Do you know any children who aspire to create their own illustrated characters and bring them to life through a comic or graphic novel?

Join award-winning and Emmy nominated animation director, and acclaimed author and illustrator Jeff Chiba Stearns as he shows students aged six to twelve fun and innovative ways to tell stories through the creation of their own graphic novel!

In this fun three-hour workshop, students will learn techniques on how to create and draw their own imaginative characters and employ the principles of visual storytelling to breathe life into them.

Through writing prompts and exercises, students will also learn how to translate their ideas into a script complete with compelling dialogue and actions. To bring their scripts alive, students will be taught panel progression, shot composition, and drawing methods that will spark their creative visual storytelling abilities. By the end of the workshop, students will have created a three-to-five-page comic using their own stories and characters.

This workshop is open to all levels (ages 6-12). No experience necessary. Students will learn simple concepts and techniques that they can use to continue exploring their creativity and visual storytelling at home!

Each workshop registration includes a ticket to a performance of Dog Man: The Musical following the workshop! This hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey!

Petey’s Café will also be open each day with lunch and snack items for purchase. Pre-order your items when registering!

Event Schedule

Saturday, October 28 or Sunday, October 29

Workshops 1 & 3

9am-12pm | Workshop
12pm-1pm | Lunch break (bring your own or pre-order from Petey’s Café).
1:00pm –2:10pm | Performance in the Massey Theatre of Dog Man: The Musical (70 minutes, no intermission)

Workshops 2 & 4

12:30-3:30pm | Workshop
3:30-4:00pm | Snack break (bring your own or pre-order from Petey’s Café).
4:00-5:10pm | Performance in the Massey Theatre of Dog Man: The Musical (70 minutes, no intermission)

Information for parents

Withdrawal Policy: A student may withdraw up to seven days prior to the class start date. A refund of the class fee will be granted less the non-refundable registration fee. Refunds will not be granted after the seven-day period has passed. Exceptions for medical or compassionate reasons may be considered upon receipt of a written request submitted at least 24 hours prior to the start date of the class. Upon approval, a refund of the class fee will be granted, less the registration fee.

Each workshop registration includes a child’s ticket to the performance of Dog Man: The Musical following the workshop. Parents are required to purchase their own tickets, and will be contacted by our Box Office to book. A discount of $5 will be applied on all additional purchased tickets.