Shakespeare and Fantasy - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Let’s talk about Shakespeare’s fantastic worlds and characters—the witches of Macbeth, the spirits and spells of The Tempest, the fairies of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more. We’ll share what we love about them, examine the huge range of ways they’ve been interpreted and presented, and talk about what more we want of these magical ideas in productions, adaptations, or fanfic.; Shoshana Traum (m), Greer Gilman, Dan “Grim” Marsh, Rebecca Maxfield, Anne E.G. Nydam

Meet the Eboard - Reconciliation, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): The Arisia Convention is run by a Con Chair and their team. Con Staff turns over from year to year and focuses on the convention itself, all the programming, events, hotel resources, everything from The Watch to The Duck Hunt. Arisia, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit, volunteer-run organization whose purpose is to promote science fiction and fantasy. Meet the folks who run the corporation and hear a bit about what else Arisia Inc. does besides throw this convention every year.; Kelly Fabijanic, Sol Eidan Houser, Nicholas “phi” Shectman, Rachel Silber

Celebrating 100 Years of the 19th Amendment - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment gave white women the right to vote. Come learn about the journey to win that right, the fight to extend voting rights to those who were excluded, and discuss the future of both gender discrimination and voting rights in the decades ahead of us.; Melissa Perreira-Andrews (m), Marzell Barker, Michael A. Burstein, Kate Kaynak, Sioban Krzywicki

12:00pm Sunday

Duels to Daggers: Combat in Renaissance Italy - Fan Interest, Demonstration - 1hr - Grand A (1W): A demonstration of the Science of Defense for the 16th century Italian Gentleman, including the one- and two-handed sword, sword and dagger, sword and cloak, and dagger alone. From duels of honor to desperate fights in the back alleys of Florence or Bologna, we will review many of the historical techniques the Italian Gentleman would have used to defend both his body and his honor.; Adrian Gunn (m)

12:30pm Sunday

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Anime, Projected Media - 1hr 45min - Griffin (3E): High school student Makoto Konno stumbles upon a device from the future and gains the ability to leap short distances through time. At first uses it to make things easy and convenient for herself, Makoto realizes that her time-leaps have consequences for others and she races to put things right before the power runs out for good. The first of three films from Director Mamoru Hosoda to win the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. (2006, PG). Screened in Japanese with English subtitles

1:00pm Sunday

Raising Future Adults - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Parents face a lot of criticism about “kids these days” and what the best way is to help them to grow into great adults. How do we navigate all the advice and criticism? Is “elf on the shelf” a form of gaslighting? Does reading Harry Potter help develop an awareness of social justice? Is paying kids to do chores a form of bribery? Parents and professionals discuss things that work and the potential impacts of some experiences.; Kate Kaynak (m), Eemeli Aro, Bhadrika Love, melissa macintyre, Kat Tanaka Okopnik, Alan Wexelblat

Graphic Novel Writing - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Learn how to turn your ideas into a graphic novel script from a former DC Comics editor. We will cover thinking visually, understanding the differences between writing for TV or film and writing for comics, working collaboratively with artists and how to avoid the five big mistakes of comic book writing.. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 15.; Alisa Kwitney (m)

Fanfiction Festival - Fan Interest, Reading - 2hr 30min - Bulfinch (3W): We’re going to throw a small fanfiction festival to celebrate the creativity of the authors in our community! Authors who would like to read short works or selections can sign up for a 10 minute spot before the convention, or at the convention in Program Nexus.; Feklar42

Proper Pronouns Matter - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Most of us were taught that gender was binary: he/she. We live in a world that has a much wider spectrum of people and genders. Let’s discuss the variety of pronouns used today, why it is important to use them properly and respectfully, and why increased awareness of gender and related pronouns can create a greater sense of welcoming community.; Nomi S. Burstein (m), Aisha L Cruse, Lore Graham, Aran P. Ink, Andy Rosequist, Brent Weichsel

Kid-Friendly Maker Projects - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Kids (under 12) can be Makers, too. What sort of projects are complex enough to be interesting, but simple enough for beginners to complete? What projects are good for families to tackle together, and what are appropriate for the kids to do on their own?; Kevin Osborn (m), Julia Austein, Scott Wilhelm, Guillermo Zeballos

Tears in Rain: Rutger Hauer - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): In 2019, we lost Rutger Hauer, a character actor with a long pedigree in genre films. Making a huge impact as self-aware replicant Roy Batty in 1982’s Blade Runner, Hauer could be seen in innumerable SF/F properties, most notably The Hitcher, Ladyhawke, the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sin City, and even Galavant. Join us as we say goodbye to a much beloved mainstay of nearly forty years of science fiction and fantasy entertainment.; Dan “Grim” Marsh (m), Griffin Ess, Rachel Kenley, Richard Ralston

Just Another Day at School (Little Wizards) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): For young Mages and Sorcerers in training, the amount of magical theory (and homework) can be pretty overwhelming to handle. When mischief starts running amok around school grounds however, the Little Wizards may have preferred the essays they had to write. Nevertheless, there’s clearly something wrong and it’s up to you to the wizards to right things again.; Keegan Hannon (m)

Speed Circuit - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): The original race car game; Kenneth Marin (m)

Ogre board game - Gaming, Board Game - 5hr - Harbor I (3E): Steve Jackson Games’ Ogre is still going strong since 1977. Giant cybertanks battle along with infantry and armour in a deadly fast-playing game. Help playtest new scenarios on new maps with plastic miniatures. Veterans and novices alike are welcome to enjoy this classic. Help develop the gaming world of the future, today! The scenarios will be submitted for publication in Ogrezine. Stay for as many games as you like; new players may join whenever there is room at the table.; Maureen Reddington-Wilde (m)

Gender-Variant Cosplay - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Cosplay can offer a fun way to play with gender, whether one is cross-dressing, gender-bending a favorite character, or something totally different! This panel will offer tips and tricks for new and experienced cosplayers alike, as well as insight on what it’s like to play with gender in a con scenario.; Nightwing Whitehead (m), Hannah Prum (Kirkette Cosplay), Alder Fehler, Milo Martinez, Julia Pugliese

Character Writing Helpline - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): When writing a character, there are times authors find themselves stuck. The plot has one idea and the character has another. Or perhaps a writer has lost touch with the voice of the character completely. What advice do you need to help with a problematic character? Join this panel of writers as they discuss their own experiences ‘rescuing’ characters in stories and offering advice for common problems in characterization.; Timothy Goyette (m), Harrison Demchick, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, BH Pierce, Connie Wilkins

What Do You Mean, 10 and Up? - Fast Track, Panel - 3hr - Hancock (2W): Have you been playing board games that say “10 and up” since you were 6? Wish you had? Come play with us. We will teach and play some board games intended for adults but accessible to children with a knack for board gaming. Feel free to bring your own (reasonably short) games.; James Cronen, Micah Schneider

Make your own Slime! - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Its a simple recipe but lots of fun! Come make your own slime to bring hom.; Kristin Janz

Project Cosplay: Props & Accessories - Fast Track, Panel - 2hr - Webster (2W): Come make your own props to go with your Project Cosplay costume. Then, show off your creation in the Masquerade tonight.; Kate Brick

Learn a Bit of Karate - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Learn a few basic karate moves. (No hitting allowed.); Sioban Krzywicki

I Read It Because I Loved the Movie - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Or maybe you read it because you hated the movie and wondered if the book was better. Highly popular movies are often adapted from books that weren’t well known beforehand. What books have you read after you enjoyed the movie, and how did the book change your view of the film adaptation? Is the movie ever better than the book? Can book and film versions always be fairly compared?; Mildred Cady (m), Lena G., Timothy Luz, Danny Miller, Lisa Padol, Mark Painter

Welcome to The Good Place! Everything Is Fine. - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): For four years, The Good Place has challenged us with its combination of sitcom humor and moral philosophy as it presents a fantastical vision of the afterlife. What does this show do so well to attract so many different types of viewers? What lessons can we learn from it about living our own lives ethically? Or is it all just a big joke?; Andy Hicks (m), Arthur Chu, Andrea Martinez Corbin, Ilene Tatroe, Cadwell Turnbull

Arisia January Corporate Meeting - ConComm, Panel - 2hr 30min - Marina 3 (2E): Arisia, Inc. is the non-profit that signs our contracts, owns our equipment, sets our policies, elects and appoints senior leadership, and handles incident investigation between conventions. Recent events have put a spotlight on Arisia governance, and we welcome you to participate in the official business of running Arisia and related activities.

