Education Week 2024 was integrated into the preparations for GTAAC’s first Georgetown Halloween Parade.
Build-a-Giant Workshop
Instructor: Peter Sgouros
An introduction to making monumental creatures! Participants learned to design, frame, skin, and decorate denizens from the deepest depths of Hell (or the netherworld of their choice) for display or performance in the inaugural Georgetown Halloween Parade! Construction of giant effigies for mounting on parade floats or worn as costumes was done with common household, or off-the-shelf materials.
Horror Special Effects Makeup Workshop
Instructor: Blair Garland
This workshop taught participants how to create the injuries, bruises, burns, gore, and creature transformation effects seen in film and television, using professional techniques and materials. We’ll cover what types of products to use, where to find them, how to prepare and care for your skin, applying and removing prosthetics, and adding realistic color to each look. No prior experience with cosmetics or special effects required. Learn how to perfect your zombie, white walker, vampire, and add a touch of realism to your Halloween character and creature creations. Please note that this class requires an inexpensive set of materials.
Cosplay Armor Workshop
Instructor: Neal Patel
This workshop covers two popular methods of creating cosplay armor–leatherworking and EVA foam. The basic leatherworking and craft skills required to create bracers, pauldrons, leg armor, bandoliers, and baldrics to elevate fantasy, cosplay, historical, or science fiction looks. We’ll go over using leather working tools, punches, grommets, and straps. We will also devote some time to molding, contouring, and shaping EVA foam into armor pieces you can prime and paint at home, and how to create material illusions like rust or stone textures. The goal is for everyone to walk away with a decent piece of armor and everything they need to know in order to build the rest. Leatherworking tools, hardware, leather, and EVA foam provided.
Build-a-Float Base Workshop
Instructors: GTAAC
Want to build a rolling float base for your giant creature, yourselves, or anything else? We’re here to help. We’ll have some lumber and casters and wheels, tools and hardware. Bring what you’ve got, too! We’ll be setting up workspace and have hands onsite to help.
Groan and Moan: The Essential Zombie Walking Class
Instructor: Chris Digilio
In this spooky, all-ages workshop, participants will explore various zombie walking styles, from slow shuffles to erratic movements—it’s a dead giveaway that you’ll have a blast! We’ll start by demonstrating these styles and provide tips for perfecting your groan-worthy gait. Next, students will learn how to get into character with the right posture and expressions to bring their zombie personas to life, ensuring a performance that is simply to die for. We’ll also cover vocal techniques for creating authentic zombie sounds, including groans and moans that are truly bone-chilling. By the end, you’ll be ready to shuffle and groan as part of the Georgetown Halloween Parade’s Zombie Horde or wherever else the afterlife may take you. Join us and put some life back into your zombie walk—if you dare!