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CALIBRASKA ARTS INITIATIVE

Where west coast art meets Nebraska flair!

2020 Calibraska is Going ONLINE!

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 ABOUT

Since its kickoff in 2013, the main objective of the Calibraska Arts Initiative has been to form a bridge between California and Nebraska, to inspire and familiarize these two commonly disconnected populations.  

Using creative connections, we are able to bring individuals together who may otherwise never interact.  We are primarily focused on creating two major opportunities: to allow Los Angeles-creative-industry-based artists and students exposure to small-town Nebraska culture and hospitality and, second, to provide access to high-end educational opportunities, mentorship, training, and exposure from Los Angeles creative industries to midwest residents of all ages in western Nebraska.   

Calibraska is the brainchild of CalArts adjunct faculty member and Nebraska native Erica Larsen-Dockray and Vistabeam Wireless Chief Marketing Officer, Monique Larsen.  

 

In spring 2013, Monique asked Erica, who at the time was in her seventh year of teaching animation in Los Angeles, if she would consider teaching an animation workshop during her summer visit with family back in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  A few weeks later, Calibraska was born.  

Since that summer, over one hundred students ranging from 5 to 65 years have participated in the animation classes and five students and alumni from the California Institute of the Arts animation programs have visited Scottsbluff for the first time to teach and assist the classes.

Ryan Quincy - Show Creator
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About
Schedule

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2020 CLASS SCHEDULE

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON!

MORE CLASSES ARE ON THEIR WAY so make sure to check back here and also make sure to SIGN-UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER so you are the first to know when you can sign up!

QUICK LINKS

GS - Grade School, MS - Middle School, HS - High School, 18+ - 18yrs and older

*Classes are in development. Please check back to register or subscribe to our newsletter

CALIBRASKA CALENDAR

CALENDAR
MEDIA ARTS

MEDIA ARTS

ANIMATION

ANIMATION
FILM
PERFORMING ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

COMEDY

COMEDY PLAYGROUND'S  FUN AND FUNNIES!

AGES: 8-11yrs

CLASS MIN-MAX: 5-15

CLASS DAY(S): M-F

CLASS TIME: 10a-11a MST, 11a-12p CST

CLASS DATES: June 15-19th

COST: $115

INSTRUCTORS: Susanna Spies & Jerami Monreal

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS: Notebook and Pen/Pencil

 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Join us for Comedy Playground's  FUN and FUNNIES!

Students will learn the fundamentals of Improvisation, exploring your imaginations, creating characters and working in group games for lots of FUN!

ACTING

ACTING: MONOLOGUES FOR TEENS

AGES: 13-17

CLASS MIN & MAX: 4-10

CLASS DAY(S): M/W/F

CLASS TIME: 12-1:30p MST, 1-2:30p CST

CLASS DATES: June 22-26

COST: 

INSTRUCTORS: Jozben Barrett

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS: None

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

Have you ever wanted to audition for a play, movie or talent agent? Many times a way an actor is cast is by performing a monologue to display their acting range, character choices, focus and memorization skills. In this class, you the actor will learn how to perform either a comedic or dramatic monologue using both your voice and body. Participants will also learn techniques on how to deal with stage fright. No previous acting experience required!

MUSIC

MUSIC + STORY: FILM SCORES AND MORE

AGES: 9-12

CLASS MIN-MAX: 5-15

CLASS DAY(S): M-F

CLASS TIME: 10a-12p MST, 11a-1p CST

CLASS DATES: June 15-19th

COST: 

INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Fischer 

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS: Pencil, paper, colored pencils/crayons or markers. We will also be creating our own instruments or utilizing instruments students might have on hand. Instruments can be completely created using loose parts, such as empty containers (soup cans, cartons, lids, pebbles, other items found in nature). Strong tape (such as duct tape) is helpful, but not required. 