Death and Funerary Practices in Science Fiction - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Funerary rituals and attitudes towards death vary greatly across distance and time, yet the way a society views, treats, and memorializes its dead gives insight into its beliefs, philosophy, and priorities. What are examples of death rituals in SF? What are examples of alien, space-based and other genre cultures handling their dead? What does it tell us about those societies? How have these themes been handled well...and not so well?; H. M. White (m), E. C. Ambrose, MJ Cunniff

Cloak & Dagger: Techniques of Achille Marozzo - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 1hr - Grand A (1W): Come and learn the cloak and dagger fighting techniques of Bolognese fencing master Achille Marozzo. Learn, hands-on, how a 16th century Italian Gentleman would defend his life and honor on the mean streets of Renaissance Italy with both deadly technique and dashing style. No martial arts experience necessary!; Adrian Gunn (m)

Feed Your Inner Demons—A Journey Dance - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 1hr 30min - Commonwealth (1W): JourneyDance™ is a gently guided free-form movement modality where you simply cannot do it wrong! Dance to sci-fi themed music as you journey through different movement styles and emotions. A guided visualization will take you to meet and befriend your inner demons in a movement based adaptation of an ancient Buddhist practice. Dress in comfortable clothes for moving and stretching, including some floor stretches.; Caroline Meeks (m)

1:30pm Sunday

Pathfinder Organized Play: Bandits of Immedwood - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: The Flooded Court - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Slaver’s End - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder: Revolution on Riverside - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

2:00pm Sunday

Savage Worlds: Legion of Liberty - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): In Legion of Liberty: Superheroes of 1776, you play superhumans fighting for the colonial rebellion against the tyrannical British. The British, however, have their own superhumans to bring to the battlefield—the notorious Greycoats. Fight in key battles of the American Revolution and help determine the course of history!; Scott Marchand Davis (m)

Fighting with Swords! - Fan Interest, Demonstration - 1hr 30min - Grand A (1W): Athena School of Arms presents: the Scottish Broadsword, Medieval Longsword, Sword & Shield, Dagger and other historical fighting styles. Followed immediately by hands-on lessons in either the Longsword or Broadsword. All equipment provided, no experience necessary. Advanced lessons available for students who have already done the basic lesson.; Steven Hirsch (m)

Sunday Masquerade Rehearsal - Cosplay & Costuming, Rehearsal - 3hr 30min - Grand B (1W): Rehearsal for Masquerade participants.; James Hinsey (m)

2:15pm Sunday

Outlaw Star - Anime, Projected Media - 2hr 15min - Griffin (3E): The adventures of Captain Starwind and his crew as they search for a mythical galactic treasure horde aboard their ship, the Outlaw Star. First, they’ll have to contend with rival bounty hunters, a scientist bent on using the treasure to gain superpowers, and an organization of assassins. All are headed for an explosive confrontation in the place known as the Galactic Leyline. (1998, TV-14). Screened in Japanese with English subtitles

2:30pm Sunday

Sing-along: Hamilton Songs - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Come sing along on some of your favorite songs from the musical! For added fun, attend dressed as your favorite Hamilton character, or in general dress of the period. Note that there will be no assigning or claiming of parts—everyone will be free to sing along on everything! Songs will be led by panelists, who may also play accompaniment to support the singing. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace) (m), melissa macintyre, David Olsen, Tori Queeno, Jude Shabry

Crowdfunding and Tabletop Gaming - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and other crowdfunding platforms have exploded in the last few years as a launchpad for tabletop game creators. But how does it work? Are the games any good? And what makes a successful campaign? Join a group of game funders, players, and creators to discuss the crowdfunding process and answer questions about getting started. Panelists will also share some of their favorite games that started through crowdfunding.; Christopher K. Davis (m), Walter H. Hunt, Aaron Marks, Lisa Padol

The Year in Science—2019 - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): A compendium of the top science stories of the year! This annual panel looks out at space, down at particles, around at medicine, and in at psychology! And that’s never all!; Mark L Amidon (m), Jeff Hecht, Roy Kilgard, Charity Southworth

Lighting It Up: Adding Sparkle to Your Projects - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): This workshop covers how to design basic and intermediate LED and other illumination techniques for set decoration, events, or even home lighting. If you have small projects bring them for show and tell.; Michael Meissner (m), Shirley Dulcey, Phillip Hallam-Baker, Scott Lefton, Drew Van Zandt

Love Is The Message: Pose - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): For two seasons and counting, FX’s Pose has followed the largely African-American and Latinx ballroom culture in Reagan/Bush-era New York. An array of LGBTQ+, non-gender-conforming models and performers embrace the love and support of their found families as the ever-spiraling AIDS pandemic becomes a central focus of a community that’s seen too many funerals. We’ll discuss this series, with special attention to an underground culture that’s been lacking positive representation up to this point.; Donna Martinez (m), Megan Kearns, Jennifer Pelland, Brent Weichsel

Mind’s Eye Society: Werewolf - Gaming, LARP - 4hr - Lewis (3E): Boston is a city under siege. The Gaians are here to protect it. Beneath a new corporation’s stranglehold over the land, the spirits cry for help. The Sept of Fang and Talon answers the call. They must gather resources and assemble a strike force to put their foes to sleep and strike a devastating blow for Gaia. These are the few moments before the Sept makes its move. Do they have what it takes to cut clean the sickness that poisons the land?; Dan Chase (m), DJ Dirge

Costuming and Movement - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Costumes, by nature have to move! As wearable art, how to we account for movement, flexibility, drape, flow and rigidity of our materials to bring our costumes to life. Learn how to make costumes that are not just static!; Raven Stern (m), Alder Fehler, Basil El Halwagy, Ken Kingsgrave-Ernstein, Mark Millman, Barbara M Pugliese

Writing in Brief - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Could Flash fiction (stories shorter than 1000 words) be one of the literary forms best adapted for the Tweeting, FOMO, Entertainment-on-Demand moment we are living in? What are writers doing with the ultra short story? How can 1000 or less words really be enough to tell a complete (or mostly complete) story. Panelists will bring examples of flash fiction (which in some cases could be read entire) and techniques for boiling fiction to its most basic elements.; A. L. Kaplan (m), Laurence Raphael Brothers, Timothy Goyette, Ian Randal Strock

Spoon-A-Pults - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Come and construct your own spoon-a-pult.

Children’s Filk Concert - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Filk! Sing-a-longs! Bring your voice!; Emma Caywood

Libraries of the Future - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): SF predicted ebooks and electronic media many decades ago. Along with the vision of a paperless future came the occasional view of a futuristic library with no books, and often only AI or holographic librarians. In 2020, libraries still have books (and librarians), but they’re circulating increasing numbers of ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs and other media. What is the greatest value libraries have to offer, and what will they look like fifty or a hundred years from now?; Cate Schneiderman (m), Michael A. Burstein, Greer Gilman, Danny Miller, Meredith Schwartz

TV Year in Review - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Our annual look back at SF, horror, and fantasy in 2019 on TV (including streaming services). What were the memorable shows? What are the new ones to watch? What’s hot and what’s not? Note: Time for audience participation is reserved for the end of our panel’s high speed review.; Randee Dawn (m), Ari Donnelly, Gordon Linzner, Marianna Martin PhD, Timothy J Tero

Daemons and Dust: the Fiction of Philip Pullman - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Twenty five years ago, the first book in Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy was published in the U.K. Pullman’s vision of a universe where people’s souls are external beings and God is decrepit and dying raised some hackles. Now a new adaptation of His Dark Materials has been made and Pullman has released the second book in a new trilogy. How is Pullman’s work innovative and intriguing, and what makes it so disturbing?; John Sundman (m), Bekah Anderson, Reuben Baron, Kristina Carroll, Arthur Chu, Mink Rose

3:00pm Sunday

Mario Kart Tournament - Gaming, Participatory Event - 3hr - Carlton (3E): Come compete in some TBD version(s) of Mario Kart!

