Tolkien’s Middle-earth schedule 2012

FRIDAY

10 a.m. — Welcome to Middle-earth — A welcome and grand overview of what is planned as well as a get-to-know you session.  Kick off DragonCon by arming yourself with knowledge and friends.   L401 – 403, Marriott.

11:30 a.m. — LOTR Celebrity Guests — A trio from cinematic Middle-earth are on hand to tell tales, swap stories and answer questions. Billy Boyd, Craig Parker and John Rhys-Davies. Can one stage hold that much class?  Centennial II – III, Hyatt

1 p.m. — Gaming in Tolkien’s Realms — A proliferation of video games in Middle-earth has sprung up in recent years with more in development. Lord of the Rings Online, Guardians of Middle-earth, and LEGO are among the many ways fans can now participate in Tolkien’s world. Join us in a look and maybe in some hands-on experiences with these electronic worlds. But, that isn’t all. There are other ways to game in Tolkien’s Realms and we will try to hit them all.  L401 – 403, Marriott.

2:30 p.m. — Costuming: Working with leather — Learn all about leather-working as it pertains to costuming in general and fantasy armor in particular.  L401 – 403, Marriott.

4 p.m. — Catching Up On ‘The Hobbit’— TheOneRing.net, following Middle-earth movies for well over a decade, catches you up on the comprehensive story of Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit.’ Staffers, including those who have spent time on set, prepare you for this year’s biggest fantasy film. Q&A – International North, Marriott

5:30 p.m — Middle-earth Fan Films — Filmmakers, producers and fans inspired by Middle-earth gather to define and showcase fan films, answer questions – and maybe even inspire future filmmakers. L401 – 403, Marriott.

7 p.m. — Elf Choir Workshop — On-the-spot training to make an Elf choir with participants. Hear, believe, sing! Learn two songs and by the end of the panel shake DragonCon with other-worldly music. L401 – 403, Marriott.

8:30 p.m. — An Evening at Bree — A great DragonCon tradition continues but with new flavor! Back are the incomparable Emerald Rose and the best Middle-earth costumes and contest around. Craig Parker will emcee the competition as we admire and award costumes from Middle-earth. Expect a surprise guest performance or two as well! Centennial I – Hyatt

11:30 p.m. — Late night open mic,  a night at the Green Dragon — Your chance to sing, tell stories, dance, read or simply listen – whatever you are inspired to do!  Led by Tolkien Track staff’s greendragon. L401 – 403, Marriott.

SATURDAY

10 a.m. — Parade — Support Middle-earth costumers in the parade or join them to march together. Please see this page for details on how to be a participant. An Elven choir may also participate. If you want to be part of that group, please attend the Friday choir workshop and, like all who hope to march in the parade, sign up for the event in advance. Peachtree Street.

11:30 a.m. — LOTR vs. The Hobbit — An examination of a Quest Versus Adventure, contrasting The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. As we move to the Hollwood Wellywood version of The Hobbit , how do the basic stories compare?  L401 – 403, Marriott.

1 p.m. — A Wizard, a Dwarf, a Hobbit and an Elf, Oh My! — An astounding panel with an actor representing each of the major races of Middle-earth. Moderated discussion from Billy Boyd, John Rhys-Davies, Sylvester McCoy and Craig Parker who also all happen to be excellent gentlemen. Stories, tears and laughter expected.  Centennial II – III  Hyatt

2:30 p.m. — Cultural Fighting Styles — A discussion and demonstration of the weapons and fighting styles of the cultures seen in the LOTR films and their real world origins. War will almost seem an art-form.  L401 – 403, Marriott.

4 p.m. — The Undying Lands — What does it really mean to journey to the Undying Lands? Join Constance Wagner for a discussion of the significance of the Grey Havens scene in book and film and a deeper exploration of life, death, and immortality in and beyond Middle-earth.  L401 – 403, Marriott.

5:30 p.m. — The Unofficial Word on The Hobbit — With the basics already covered in a previous discussion TheOneRing.net staff delves deep to deliver more inside info on The Hobbit. Expect the latest info with opinions and Q&A with a smaller room and audience.  L401 – 403, Marriott.

7 p.m. — C.S. Lewis vs. J.R.R. Tolkien —Authors Constance G. J. Wagner and M. B. Weston join a discussion about the enduring popularity of Narnia and Middle-earth and two of the giants in the field with works that endure in popularity who also happened to be fast friends.  Hanover C – E

10 p.m. — Film screening: The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers — An exclusive screening just for the convention, this film is an adventure that explores gaming and wonders if there is a little geek and hero inside all of us. See a preview at www.thefellowshipmovie.com/   L401 – 403, Marriott.

11:30 p.m. — Late night open mic: ’Bards, balrogs and ballads – court the late night muse’ — Bring your creative words of wonder to share in our own Hall of Fire at this Tolkien-inspired poetry slan. Odes, ballads, tales, and all manner of word play welcome!
  L401 – 403, Marriott.

SUNDAY

10 .m. — Costume Design using cultural themes — L401 – 403, Marriott.

11:30 a.m. — Meet Thorin Oakenshield — L401 – 403, Marriott.

1 p.m. — Introducing ‘The Silmarillion’ — L401 – 403, Marriott.

2:30  p.m. — Costuming: Costuming: Good to Great — Tips, tricks and essential skills for taking your Tolkien costume to the next level! Embroidery, quilting, painting, how to choose wigs and contacts, as well as fun foam techniques will be highlighted. L401 – 403, Marriott.

4 p.m. — Lord of the Rings Celebrity Guests — Atrium Ballroom.

5:30  p.m. — Inspired by Tolkien – how to write and publish — L401 – 403, Marriott.

7  p.m. — Hobbit Drinking Songs — L401 – 403, Marriott.

8:30  p.m. — Collecting Middle-earth — L401 – 403, Marriott.

11:30  p.m. — Late night open mic – Fanfic — L401 – 403, Marriott.

MONDAY

10 a.m. —2013 Track Input — L401 – 403, Marriott.

11:30 a.m. — Hobbit Secrets Revealed — Centennial I.

1 p.m. — ARTC presents ‘The Scouring of the Shire’ — L401 – 403, Marriott.

2:30 p.m. — Middle-earth through the lens — L401 – 403, Marriott.

4 p.m. — Namarie: Farewell to Middle-earth — L401 – 403, Marriott.