 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Students will explore the power of music to either tell a story or amplify a story that is already being told. We will examine the use of music in films and compare the difference between a film score, film soundtrack and source music in a movie. We will also observe how changing the music in a scene or short film can change the meaning or feeling of the scene or film. Students will gain an understanding of how composers select different instruments to reflect the story they want a song to tell and compare and contrast narrative orchestral pieces with abstract jazz work. Ultimately, the students will tell their own story through music using instruments made from recycled materials, body percussion or an instrument or instruments they may also have at home. 

THEATRE

CHARACTER CREATION THROUGH STAGE MAKEUP

AGES: 13-17

CLASS MIN-MAX: 5-12

CLASS DAY(S): M-TH

CLASS TIME: 1PM-3PM MST, 2PM-4PM CST

CLASS DATES: July 6-16

COST: 

INSTRUCTORS: Cybele Moon

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS:

Ben Nye Personal Kit: https://www.norcostco.com/ben-nye-creme-personal-kits.aspx 

Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pond-s-Cold-Cream-Cleanser-6-1-oz/10804630

EcoTools Make-up Brush Set: https://www.walmart.com/ip/EcoTools-Daily-Define-Eye-Kit-Makeup-Brushes/837043319

Gently worn towels, washcloths or cotton t-shirts for clean up


 

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

Learn the basics of character creation through stage makeup techniques. Explore possibilities for enhancing facial features, creating a variety of ageing looks and (fake) facial hair possibilities with professional crème makeup.

DANCE

BEGINNING HIP-HOP FUNDAMENTALS! (GS)

AGES: 10-12 yrs

CLASS MIN-MAX: 5-15

CLASS DAY(S): M/W

CLASS TIME: 9:30-11am MST/10:30-12pm CST

CLASS DATES:  Session 1: June 15-July 3, Session 2: July 13-July 31

COST PER SESSION: 

INSTRUCTOR: Marissa Herrera

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS:

Notebook, pencil, comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in, water to stay hydrated, good energy!

 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to jam! This class will introduce the fundamentals of hip-hop and choreography. From the origins of hip-hop to today’s newest dances, dance is a great way to release stress, connect with new friends on-line and tap into your own groove and creativity! No experience necessary!

COMEDY
ACTING
MUSIC
THEATRE
DANCE
VISUAL ARTS

VISUAL ARTS

DRAWING

INTRO TO PUPPET MAKING AND STORY BUILDING

AGES: 10-17yrs

CLASS MIN-MAX: 3-10

CLASS DAY(S): TBD

CLASS TIME: 10a-12p MST, 11a-1p CST

CLASS DATES: TBD

COST: $215

INSTRUCTORS: Ezra Sky Peterson Behnen

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS:

Coming Soon

 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Have you ever been curious about the large world of tiny puppets? This class will take you on an odd journey through the history of puppetry, both animated and otherwise, then dedicate time to build and create stories of your own. Covering the basics of storytelling, we will work together to create unique shows to record or perform. We will make tall tales, toy theaters, and small worlds come to life. From the Grounded to the absurd, all are welcome here!

MIXED MEDIA

INTRO TO PUPPET MAKING AND STORY BUILDING

AGES: 10-17yrs

CLASS MIN-MAX: 3-10

CLASS DAY(S): TBD

CLASS TIME: 10a-12p MST, 11a-1p CST

CLASS DATES: TBD

COST: $215

INSTRUCTORS: Ezra Sky Peterson Behnen

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS:

Coming Soon

 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Have you ever been curious about the large world of tiny puppets? This class will take you on an odd journey through the history of puppetry, both animated and otherwise, then dedicate time to build and create stories of your own. Covering the basics of storytelling, we will work together to create unique shows to record or perform. We will make tall tales, toy theaters, and small worlds come to life. From the Grounded to the absurd, all are welcome here!