Living Arcanis 5E Intro Adventure: To Die Alone - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): A dying noble, disliking all his options for a successor, summons the heroes for a mysterious mission, claiming that a seer told him they could help him. But when the heroes arrive, he is already dead.; Thomas Milner-Wohlers (m)

3:30pm Sunday

Teen Sword Fighting - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 1hr - Grand A (1W): Swords! Swords for teenagers! Come learn sword-fighting! Teenagers will learn the martial art which was practiced by knights and sword masters in the medieval era. Class will focus on the medieval longsword, in the German martial tradition.; Mr. Ferguson (m)

4:00pm Sunday

Sing-along: Songs of Tom Lehrer - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) songs celebrating the musical genius of Tom Lehrer. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); E. J. Barnes (m), Nat Budin, Ellen Kranzer, A Joseph Ross, Mercy Van Vlack

Make a Watercolor Sunset - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Learn the watercolor wash technique, and make a starry sunset painting or two to take home. All materials provided. Ages 8+ suggested. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Lisa Hertel (m)

Recovery Check-In - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Whether this is your first sober con or you’re an old pro, come share strategies, find a sober buddy, or just check in with other folks in recovery in an informal, non-12-step setting.; Emily Walton (m)

The Year in Bad Science—2019 - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Scientists are people, and make mistakes. Many people are not scientists, but use the language of science to mask some outrageous claims. Here are the howlers from the last year.; Mark L Amidon (m), Roy Kilgard, David G. Shaw, Charity Southworth, Stephen R Wilk

Make it GAYER! Queering Up Comics - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Recent years have brought minor progress to LGBTQIA representation in comics, but there’s vast room for improvement. Straight creators often say they want the addition of Queer characters to be “organic”, but real change will only happen with intent and effort. So how can comics be queered up? What can straight creators do to get the representation right? Our panelists will share their perspectives on what works, what doesn’t and why Queer visibility matters.; Alison Wilgus (m), Jaime Garmendia, Renie Jesanis, Kyri Lorenz, A. Szabla

Geocaching and letterboxing meetup - Meetups, Meeting - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Come meet others currently participating in or interested in geocaching and/or letterboxing. Trade tips and tricks, or just come to learn more about these geography games.; Jude Shabry (m), Eric “in the Elevator” Zuckerman

Pie Rats and Pitman - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): Pie Rats of the Carob Bean Farm: you’re a “Pie Rat”, trying to steal the Farmer’s Wife’s pies. Gather a crew, choose your moment, and strike! But beware, there are others just like you, angling for the same pies! And let’s not forget the Farmer’s Wife. Pitman: a betting, bluffing, card and dice rolling game with a unique set of game mechanics. Great art and gameplay.; Michael Sharrow (m)

Pokemon TCG—Learn to Play and Tournament - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): Become a Pokémon Trainer and battle against another Trainer using awesome Pokémon in the Pokémon TCG! Trainers use attacks to knock each other’s Pokémon out and claim Prize cards. The first to take all six Prize cards to win the game. Beginner theme deck tournament to follow.; Rob Castiello (m)

Star Wars: Episode 2020: The Fandom Gabfest - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Last month, The Rise of Skywalker hit screens, and with it the Star Wars sequel trilogy came to a close. That won’t be the last we interact with this world, however; the tepid audience response for Solo may have encouraged Disney to dial back on the “new film every year” pace, but there’s still plenty of lightsabers in our future, with new trilogies from both Rian Johnson and from David Benihoff & D.B. Weiss on the horizon. We’ll reflect on the state of Star Wars and discuss what’s next!; Dan Toland (m), Kevin Cafferty, Monica Castillo, Jennifer Pelland, Mink Rose

Drop in Coloring and Crafting - Art & Maker, Meetup - 4hr 30min - Stone (2W): Bring your latest sewing or knitting project, your small handcrafts, or just come and color and relax in good company,

Learn to Knit - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Learn to knit—we provide everything!; Kate Brick, Mildred Cady, Marnen Laibow-Koser

Balloon Cars - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Come make a balloon car!

Beyond Hogwarts: A Young Fan’s Reading List - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Harry Potter was great, but there are a lot more fantasy and science fiction books out there for kids and young adults. What is out there for kids that doesn’t insult the intelligence, but also doesn’t fly over the heads faster than a Firebolt?; Ken Gale

Capture the Pokemon - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Bring your energy and excitement. Be a Pokemon, and dodge, run and hide from the Pokemon trainers. Then take your turn as a Pokemon trainer, and try to capture some Pokemon!

The Resurgence of Horror Fiction - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Horror has always been a somewhat disdained genre, even more so than SF. But in recent years it’s growing in popularity and sophistication, with publishers like Tom Doherty launching new horror imprints. But like other genres, horror is defined by specific conventions, themes and tropes. Is some horror fiction regressive (especially concerning women) or transgressive? Do horror tropes reinforce stereotypes or force us to face our fears and weaknesses?; Gillian Daniels (m), Morgan Crooks, Gordon Linzner, Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert, Sam Schreiber, Sonya Taaffe

Just the Facts: CRISPR and Gene-Hacking - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): CRISPR is a naturally-occurring genome editor in bacteria, but it’s also short-hand for CRISPR-cas9 human editing of genes. What has actually been done with this technology? With the genie out of the bottle, what can be done about unregulated and/or unethical use of this technology?; Richard Moore (m), Athena Andreadis PhD, Dr. Jim Prego, John Sundman

The Year in Games - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): We are living in an age of constant innovation in games—new board games and videogames coming across Kickstarter every day, new forms of RPG and LARP gathering popularity. There is too much for any one person to keep up with, but our panel of experienced gamers will talk about what’s been most interesting over the past year—and look a bit into what might be coming.; Jonathan Woodward (m), Walter H. Hunt, Aaron Marks, Lisa Padol, Shaheen Rogers/Multiverse

Designing the Impossible - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): You’ll be hard-pressed to find anatomical guides for fantastical creatures and blueprints for future-tech. Despite this, fantasy and sci-fi artists regularly depict impossible subjects that still manage to feel believable. Our panelists will discuss the techniques they use to bridge the gap between real-world concepts and their wondrous counterparts.; Griffin Ess (m), Kristina Carroll, James Hailer, Anne E.G. Nydam, Nightwing Whitehead

Swing Dance Lesson - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 1hr - Commonwealth (1W): An introduction to the lively dance style that grew out of Harlem and jazz music from the 1920s to the 1950s. Swing dancing has not only that “swinging” feeling but lots of space for improvisation between partners. Swing dancing is danced socially, which makes it interactive, fun, and a great way to meet and dance with lots of different people. All experience levels welcome; no partner necessary.

4:30pm Sunday

Ultraman (1966) - Video, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): Science Patrolman Hayata gains the ability to transform into oversized superhero Ultraman in order to save the world from a weekly onslaught of invading aliens and monsters. Screened in Japanese with English subtitles (1966, NR)

5:00pm Sunday

Swing Dance - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 2hr - Commonwealth (1W): Swing dancing has not only that “swinging” feeling but lots of space for improvisation between partners. Swing dancing is danced socially, which makes it interactive, fun, and a great way to meet and dance with lots of different people. All experience levels welcome; no partner necessary.; Amy Kucharik (m)

5:30pm Sunday

What RPG Class is Your Favorite Character/Team? - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Panelists will come with one or more favorite characters and/or teams and how they would class them if they were in an RPG. For example, in Supernatural, is Dean a dwarf barbarian? Castiel a paladin? Is Sam a Wizard, Bard, or maybe multiclass? Audience members can also suggest movies, shows, books, etc. for RPG classing.; Mildred Cady (m), Feklar42, Jesi Lipp, Liam McGlohon, Brent Weichsel

The Dragon’s Disco (D&D 5e) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Adams (3W): As seasoned adventurers, when you were all told about the dragon’s lair and the treasure that lay within, you were off quickly. After a bit of travel, you have finally arrived... to the unexpected. Loud music, a glimmering ball, a shining, multicolored dance floor. The lair is popping for the annual monster bash. You will have to figure out how to get what you want, deal with varied guests, and contend with Dragon, the host who wants the most. Players need to bring their own character sheets.; Zev Shields (m)

Shop Talk: Being a Writer in 2020 - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): What is it really like to be a writer in 2020? A panel of intrepid writers will discuss the ups and downs of earning a living (or part of a living) writing. Topics to discuss will be: finding time to write, finding markets and agents, and changes in the industry since they first got started.; Rachel Kenley (m), Terri Bruce, Jeffrey A Carver, LJ Cohen, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Keith Yatsuhashi

Super Awesome Advice Panel! - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Annoying roommates, overbearing families, inconsiderate colleagues—bring your problems to our panel of Expert Bad Advisors and they will give you solutions! Perhaps not helpful ones, but they’ll definitely be funny.; Eric “in the Elevator” Zuckerman (m), Nathan Comstock, Ari Donnelly, Andy Hicks, Corinne Luz

