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Emcee

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 like 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 to show the world just how shiny Oklahoma’s panties 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 and joy, while 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 “oohs,” “ahhs,” and “ha-has” in the galaxy!

 

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ASSEMBLE · ENGAGE · TRANSFORM

Join us for Oklahoma's Premier Pop Culture Convention.

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Game Show: Real or Alternative History?

Contestants decide if certain "facts" are alternate history or really happened. Audience participation encouraged!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, David Carrico, Jeff Provine, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Alfred, Ted Pennella, vickey malone kennedy

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, General Interest

4:00 PM | Location: Outside Boomer A - Rascals Den Photo Booth

Rascals at Photo Booth

Get your picture taken with the Neon Rascals at their den in the Exhibitors Hall. (1 hour)

Tracks: Autographs, Meetup

6:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Opening Ceremonies

Soonercon 31's official opening. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts will Declare Our Independence!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Christina Dark Cosplay, Daniel Soto, Dark Side Cosplay, James Farr, John Eads/Jim Shorts, John Scalzi, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Loretta McKibben, Matthew Cavanaugh, Red Bard, RedWebb Cosplay, Rynaga, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay

Tracks: General Interest, Meetup

7:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

VIP Friends of Soonercon Reception

VIP Friends of Soonercon membership-exclusive social event with Soonercon 31 guests of honor and featured guests. Refreshments and beverages provided. Thank you to our 2023 VIP Friends of Soonercon!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Chaz Kemp, Christina Dark Cosplay, Dark Side Cosplay, James Farr, John Eads/Jim Shorts, John Scalzi, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Loretta McKibben, Red Bard, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay

Tracks: Meetup

10:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room

Suiting up with the 501st Legion

Legionnaires take the public behind the helmet and show how several costumes were put together and how they're put on while taking questions from the audience.

Moderator: James Dock

Panelists: Chris Curtis, James Dock, James Peake, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Steven Manning

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Maker

Noon | Location: Boomer B

Don't Get Caught: The Esteemed Thief Archetype

The concept of sneak-thieving runs from Prometheus, to Kirk stealing a cloaking device, or a certain hobbit and a ring. Many tales show the honor in theft, just ask your RPG party's rogue. What makes such a character admirable, not despicable?

Moderator: Mark Finn

Panelists: Craig Wolf, David Carrico, J.H. Fleming, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Finn, Selina Rosen

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy, History, Writing & Publishing

2:00 PM | Location: Outside Boomer A - Rascals Den Photo Booth

Rascals at Photo Booth

Get your picture taken with the Neon Rascals at their den in the Exhibitors Hall. (2 hours.)

Tracks: Autographs, Meetup

8:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Costume Contest

Soonercon's 31st annual Costume Contest.

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Christina Dark Cosplay, Dark Side Cosplay, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay, Whitney Sews

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

10:30 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Soonercon After Dark: Nerdlesque with Terre Rouge Burlesque

Nerd out for this GEEKtastic event featuring Terre Rouge Burlesque’s infamous WEIRDlesque that 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, Rosie Nippelle and Jim Shorts, Emcee. (Must be age 18+ w/ID to participate in this exclusive late-night function).

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Bessie Boutté, Terre Rouge Burlesque, John Eads/Jim Shorts

Tracks: Performing Arts

11:00 AM | Location: Outside Boomer A - Rascals Den Photo Booth

Rascals at Photo Booth

Get your picture taken with the Neon Rascals at their den in the Exhibitors Hall. (1 hour)

Tracks: Autographs, Meetup

Noon | Location: Sooner A

The Antidote to Toxic Fandom

Toxic fandom hasn't gone away. In fact, it seems to be getting worse, even seeing death threats if fans aren't fed what they want, when they want, the way they want. What can be done about this problem, and what is your personal role in the solution?

Moderator: Aaron Bossig

Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Finn, Rook Riley

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, Internet Life

2:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

Cosplay Over 40: Age Doesn't Matter

Cosplayers of all ages exist and they even age! You're not relegated to just playing the wise old wizard, evil Imperial officer, the doting mom, or eccentric granny for laughs. Our over-40 cosplay panelists discuss tips for making any character your own and feeling fabulous in your cosplay at any age.

Moderator: Ms Fae Mullens

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mace Kendu, Ms Fae Mullens, Vanessa Green

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion

4:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Closing Ceremonies

Soonercon 31's official closing. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts launches us into Soonercon 32, coming 2024.

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Christina Dark Cosplay, Daniel Soto, Dark Side Cosplay, James Farr, John Eads/Jim Shorts, John Scalzi, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Loretta McKibben, Matthew Cavanaugh, Red Bard, RedWebb Cosplay, Rynaga, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay

Tracks: General Interest, Meetup