DRAWING
MIXED MEDIA
LITERARY ARTS

LITERARY ARTS

CREATIVE WRITING

AGES: 18 +

CLASS MIN-MAX:  10-25 participants 

CLASS DAY(S): Tuesdays and Thursdays

CLASS TIME: 3:30-5:30 MST, 4:30-6:30 CST

CLASS DATES: June 15-July 31

COST:

INSTRUCTORS: Jesse Bliss

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS: Pens, Paper, Notebooks

 

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

Hey you! Do you like making your own characters (OCs if you will)? Envisioning your own worlds? Are these ideas perpetually floating around your head with no easy way for you to put them all together? Join me in this workshop-style class to create a simple Pitch Bible for your characters and stories. Pitch bibles are used in the animation industry to promote new show ideas to studios. They’re efficient ways of getting your personal creative projects out of your head and onto paper. In this class I’ll teach you the basics of putting one together, as well as help you work out any kinks with your characters and stories.

CREATIVE WRITING

STORY STUDIES

CREATIVE WRITING

AGES: 18 +

CLASS MIN-MAX:  10-25 participants 

CLASS DAY(S): Tuesdays and Thursdays

CLASS TIME: 3:30-5:30 MST, 4:30-6:30 CST

CLASS DATES: June 15-July 31

COST:

INSTRUCTORS: Jesse Bliss

CLASS MATERIALS/NEEDS: Pens, Paper, Notebooks

 

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

Hey you! Do you like making your own characters (OCs if you will)? Envisioning your own worlds? Are these ideas perpetually floating around your head with no easy way for you to put them all together? Join me in this workshop-style class to create a simple Pitch Bible for your characters and stories. Pitch bibles are used in the animation industry to promote new show ideas to studios. They’re efficient ways of getting your personal creative projects out of your head and onto paper. In this class I’ll teach you the basics of putting one together, as well as help you work out any kinks with your characters and stories.

CREATIVE WRITING
STORY STUDIES
TEACHING ARTISTS

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CALIBRASKA TEACHING ARTISTS

2020

Aaron Holmes

Aaron Holmes

Caroline Quach

Caroline Quach

Cybele Moon

Cybele Moon

Ezra Sky Peterson Behnen

Ezra Sky Peterson Behnen

Jennifer Fischer

Jennifer Fischer

Jerami Monreal

Jerami Monreal

Jesse Bliss

Jesse Bliss

Jozben Barrett

Jozben Barrett

Kwesi Johnson

Kwesi Johnson

Marissa Herrera

Marissa Herrera

Mireya Martinez

Mireya Martinez

Susanna Spies

Susanna Spies

Vanessa Sweet

Vanessa Sweet

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VIDEO

2022 Calibraska Promo Video

2022 Calibraska Promo Video

Video
CONTACT

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CONTACT

ERICA LARSEN-DOCKRAY
Co-Founder & Director
Phone:  308.631.5704
erica@calibraska.org

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PARTNERS

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Sponsors

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MEDIA

NET Radio Friday Live! 06-14-2019

NET Radio Friday Live! 06-14-2019

Calibraska Workshops and Shows (at 53:36)

NET  06-14-2019

NET 06-14-2019

Calibraska Camps Bring Animation To Life In Nebraska

Star Herald 7-8-2018

Star Herald 7-8-2018

Animation Artist shares lifelong passion

Star Herald 7-25-2017

Star Herald 7-25-2017

Students explore animation at Calibraska camp

Star Herald 07/07/2017

Star Herald 07/07/2017

Calibraska Arts Inititative brings classes on animation to Scottsbluff

KNEB's News Extra program

KNEB's News Extra program

Erica Larsen-Dockray and Rachel Seropian join Kevin Mooney on KNEB's News Extra program Monday morning.

NET Radio Friday Live!

NET Radio Friday Live!

On the June 23rd program back at The Mill in Lincoln, host Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about: Nebraska Chamber Players "Concerts on the Creek" in Cambridge; animation workshops in Lincoln and Scottsbluff; ...

MEDIA
  • Facebook - White Circle
  • Vimeo - White Circle
  • Calibraska Instagram
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