Don’t Call My Book “Science Fiction” - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): As SF and its themes become more and more mainstream, some “literary” authors are incorporating tropes like AI, alternate reality, futurism and dystopian fiction. Yet many are like Ian McEwan, who hotly denies that his new book Machines Like Me (AI, alt-universe) is in any way “science fiction.” Why is SF still denied the respectability it deserves after all these years? Why do some authors find its themes compelling as long as it’s called something else?; Athena Andreadis PhD (m), Kristin Janz, John G. McDaid, Mark Painter, Kevin Turausky

The Nice and Accurate Ineffability of Good Omens - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): The long-awaited adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s and Terry Pratchett’s 1990 apocalyptic novel Good Omens came to Amazon Prime last summer. In six episodes, we met an enormous cast, saw the world on the brink of destruction, and also there was a dog, but it was the rich portrayal of the millennia-spanning relationship between angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley that truly connected with many. Come discuss what you felt about the miniseries and how well it lived up to the material.; A.J. Odasso (m), Julia Gilstein, Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace), Karen S., Gabriel Valdez

Writers React to Bad Writing - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Some writing doesn’t work. But why? How? A panel of writers will offer up examples of ineffective or lazy writing—or at least doesn’t work in the way intended. While making sure the discussion is respectful of the time and effort necessary to write anything, by reacting to specific scenes and moments in famous works, panelists will show what probably went wrong and how it might have been fixed.; Gordon Linzner (m), Elizabeth Birdsall, James L. Cambias, Harrison Demchick, Debra Doyle

The Science of “The Expanse” - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): One of the few shows on TV that gets the science right. Grav boots, acceleration couches, constant acceleration gravity. Shoot the juice from blacking out at twelve Gs!; KarlS Web (m), Roy Kilgard, Cate Schneiderman, Charity Southworth

You’ve Been Framed! Framing Tips for Artists - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Show your art in the best possible light. Come speak with panelists who have tips on framing up your art for appeal and cost effectiveness. Panelists (including a pro framer, and artists across the framing spectrum) will share tips and answer questions.; Lisa Hertel (m), Liz Betts, Kristina Carroll, Anne E.G. Nydam, Nicholas “phi” Shectman

Relationship Basics - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): No matter your relationship structure the keys to happy, healthy relationships are similar and every so often we could all benefit from a little refresher. What are the secrets to good relationships? Come learn about ways to make your relationship(s) better.; Abigail Keenan (m), Marzell Barker, James Cronen, Aisha L Cruse, Kris “Nchanter” Snyder

6:00pm Sunday

Buy the Vote! - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): A quick 15 minute blind betting game with an US election theme. Tested at Metatopia November 2019 and Anonycon 2019 and people loved it!; David Dai (m)

Reminiscence Virtua RPG (Apocalypse) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): “In a future rebuilding after calamity, ancient technology is the key to survival. But this power can only be accessed through dangerously real virtual reality systems called Virtues. As ”“dreamers,”” it’s your job to find, secure, and maintain these Virtues. Inspired by real dreams, Reminiscence Virtua blends the post-apocalyptic and cyberpunk genres into a decidedly surrealist experience.”; Chris Ramsley (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Players’ Choice - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

Pathfinder Organized Play: Trailblazer’s Bounty - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

Trailblazer Organized Play: Escaping the Grave - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

Pathfinder/Starblazer Organized Play - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.

6:30pm Sunday

Dragonslayer - Video, Projected Media - 2hr - Griffin (3E): When Vermithrax Perjorative, a 400 year old dragon with a taste for maidens sets his sights on the king’s daughter, an old wizard, and his keen young apprentice volunteer to kill the dragon before he can collect. (1981, PG)

7:00pm Sunday

Playing the Other - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): In roleplaying games, both tabletop and LARP, you are usually playing someone other than yourself. When you adopt a culture or identity not your own, there is a danger of misappropriation, often unintentional, by misusing or abusing that identity. How can you roleplay a culture other than your own respectfully, and what are your responsibilities as a player? How can you identify when you or your character cross the line? When should you just choose not to go there?; Marzell Barker (m), Benjamin Chicka, Arthur Chu, Feklar42

Sing-along: Dr. Demento & Friends - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) the sort of weird songs that Dr. Demento used to play from under the smogberry trees; classics such as “Dead Puppies”, “They’re Coming to Take Me Away”, and “The Existential Blues”. We can’t promise that Dr. Demento will be in attendance, but please invite him if you know him. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); E. J. Barnes (m), Dan “Grim” Marsh, Mercy Van Vlack

Talking Cats and Political Rabbits - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): There are several kinds of anthropomorphic fiction, from fantasy in which animals talk and interact with humans, to allegories, to stories in which humans don’t appear at all. They can be played for humor or for intense drama (Watership Down). We’ll talk about our favorite anthropomorphic fiction, how it’s done well…and how it sometimes falls short.; Julia Gilstein (m), Elizabeth Birdsall, Rebecca Maxfield, Sonya Taaffe, Gabriel Valdez

Fanfiction from Fandom to Fandom - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): We’ll discuss the ways that fanfic writing styles can differ based on the medium of their source material—movies, TV shows, books, comics, podcasts, and more. We’ll talk about when writers try to emulate the style choice of the original work, and how fandoms can arrive at signature styles all on their own.; Cassandra Lease (m), Lisa Batya Feld, Victoria Janssen, A.J. Odasso, Shoshana Traum

In Space, Who Can Hear Your Aria? - Literature, Reading - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Readings from works of Dark space Fantasy and Space Opera; Timothy Goyette, Mike Luoma

Mind’s Eye Society: Vampire - Gaming, LARP - 4hr - Lewis (3E): Those you relied on for order are gone and the city is falling around you. The night sky holds dark omens and humanity is in chaos. You know if you want to live to see another night, you have to act and you have to act fast, but this is more responsibility than you’ve ever had in your young unlife. With limited time and resources, what will you choose to protect? What will you sacrifice to get what you want?; DJ Dirge (m)

Axis and Allies and Zombies - Gaming, Board Game - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): It’s Axis & Allies with a twist! Now the armies killed will sometimes turn into zombies that attack everyone. To win, you’ll not only need to defeat the other side, but you’ll also need to avoid the Zombiepocalypse.; Kenneth Marin (m)

Spirit of the Holiday (Clockwork Dominion) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): In 1845, the people of London are preparing for the Christmas holiday. Alchemists keep homes of the elite toasty for their parties, and magicians are banishing the malevolent spirits that congregate around this time of year. For a select few however, the days before Christmas are met with assignments. The Witchfinders have a special task for a specialist group: To examine sightings of a suspicious individual. Routine work, but hopefully that means everyone will be home for Christmas soon.; Keegan Hannon (m)

Bringing Horror into Other Genres - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Increasingly, stories and writing borrow elements and tropes from different genres, including horror. What elements of horror can be brought into other genres? Other than simply ‘scaring the reader,’ what is the purpose of such cross-pollination? Can the tropes and devices of horror fiction be used for surprising effects?; H. M. White (m), Gillian Daniels, Liz Salazar, Sam Schreiber

Kink your Fandom (18+) - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Panelists and audience members can suggest a fannish property (tv show, movie, book, comic, anime, etc.) and the panelists will discuss how it is kinky or could be kinked, answers could be fun or a more serious discussion of the motivations or actions of a character or a show. 18+ only.; Hannah Prum (Kirkette Cosplay) (m), Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye, Abigail Keenan, Ian Randal Strock

A Loaf of Bread, A Jug of Wine, and Anthrax - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): Researchers have made wine, beer, and bread from yeast recovered from ancient pottery vessels. Palm trees have grown from 2000-year-old seeds and are now reproducing. But residents of Siberia were infected with anthrax from a melting reindeer corpse, and we may even have to worry about long-dead people thawing and reintroducing smallpox. How do we balance archaeobiological discoveries against public safety? And how else could climate change turn our melting biome against us?; David G. Shaw (m), Thomas A. Amoroso, Bhadrika Love, Dr. Jim Prego, Susan Weiner

Effective Advocacy for Geeks - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Many of us care passionately about social and political causes, but don’t know how to act on our passions. Some of us have little money, constrained time, physical limitations or other barriers. How can we act effectively on causes we care about? What are good organizations that we should look into for donating our time and money? How do we know what kind of commitment will be required for social or political action (e.g., a march or protest) and whether that fits within our limitations?; Amos Meeks (m), Emperor Joey-1, John G. McDaid, Meredith Schwartz, Kate Wechsler

Game of Thrones: And Now Our Watch Is Ended - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): After eight years, the HBO adaptation of George R R Martin’s A Song of ice and Fire drew to a close with a divisive season full of controversies, ranging from rushed storylines to failures in character development to a rogue coffee cup. We hope to discuss the winners and losers of the Game as well as determine whether these six episodes undermined the legacy of both the previous seasons and the books themselves.; Naomi Hinchen (m), Don Chase, Marianna Martin PhD, Mark W. Richards, Santiago Rivas

Masquerade Doors Open - Cosplay & Costuming, Performance - 1hr - Grand AB (1W): Doors open for seating.

