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Soonercon logo and dates

John Eads aka Jim Shorts

 

Known for his vocal power and dynamic presence, Jim Shorts is a well-oiled, deliciously seasoned hunk of talent. His abilities as a singer, emcee, comedian, cosplayer and burlesque performer continue to evolve into some kind of next-level, sci-fi Pokémon. For years, he has worked his magic as an award-winning cosplayer, host, and emcee for Oklahoma’s premier locally-operated Soonercon! With T&A in his DNA, he is also a proud member of Terre Rouge Burlesque and on a mission to unbuckle the bible belt and show the world just how shiny Oklahoma’s undies are. If that weren’t enough, he has served the community as a volunteer member of both Jedi OKC and the 501st Legion, providing smiles, joy, and helping raise thousands of much-needed dollars for those in need. The tools in his box are impressive, and he’s ready to give you the best Ooos, Ahhs & Hahas in the galaxy!

 

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Noon | Location: Oklahoma G

The Art of the Long Game: Keeping Momentum and Staying the Course

Sure it’s easy to be super motivated when your business is brand new! But keeping momentum is hard, especially with setbacks and unexpected problems that face every artist. Our panel of professionals will talk about the tricks and strategies that keep you focused and productive!

Moderator: Liz Campbell

Panelists: Liz Campbell, C.C. Caldwell, Jacklyn Hennion, John Eads/Jim Shorts, David Rike, Dennis Spielman

Tracks: Health & Wellness, Business & Marketing, General Interest

03:00 PM | Location: Sooner B

Meet the Adventurers!

Meet the fine adventurers from the Soonercon Adventure Company: Larken Lovewell, Zagra Bonecrusher, Calista Stormcaller, and Evandor Trueheart! Ask them questions about their journeys across the land and how you might be able to start on your own quests.

Moderator: Stellae Cosplay

Panelists: Stellae Cosplay, Crash Thunderpants, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Sentinelbait, TKM Cosplay

Tracks: Kids, Meetup, Performing Arts

04:00 PM | Location: University C

Adventurers at Photo Set

Soonercon Adventure Company theme players will appear in guild hall for photographs and interaction with convention participants in the theme room.

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Crash Thunderpants, Sentinelbait, TKM Cosplay

Tracks: Autographs, Meetup

06:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive

Opening Ceremonies

Soonercon 32's official opening. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts will show us that Adventure Awaits!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Aislinn Burrows, Casey Alden aka eBay Miniature Rescues, Matt Cavanaugh, Crash Thunderpants, Dawn Frost Cosplay, Halite, Noah Hathaway, Miss OoLaLa, Alex Organ, Sentinelbait, Megan Shipman, Lisa Smedman, Crystal Sully, Thousand Faces Cosplay, TKM Cosplay, Natalie Van Sistine

Tracks: General Interest, Meetup

07:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

VIP Friends of Soonercon Reception

VIP Friends of Soonercon membership-exclusive social event with Soonercon 32 guests of honor and featured guests. Refreshments and beverages provided. Thank you to our 2024 VIP Friends of Soonercon!

Moderator: -

Panelists: Casey Alden aka eBay Miniature Rescues, Doug Cockle, Dawn Frost Cosplay, Halite, Noah Hathaway, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Miss OoLaLa, Alex Organ, Megan Shipman, Lisa Smedman, Crystal Sully, Thousand Faces Cosplay, Natalie Van Sistine

Tracks: Meetup

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

Cosplay Without Limits

Cosplay is an inclusive activity where everyone is welcome – regardless of body type, gender, identity, skin color, age, or ability. We will discuss strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in cosplay spaces, from challenging stereotypes to fostering a culture of acceptance and support. Whether seasoned cosplayer or newcomer, you are invited to embrace your uniqueness and celebrate the diversity that makes cosplay a more welcoming community.

Moderator: Julie Barrett

Panelists: Julie Barrett, Bessie Boutté, Terre Rouge Burlesque, Carousel Cosplay/Padme Peaches, Creative Countess, John Eads/Jim Shorts, TattedSith Cosplay

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest

03:00 PM | Location: Sooner B

Adventurer's Initiation

Become an Adventurer! Choose your class, choose your weapon, and give yourself a name. Then get knighted into Ripley's Adventurers Guild!

Moderator: Elaina Hamilton

Panelists: Elaina Hamilton, Crash Thunderpants, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Sentinelbait, TKM Cosplay

Tracks: Kids, Meetup

04:00 PM | Location: University C

Adventurers at Photo Set

Soonercon Adventure Company theme players will appear in guild hall for photographs and interaction with convention participants in the theme room.

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Crash Thunderpants, Sentinelbait, TKM Cosplay

Tracks: Autographs, Meetup

08:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive

Costume Contest

Soonercon's 32nd annual Costume Contest.

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Matt Cavanaugh, Crash Thunderpants, Dawn Frost Cosplay, GalaxyGhost, Miss OoLaLa, Sentinelbait, Thousand Faces Cosplay, TKM Cosplay

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Contest, Art, Maker, Performing Arts

10:30 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive 18+

Soonercon After Dark: Nerdlesque with Terre Rouge Burlesque

Nerd out for this GEEKtastic event featuring Terre Rouge Burlesque's infamous WEIRDlesque, which has grown to become one of the largest regular NERDlesque productions in the country. Over the past five years, Terre Rouge has cultivated a robust local scene providing space for over 75 unique artists to grow and thrive through seven regular productions.

This show is an ultimate celebration of inclusivity with mass appeal and reveal! Join the fun! Cosplay or theme dress is HIGHLY encouraged! Performances by Bessie Boutté, Padme Peaches, and Charlie Love, with Jim Shorts, Emcee. (Must be age 18+ w/ID to participate in this exclusive late-night function).

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Bessie Boutté, Terre Rouge Burlesque, Carousel Cosplay/Padme Peaches, Charlie Love

Tracks: Performing Arts

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B

Fandom – The Next Generation

Parents try to teach their child the important things: the odd-numbered Star Trek movie rule, the answer to the ultimate question, the ways of the Force and the Dark Side, and generally how not to roll a one at doing life. Our parent panelists share stories and trade tips on raising younglings with fandom interests, and the lessons being a nerd teaches us.

Moderator: Kimber E Chessmore

Panelists: Kimber E Chessmore, Julie Barrett, John Eads/Jim Shorts, David J. Pedersen

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

01:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times: Fantasy Movies of the 80s

The decade gave us Conan the Barbarian, but also gave us Conan the Destroyer. Not to mention Krull, Ladyhawke, Legend, Red Sonja, Beastmaster, and a whole host of other fantasy movies that are somehow both Not Good and Deeply Beloved. Join us in a discussion of the highs and lows in 80s fantasy films, and how they shaped our ideas of the genre, for better or for worse.

Moderator: Mark Finn

Panelists: Mark Finn, Jacob Blackmon, Sara Felix, Neal Hallford, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Julia S. Mandala

Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV

04:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive

Closing Ceremonies

Soonercon 32's official closing. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts launches us into Soonercon 33, coming 2025.

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Casey Alden aka eBay Miniature Rescues, Matt Cavanaugh, Crash Thunderpants, Dawn Frost Cosplay, Noah Hathaway, Miss OoLaLa, Alex Organ, Sentinelbait, Megan Shipman, Lisa Smedman, Crystal Sully, Thousand Faces Cosplay, TKM Cosplay, Natalie Van Sistine

Tracks: General Interest, Meetup