Fusion Fantasy—Dance Lesson - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 1hr - Commonwealth (1W): Class description: Fusion dancing is a collaborative dance form that combines two or more dance styles to create a unique partnered experience. In this lesson, we’ll teach dance concepts that are central to many partner dances. We’ll use rhythm, connection,& dynamic movements to explore the boundaries of our creativity. No partner or experience necessary. Everyone gets the chance to lead & follow. Come dance with us! Followed by 8pm Blues Fusion Fantasy Dance Party.; Clayton Jennings

8:00pm Sunday

Jackbox—Joke Boat - Gaming, Participatory Event - 3hr - Carlton (3E): Bring your phones and let’s play some Joke Boat!

Ringrealms of Vagevuur (D&D 5E) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): “Mother” is a square pit carved half a mile deep into solid rock. At another half a mile wide, it serves as downtown to the densely packed metropolis of the City of Lost Souls. Citizens shoulder their way through dark, claustrophobic streets. Buildings, carved from rock, reach into the sky like cadaverous hands from a grave. Wooden trains, suspended on ropes crisscrossing the pit, ferry people from one district to another. You, dear adventurer, ride one such train down into the dark streets...; Matt Yancik (m)

Masquerade - Cosplay & Costuming, Performance - 3hr - Grand AB (1W): The 31st annual Arisia Masquerade. Come watch the entrants perform short vignettes to show off their costumes, and see if your pick matches that of the judges. Master of Ceremonies: Antonia Pugliese; James Hinsey, Antonia Pugliese

Fusion Fantasy—Dance Party - Dance, Dance (Participatory) - 4hr - Commonwealth (1W): Dance description: Fusion dancing is a collaborative dance form that combines two or more dance styles to create a unique partnered experience. Enjoy the Fantastical Freedoms of Flowing to Fusion as DJs Nick Arango, Izébel and Xero spin a night of scintillating sounds perfect for partner dancing! Come dance with us! Preceded by 7pm Blues Fusion Fantasy Dance Lesson.; DJ Xero

8:30pm Sunday

Starship Magic - Theater, Performance - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): S’kai of Vulcan is here to thrill and confound the Arisia Community with a performance of stunning magical illusions.; Dr. Willie Yee

Good Story Songs - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing (or just listen, but we hope you’ll sing) songs that tell really neat stories—that is, they have coherent, compelling narratives as well as good lyrics and good tunes. Stories come from all sorts of varied perspectives, and we hope that the songs brought to this session will, too. Filk, folk, and anything else is welcome, so long as the story is good. (themed participatory song circle); Benjamin Newman (m), Dan “Grim” Marsh, Shoshana Traum

Prototyping the Possible: Social Change in SFF - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): How can SFF help us think about what better and more resilient systems might be put into place after a resistance reclaims a space from oppression? From Looking Backwards to State Tectonics, SFF is unafraid to think in big ways about how society can be improved. We’ll discuss noteworthy examples, opportunities and limitations of this approach, and exciting new works that take on the challenge of imagining a better tomorrow.; Bekah Anderson (m), Arthur Chu, Meredith Schwartz

Ramble On: Sci-Fi and Fantasy in Rock and Roll - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Led Zeppelin repeatedly referenced “The Lord of the Rings” in their music. Queen wrote two soundtracks for SF cinema. “Blows Against The Empire” was the first musical album nominated for a Hugo. Throughout the 60+ year history of rock and roll, themes and tropes from science fiction and fantasy have featured prominently, and vice versa. Come explore the vast universe of genre fiction within popular music with Arisia, and we’ll flick our lighters for you.; Julia Gilstein (m), Kevin Cafferty, Donna Martinez, Danny Miller, Mark W. Richards

12 Monkeys - Video, Projected Media - 2hr 15min - Griffin (3E): In Terry Gilliam’s neo-noir time travel classic, a convict is sent back in time to gather information about the man-made virus that wiped out most of the human population on the planet. (1995, R)

Time to Bring Back Some Tropes? - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Like any other art form, techniques that were once popular fall out of favor, tropes that were all but a requirement for a story are discarded, and some narrative forms become rare. What styles in older speculative fiction are due for reconsideration? Which ones deserve their obscurity? Panelists will describe alternate ways to write that deserve consideration in contemporary fiction.; Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (m), Liz Salazar, W. B.J. Williams, Keith Yatsuhashi

Indie RPG meetup - Meetups, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Are you interested in playing or running an indie RPG? Come by the tabletop game room to meetup with other indie RPG players and GMs, then break into smaller groups for games.

Let’s Write Together! - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Collaborative fiction writing and shared world fiction continue to hold a fascination for speculative fiction writers. From the mosaic novels of the George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards series to the innumerable collaborative fiction projects started online, what should writers know before jumping into shared world narratives? This panel will include discussions of techniques for collaborative fiction writing and common pitfalls.; Steve Popkes (m), Tanya Gold, Timothy Goyette, Naomi Hinchen, Cadwell Turnbull

Polyamory in Theory and Practice - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Once you’ve learned the basics, how do you make polyamory work in the real world? In this panel, we’ll tackle some of the harder questions, such as: How do you deal with different privilege levels? Should you? How can you find people whose polyamory styles are compatible with yours? What if my partners don’t like each other?; Amos Meeks (m), Mildred Cady, Aisha L Cruse, Micah Schneider, Kate Wechsler

The Hacker’s Guide to D&D - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): D&D 5th edition has been out for a few years now, and there have been a lot of additional rules and options published. What can you do if you want something new, but your group doesn’t want to leave the comfort of D&D? Panelists will bring up some mechanics from other systems you can add to your game to add interest and variety, without losing your group because of a total system change.; James L. Cambias (m), Griffin Ess, Renie Jesanis, H. M. White, Jonathan Woodward

The Return of Is This A Sandwich? - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Is a hot dog in a bun a sandwich? What about an ice cream sandwich? A wrap? How about a burrito? Is there any firm consensus on what does—and does not—constitute a sandwich? Is there any wiggle room? Come debate this issue of vital national importance as we attempt to answer the question: Is [blank] a sandwich? Challenge our panel of experts with your dearly-held counterexamples! A grand unifying theory of sandwiches is rumored to exist—come and see what one of our experts has discovered!; David G. Shaw (m), Eemeli Aro, Debra Doyle, Kat Tanaka Okopnik, Eyal Sagi

The Wachowskis and Gender Representation - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Even before Lana and Lilly Wachowski became known for genre film- and television-making, they have been known for their strong, meaningful representations of trans and nonbinary people throughout their oeuvre. Have the Wachowskis’ portrayals helped normalize trans and nonbinary people in American culture? What are the highlights—and lowlights—of the Wachowskis’ careers in this regard? And what would you like to see?; Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye (m), Reuben Baron, Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace), Mink Rose, Brent Weichsel

10:00pm Sunday

Sing-along: Musicals and Show Tunes - Music, Sing-Along - 2hr - Alcott (3W): Come sing along on some of your favorite songs from musicals old or new! Note that there will be no assigning or claiming of parts—everyone will be free to sing along on everything! Songs will be led by panelists, who may also play accompaniment to support the singing. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); Rachel Kenley (m), Dan “Grim” Marsh, Sam Schreiber

Open Singing - Music, Song Circle - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come listen and/or make music in this unthemed song circle. All types of music are welcome. Time permitting, everyone who wishes to lead a song will have at least one opportunity to do so. (participatory song circle); Benjamin Newman (m)

Arkham Horror: A Night of Mayhem (18+) - Gaming, Board Game - 10hr - Independence (3E): It is the roaring 20s, and while there’s electricity in the air, unnatural storms are brewing as well. Strange things are happening in the small Massachusetts town of Arkham: people have gone missing, sightings of indescribable creatures grow more and more frequent. Join us for an overnight marathon of eerie happenings until all investigator’s succumb to the darkness or the morning sun banishes the Ancient One. Games will be drop-in/drop-out and new players are welcome. 18+ only.; Rob Castiello (m)

Roll the Dice! (18+) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 2hr - Harbor I (3E): Hours of character creation got you down? Sick of a DM who won’t let you do anything fun? Bored of the same old warriors, mages, and rogues? Well boy do I have the game for you! Welcome to Roll the dice! Where the only thing limiting your creativity is RNG. Want to have you character be 100 feet tall and be able to talk to bees? Roll the dice! Want to retire from adventuring to become a peaceful farmer with a nagging spouse named Skree? Roll the dice! Anything is possible with enough luck! 18+.; Jack McDaid (m)

Story Pitch Challenge - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Have you ever wondered how different writers might handle the same idea? This panel will provide a stage for adventurous writers to improvise their approach to a variety of story prompts. While many of these prompts will be delivered by the moderator, audience members will be encouraged to submit short story prompts as well.; Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace) (m), Timothy Goyette, Cassandra Lease, Kevin McLaughlin, Cadwell Turnbull, Alison Wilgus

Introduction to Kink (18+) - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): There are a lot of different ways to practice Kink & BDSM. How can you get into it without getting in over your head? What can you do to stay safe while experimenting and exploring your own limits? We’ll go over a few do’s and don’ts so you can find new ways to explore sexuality. 18+ only.; Marzell Barker (m), Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye, Abigail Keenan, A. Szabla, Tikva (raycho)

Tabletop Gaming as a Spectator Sport - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Over the last few years, the trend toward video game streaming has carried over to the tabletop RPG world. Shows such as Critical Role, Relics and Rarities, and Sirens of the Realm, many of which spotlight actors and experts engaging in long-form improv storytelling, can garner dozens of millions of views per episode. What factors draw such a large audience to view Dungeons and Dragons as entertainment to be watched, rather than played?; Melissa Honig (m), Aran P. Ink, Lisa Padol, Tori Queeno

10:45pm Sunday

Return of the Living Dead - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 30min - Griffin (3E): In Dan O’Bannon’s horror-comedy classic, a bumbling pair of employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, causing the dead to re-animate as they go on a rampage through Louisville, Kentucky in search of their favorite food, BRAINS. (1985, R)

11:00pm Sunday

Masquerade Awards - Cosplay & Costuming, Performance - 1hr - Grand AB (1W): Masquerade awards will be presented after the Half Time show.; James Hinsey, Antonia Pugliese

11:30pm Sunday

Singing Into the Night - Music, Song Circle - 3hr 30min - Bulfinch (3W): Open Singing descends into chaos. Music will continue as long as people are interested. (participatory song circle)

12:15am Monday

Tank Girl - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 45min - Griffin (3E): Tank Girl and her friends travel through post-apocalyptic Australia, fighting the evil Water and Power megacorporation and being generally badass. Critically derided at the time of it’s release, Tank Girl has nonetheless become a cult favorite. (1995, R)

8:00am Monday

Lilo and Stitch - Video, Projected Media - 1hr 30min - Griffin (3E): Disney’s 2002 animated feature about the adventures of a Hawaiian girl who befriends an alien creature called Experiment 626, a.k.a. Stitch, received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Animated Feature, losing to Spirited Away. Voice cast includes Daveigh Chase (The Ring, Donnie Darko), Ving Rhames, and Jason Scott Lee. (2002, PG).

8:30am Monday

Geeky Play Date - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Looking to meet up with other parents and kids at the con? Geeky Play Date is a casual, drop-in space for you and your children. Kids can bring their favorite toys and make new friends! Parents can do the same! Please note: this is NOT a babysitting service/venue: plan on tending to your children. If you need to leave a Red-Ribbon Fast Track child for a 10am panel, you may do so after 9:45 and checking in with Fast Track staff.; James Cronen

9:00am Monday

Pathfinder Organized Play: Emerald Spire - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

Pathfinder Organized Play: Escaping the Grave - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr - Harbor I (3E): Organized Play is a living, worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign that puts you in the role of an agent of a legendary league of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling the greatest mysteries and wonders.; Ray Diaz (m)

9:30am Monday

Tenchi Universe (Episodes 5–8) - Anime, Projected Media - 1hr 45min - Griffin (3E): In the middle section of Tenchi Universe’s “Earth Adventure” arc, Galaxy Police Detectives Mihoshi and Kiyone are assigned to earth, where they must work odd jobs to make a living while keeping themselves ready to be called into action by the Galaxy Police and tangling with the mad scientist Washu. (1995, NR). Screened in Japanese with English subtitles.

10:00am Monday

Everyone’s Going Back to the Moon - Science, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): In 2019, the 50th anniversary year of the Apollo 11 moon landing, China sent the Chang’e-4 rover, Israel sent the Bereshet lander, and India landed the Chandrayaan-2 probe. NASA and the ESA are at work on the Lunar Gateway project. Private companies also have plans for lunar exploration. Have technological advances once again made space exploration feasible for everyone? We’ll talk about the particulars of upcoming missions and explain why there are now bears on the moon.; Dr. Willie Yee (m), James Bredt, Roy Kilgard, David G. Shaw, Charity Southworth

”Figure Writing” with a Live Writing Prompt - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): “Figure Writing” is similar to Figure Drawing where you have a human subject you’re deconstructing for visual exploration. This exercise involves having a human subject you’re deconstructing for narrative purposes. Experience this innovative style of writing exercise. Be prepared to ask penetrating questions about the character the subject is portraying. Bring a laptop or tablet you can write on. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Griffin Ess (m)

Writers Assemble! Writing with a Group - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Whether it’s joining a local writing group, attending a workshop or spending a month in a retreat, writers often gather together for support, feedback, and practice. What are some compelling reasons to join a writing group and what should writers know before they join? Panelists will share what’s worked for them, and how to get the most out of a workshop or retreat.; Gordon Linzner (m), E. J. Barnes, Timothy Goyette, Kristin Janz, Cadwell Turnbull

Masquerade Show and Tell - Cosplay & Costuming, Participatory Event - 1hr 30min - Douglas (3W): A show-and-tell session where masquerade participants may display and discuss their costumes moderated by the Masquerade Director. Come learn about the nights best winners and ask the questions you’re eager to hear the answers to.; James Hinsey (m)

Pixar: 25 Years (and Beyond!) - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): After producing a handful of shorts, Pixar made its mark with the theatrical release of Toy Story, a feature-length triumph of what was then the relatively new field of computer animation. 25 years and 21 films later, we’ll gather to discuss the remarkable body of work that’s defined animated storytelling for a generation.; Heather Urbanski (m), Arthur Chu, Christopher K. Davis, Andy Hicks, Rachel Kenley

Songwriting Round-table - Music, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Come talk about writing songs; discussing topics such as the overall creation process, where you go for inspiration, what helps you when you get stuck, whether you write your own melodies or re-purpose existing ones, etcetera, This will be a round-table discussion, so, as with Music Track’s singing sessions, all attendees are encouraged to participate.; Naomi Hinchen (m), Nat Budin

Celebrating Dr. King - Communities, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Lewis (3E): With Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s connections to science fiction, it’s fitting that Arisia shares the weekend that celebrates his birthday and his contributions to our world. Join us as we celebrate his legacy. Talk about his connections to science fiction. and discuss what it means to bring his vision of the future into the worlds we imagine and the communities we build.; Diana Hsu

The Fate of Scar Peak (Fate) - Gaming, Tabletop RPG - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): Your group of thieves and ner’do wells has an easy assignment: watch the bridge into the city for goons trying to intimidate your Guild Master... what could go wrong? Also, Kaiju.; David Buswell-Wible (m)

Buy the Vote! - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): A quick 15 minute blind betting game with an US election theme. Tested at Metatopia November 2019 and Anonycon 2019 and people loved it!; David Dai (m)

MtG Unstable Cube Draft - Gaming, Board Game - 6hr - Harbor I (3E): Come draft with some of the zaniest and most ridiculous cards in Magic history. This cube is mostly built around the Unstable set, but also includes cards from the other two Un sets, a few of the weirder cards from the main Magic line, a handful of cards created by an AI, and more. Build contraptions, mess with your opponent’s stuff, roll some dice, and generally push the rules of Magic to the breaking point!; Robert Bass (m)

Teaching Consent - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Negotiating consent, setting your own boundaries, and respecting others is a critical life skill that touches all areas of life, academic, professional, personal. Let’s talk about age appropriate ways to talk about consent with children from conversational skills (turn-taking and topics) to creating rules in collaborative or competitive play.; Nomi S. Burstein (m), Bhadrika Love, Kat Tanaka Okopnik, Michelle Wexelblat

Parents with Infants & Toddlers Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): We have run into each other in panels, in hallways, and in elevators with strollers, but have we really met? Let’s let the kids run around for an hour, catch our breath, bemoan cluster feeding/colic/climbing/teething/growing pains, and celebrate the fact that we’re OUT OF THE HOUSE and among our people.; James Cronen (m)

Papercraft Workshop - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Come learn how to create 3D art with just some paper!; Guillermo Zeballos

Pokemon TCG - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Come learn how to play the Pokemon Card Game and battle with your friends!; Micah Schneider

Quilting Basics - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Learn how to take small pieces of fabric and put them together to make a doll-sized blanket or a teddy bear blanket.; Kate Brick

Swords of Chivalry - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Hands-on swordsmanship lessons for kids. Come use safe foam weapons to learn the skills a knight would have used!; Mr. Ferguson

Classic Playground Games - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Webster (2W): Play some classic playground games with us! Red Light/Green Light, Mama May I, and Tag!; Forest Handford

Stan Lee Retrospective - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): As comics’ most famous face, Smilin’ Stan Lee was billed as the creative force behind The Avengers, Spider-Man and The X-Men. While he didn’t do it alone, he’s often credited as Marvel’s mastermind. Even after his passing, Stan Lee remains a complex figure as who promoted comics like no one else, but didn’t always recognize the artists who brought our favorite characters to life on the page. This panel will remember not just Stan, but all the artists who created our favorites.; Michael A. Burstein (m), Kevin Cafferty, Ken Gale, Marianna Martin PhD, Dan Toland

Making Space for Making - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Crafting, making, cosplay, all take equipment and materials. The panel will discuss different approaches to making space in your home for making. From boxes under the bed to dedicated makerspaces in garages and basements. Also, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using community makerspaces as an alternative.; Abigail Keenan (m), Phillip Hallam-Baker, Lisa Hertel, Scott Lefton, Kevin Osborn, Kate Wechsler

Drawing Demo- Charcoal - Art & Maker, Demonstration - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): Demonstration of drawing technique with charcoal, with our Guest of Honor, Kristina Carroll.; Kristina Carroll (m)

NERF Gun War - Gaming, Participatory Event - 2hr 45min - Grand A (1W): Bring your NERF guns and plenty of ammo for an all-out NERF gun battle! Please note that protective eyewear is Mandatory—bring goggles if you have them. A limited number of NERF guns and protective goggles are available for those who don’t own any. Because of safety considerations, please do not bring modified NERF guns.; James Henderson (m)

Arisia RC Raceway - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 1hr - Commonwealth (1W): Spaces are limited. Hurry to the to the first Annual Arisia RC Raceway! Bring your own cars electric RC cars to compete in our no-mercy, single-elimination test of speed and control. Master the track and master yourself! Spaces are limited. Look for signup sheets. Include your name, your car’s name, and the frequency or frequencies your car uses. Each heat begins promptly: don’t be late!; Scott Wilhelm (m)

11:15am Monday

Audience Choice - Video, Projected Media - 2hr 15min - Griffin (3E): Did we show something you wanted to see while you were asleep? Is there something that you just HAVE to see again? We will run any of the movies listed for this weekend. You must arrive at 11:15 AM in order to cast your vote. Movie will begin promptly at 11:30 AM after setup and preparation.

11:30am Monday

Ask a Trans Person - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): Do you have questions you’d like to ask a trans person? For example, “what is body dysphoria like?” or “how can I support a friend who is trans and closeted?”. We can’t speak for all trans people, but we can be a few individuals who answer some questions. Questions will be submitted on cards, anonymously, at the beginning of the session. Please no recording devices at this panel—we’d like to be able to give frank, honest answers, which requires some privacy for our panellists.; Sioban Krzywicki (m), Lore Graham, Aran P. Ink, Renie Jesanis, LB Lee, Penny Wilhelm

Sing-along: Schoolhouse Rock - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Are you just a bill? Do you know that interjections show excitement and emotion? Do you believe that three is a magic number? If you’re a person, place, or thing, then this sing-along is for you! Come and sing your favorites. Songs will be led by panelists, who may also play accompaniment to support the singing. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); Lee C. Hillman (Gwendolyn Grace) (m), Bhadrika Love, Jude Shabry

Smashing the Like Button on Film Criticism - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): Online video essayists have shown real skill at exploring film in new ways. Whether it’s the insight underneath the nonsense of the Plinkett reviews, the eye Patrick Willems brings to old favorites dressed in sketch comedy, or Lindsay Ellis’ analysis of The Hobbit that earned her a Hugo nod, there are untold numbers of film critics finding new ways to tell you that Star Wars was pretty good. We’ll analyze it is we look for in online film criticism, and the ways they differ from what came before.; Deirdre Crimmins (m), Reuben Baron, Megan Kearns, Sam Schreiber

Ex Arcana – Memphis - Gaming, LARP - 3hr - Lewis (3E): Wizards from across time unite to confront an ancient threat. A card-based parlor LARP using the CHRONOS system. Characters provided, or bring a 13-point PC. Costuming hints: Victoriana, Wild West, modern occultist, pulp adventurer, magic-punk.; Jason Schneiderman (m)

See You in the Funny Pages! Humor Comics - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): With all the dark n’ gritty reboots and very serious autobiographies, it can be hard to remember that these comic book things can actually be funny! Join in the fun as we remember old favorites from the decades past and gab about the modern day books that make us LOL!; Danny Miller (m), Kevin Eldridge, Marianna Martin PhD

Asexuality-Umbrella Meetup - Meetups, Meetup - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Asexuals are defined as people who do not experience sexual attraction, but this can take many different forms for different people: romantic asexual, aro-ace, gray-A, demisexual. Attendees identifying anywhere on the asexual or aromantic spectrums are invited to share a safe space and speak freely about their experiences in fandom and elsewhere. (To maintain a safe space, Allies are asked not to attend.); Naomi Hinchen (m), Julia Gilstein

Paper Rocket War - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Make paper rockets that are launched by blowing through straws. Then try them in a multi-team elimination game, making and shooting rockets at targets.

Last Day Open Play - Fast Track, Panel - 1hr 15min - Hancock (2W): Is there a craft you wanted to try or a game you wanted to play? Come join us for some last-minute fun before we say Goodbye to Arisia for this year!

The Fantasy Fiction of John Bellairs - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): John Bellairs wrote several adult fantasies and multiple series of middle-grade fantasy-adventure novels before his untimely death at 53 in 1991. Bellairs’ quirky fiction about wizards and magic predated Harry Potter by decades. With “The House With a Clock in Its Walls” turned into a big-budget film in 2018, let’s explore what makes Bellairs’ work so distinctive and the influence he had on middle-grade fantasy.; Sonya Taaffe (m), Inanna Arthen, Lisa Batya Feld

Creating Cover Art - Art & Maker, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): A cover’s artwork plays an important role in attracting new readers. In many cases the cover is the first thing to draw a reader in potentially down to an emotional level. Learn what goes into the design of a compelling cover, including how artists are chosen and what information they are given to work with. so that they can design artwork that draws the reader in.; Mercy Van Vlack (m), Kristina Carroll, Sara Codair, Griffin Ess, James Hailer

Creating a LARP: Getting it From Idea to Reality - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): You’ve come up with a great idea for a LARP, but how do you turn it into reality? What do you need to start? What systems do you use to compose your characters, PC and NPCs? How do you frame plots that rely on human interaction and behavior? How do you find and work with collaborators to come up with a great game? How do you find a space to use, and how can you “set the scene” if the space is lacking?; Mark “Justin” Waks (m), Lisa Padol, Tom Traina

Splendid Teapot Racing - Fan Interest, Participatory Event - 1hr - Commonwealth (1W): Splendid Teapot Racing involves radio-controlled teapots negotiating an obstacle course. Attach a teapot to an RC vehicle and embellish to taste! Will your racer clear the Antique Crockery Slalom, climb the Ramp of Doom, and leap Crocodile Chasm? It doesn’t matter, because in this sport failure is hilarious! A few loaner teapot racers will be available, but priority will be given to those who bring their own teapot racers.; Melissa Honig (m)

1:00pm Monday

Rhythm Gaming Through The Years - Gaming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Guitar Hero and Rock Band were two of the better-known rhythm game franchises, but Rez and others have defined the genre. With Beat Saber out now, are rhythm games making a comeback? Come talk about your favorite rhythm games over the years, what makes a good rhythm game, and some epic failures that we’ve seen.; Julia Pugliese (m), Forest Handford

Sing-along: Funny Songs - Music, Sing-Along - 1hr 15min - Bulfinch (3W): Come sing along with some of the funniest songs, filk or otherwise, that we could find! Leaders may play accompaniment to support the singing. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout); Nat Budin (m), Naomi Hinchen, Mercy Van Vlack

Organizing a Successful Geek Group - Fan Interest, Panel - 1hr 15min - Douglas (3W): Looking for other fans of Doctor Who? Want a critique group for your SFF writing? Are there books you simply HAVE to discuss with others? Sometimes, if those groups don’t exist in your area, the only thing to do is start one yourself. This panel will feature panelists experienced in starting, building, and maintaining social groups, discussing the successes and failures they’ve encountered over the years.; Kristin Janz (m), Melissa Honig, Tori Queeno, Mark “Justin” Waks

Sex Talk: In & Out of the Bedroom (18+) - Communities, Panel - 1hr 15min - Faneuil (3W): You love your partner, however, things could be... a little easier in the bedroom if maybe you could talk about what you want. We’ll discuss how to be open when it’s excruciating to start the conversation, share stories of overcoming these hurdles, and offer resources so you can learn how to grow in your own confidence. 18+ only.; Ben Silver (m), Max Impakt / Ask Kaylee Frye, A. Szabla, Tikva (raycho)

Ray Bradbury at 100: From Green Town to Mars - Literature, Panel - 1hr 15min - Independence (3E): Ray Douglas Bradbury, who passed away in 2012, would have turned 100 this year. From his first published SFF work at the age of 18, Bradbury was beloved worldwide as the author of The Martian Chronicles and Something Wicked This Way Comes, and is perhaps most famous for his masterwork, Fahrenheit 451. He remains one of the most influential figures in American and international genre fiction. We’ll look at his life and legacy.; James Hailer (m), E. C. Ambrose, Andrea Martinez Corbin, Timothy Luz, Sonya Taaffe

Card-Z: a zombie survival card game - Gaming, Board Game - 3hr - Harbor I (3E): See if you can survive one day (4 phases) in the neighborhood.; Gerald Kielpinski (m)

Pokemon TCG Cube Draft - Gaming, Board Game - 4hr 30min - Harbor I (3E): “Play the Pokemon TCG without the need to buy your own expensive cards! In this draft, you’ll pick your cards and build your deck, then play some casual games with other drafters. In this cube, ”“mutant evolution”” is used, which means Pokemon evolve by type instead of by species, so your Squirtle could evolve into a Gyarados, and then into a Feraligator! This makes drafting function perfectly in a game that doesn’t usually support drafts very well.”; Chris Ramsley (m)

Relativism and the Superhero - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): The last three decades have seen heroes and villains become more complicated as the old stories of black and white morality turn to gray. The motivations behind the characters can make for interesting stories, but has the blurring of the moral lines gone too far? Join our panelists as they attempt to sort out the good, the bad and the morally ambiguous.; Michael A. Burstein (m), Gillian Daniels, Emperor Joey-1, Daniel Neff, Israel Peskowitz

Scale Modeling the Fantastic: Real and Fictional - Meetups, Meeting - 1hr 15min - Stone (2W): Come meet other people interested in SF/F and real space modeling. Get greater detail about the hobby, find out about local resources, and discuss the specific kind of work we do (real space, specific shows, dinos, Lego, scratch-building, etc); Guillermo Zeballos (m)

Writing About Disabilities: A Holistic Approach - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): The inclusion of characters with disabilities many times benefits from first-hand knowledge. When looking to include disabled or chronically ill characters in a story, what advice should writers know? A panel of writers will discuss their successes and challenges in creating authentic and complex characters with disabilities.; Sarah Smith (m), Bekah Anderson, Sara Codair, Kyri Lorenz

Where is Star Trek Boldly Going? - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): The new showrunners of the second season of Star Trek: Discovery took the crew in new directions and ended things with a status-shattering finale. Jean-Luc Picard is set to begin his own ten-episode series, while Lower Decks takes a more lighthearted look at some underutilized corners of Starfleet. What does the future hold, and will it make you finally shell out $6 a month for CBS All Access? Join our panelists as they look forward to the upcoming voyages of the Star Trek universe!; Nomi S. Burstein (m), Nathan Comstock, Jennifer Pelland, Pablo Vazquez

Costuming on a Budget - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Costuming can be an expensive hobby, as the elements of a costume and the supplies needed to create them can add up quickly. We’ll discuss how to get the most out of your dollar through the use of inexpensive fabrics and notions, alternative techniques or materials, and how to plan ahead so you can find time and ways to save the most money. We’ll discuss thrifting, upcycling, downcycling/distressing, and how to choose versatile base items that can be used in multiple costumes.; Hannah Prum (Kirkette Cosplay) (m), Wonder Wendy Farrell, Sarah “Tashari” Morrison

State of Arisia Community Update - Reconciliation, Participatory Event - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): The past few years have been tumultuous for Arisia, Inc.and the members of our convention. We’ve been working to address issues and change our processes. We will discuss the steps taken to safeguard the community and regain trust so far. We will also respond to feedback given at other panels (#TimesUp at Arisia, Arisia Town Hall, and Con Safety: The Watch, IRT & What Comes Next) over the weekend.; Diana Hsu, Nicholas “phi” Shectman

2:30pm Monday

Understanding How Guns Work and Their History - Science, Lecture - 1hr 15min - Alcott (3W): Have you ever wondered how a gun works? Guns are common in our society, but the mechanics around them are not always easy to understand. Join unnoted gun otaku Paul for this apolitical presentation where we will discuss the various types of guns produced throughout the last half millennium, common technical terms, US federal law around firearms, and what the anime, tv, movies, and video games we all love get wrong about guns.; Paul Geromini (m)

Simple Solutions for Creative Project Pitfalls - Workshops, Workshop - 1hr 15min - Adams (3W): In most creative endeavors there are key points where failure to complete is more likely than not. About 20% into a new project you’re more likely to give up than keep going. At 50% you’re more likely to restart than finish. Griffin will walk you through the reasons these issues occur from a psychological perspective, and through ways to audit, avoid, and overcome these traps in general. Bring a notebook, and a past or present project to use as an example. Sign up in Program Nexus. Limit: 20.; Griffin Ess (m)

Music Track Debrief - Music, Meeting - 30min - Bulfinch (3W): Come tell us what you did and didn’t like about this year’s music programming, and help us figure out how to make it even better next year!; Jeremy H. Kessler (m), Angela Kessler

Monday Feedback Session - ConComm, Panel - 1hr 15min - Otis (2W): Tell us how to improve Arisia for next year!; Diana Hsu

Using New England in Speculative Literature? - Writing, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 1 (2E): Boston and New England have served as the setting for a great many speculative stories, from Hawthorne to Lovecraft to Atwood. For writers interested in joining that tradition, what makes the New England setting special even in the hyperconnected 21st century? A larger topic for discussion: is it possible to talk about setting when so much of a person’s day is spent in consideration of things happening in the internet and media?; James Hailer (m), Inanna Arthen, Monique “Moniquill” Poirier, Sonya Taaffe

Arisia Casting Call: The Fantastic Four - Media, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 2 (2E): At SDCC 2019, it was announced that, after the merger of Fox and Disney, the Fantastic Four would be coming to the MCU. Kevin Feige has a lot on his plate, however, so as a favor, we’re going to decide, in 75 minutes, who should be cast as Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, the Thing, and Marvel’s uber-bad guy Doctor Doom. You’re welcome, Disney!; Michael A. Burstein (m), Corinne Luz, Daniel Neff, Pablo Vazquez

Finding Closure - Cosplay & Costuming, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 3 (2E): Find the right closure for the job. From basic buttons and snaps, to Velcro and zippers, and on to the hooks and magnets—learn which closure works best for what application.; Barbara M Pugliese (m), Alder Fehler, Antonia Pugliese

How Important is Continuity in Comics? - Comics, Panel - 1hr 15min - Marina 4 (2E): For many comics fans, continuity is an essential part of storytelling that must be strictly adhered to. Writers and editors seem to put an incredible amount of effort into maintaining the narrative tapestries that have been woven for characters over decades. That is, until its time for a reboot to throw out the comfortable and familiar to make room for a new direction! With reboots becoming more and more frequent, this panel will explore whether or not continuity really matters anymore.; Sioban Krzywicki (m), Mark L Amidon, Lisa Batya Feld, Kyri Lorenz, Israel Peskowitz

3:00pm Monday

Dead Dog Open Filk - Music, Song Circle - 5hr 45min - Bulfinch (3W): One last chance to sing, play, or listen. While nominally a filk session, all sorts of music are welcome. (participatory song circle)

Last modified

01/14/2020 - 19:22

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