WHICH MONSTER CAMP IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

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Monster Camp students must be 18 or older to attend.

Monster Camp is an intense learning experience that pushes the student to excel. Classes are long and often focused intently on the skill at hand. Example: Day 1 is 8 straight hours of sculpting. You know your kid best. If you think they can stay focused and committed for this kind of class day, he/she may be alright to attend. As an underage student, a parent or legal guardian MUST attend the camp with the student. There is a $200 cover for the parent/guardian spot to cover meals. Know that this is a packed weekend of hard work. Contact us at stiltbeaststudios@gmail.com and let’s talk about it. 

Once you have paid for your Monster Camp spot, you will receive instructions on your “homework” – don’t worry, this is awesome homework! Start thinking of TWO designs you’d like to create. Use Google image search and begin to compile examples of what you like. Example: A photo or drawing of eyes you’d like your creature to have, ears, fangs, skin texture, hair, horns, whatever. But start thinking- start designing. Once we get closer to camp, Allen will go over your ideas with you and help you to choose which is best for the class you have signed up for. Sculpting begins as soon as you arrive. You’ll want your design ready and approved before you get there so you are ready to dive in as soon as you settle into your workspace. Contemplate your designs in the weeks and months BEFORE camp and be ready to start Day ONE. Strive for something original. Freddy and Jeepers Creepers have been DONE! Make your own unique monster!

Once you have paid for your Monster Camp spot, you are part of the class. You’ll receive emails and text to keep you updated on any changes or additions to the curriculum. Once we are close to your Monster Camp weekend, a Facebook group will be created to allow students to introduce themselves to each other and share ideas and designs before they meet in person. 

 Not a problem. We’ll keep you in all loops via text message and/or email, which ever you choose. 

Our Half Mask Classic and Express Monster Camps are beginner level. No experience needed. Our Advanced Full Mask camp is recommended for intermediate/advanced skill levels. Unsure if you’ve got enough experience? Contact us and let’s talk. Monster Camp alumni and students with previous skills are good to attend. 

You won't.  We won't let you.

Be prepared to have a way to get your mold home. The mold is the plaster shell you create over your clay sculpture. Once dry, this plaster shell is what you pour your latex in to make the skin which eventually becomes your mask. So, you will want to take this home. If you are flying, bring a large empty hard side suitcase with towels for padding and you can check it at the airport. Or some students have opted to make their mold their “carry one” item. 

3 days of small classroom instruction and guidance, a Stiltbeast Studios apron, resin headform (so you can keep sculpting at home!), work space, sculpting tool, all your materials needed:  clay, plaster, latex, straps, paint, etc.  Plus your meals and a complimentary shuttle to and from the host hotel. 

No, you must provide your own hotel and airfare/transportation.  We have a group rate at the host hotel and can provide you the information once you have purchased a ticket if you choose to stay there.  

 Not at all. The host hotel and shuttle service are a courtesy but are not mandatory. Stay where you wish! 

 Let us know what you are allergic to so we can plan the meals accordingly. 

 Sadly, that is a deal breaker. If you have a latex allergy, please do not attend Monster Camp. It is in the air in the shop and impossible to avoid. 

Monster Camp is an intense learning experience. An example of how camp runs: 

Day One: On your first day of camp, you will sculpt. “The whole day?” YES. Because until you get that sculpt perfect, your mask is not going to be what you envisioned.

NOTE: For Monster Camp Express, Day 1 and 2 are condensed into ONE day- 4-5 hours of sculpting followed by molding, cleaning and pouring your latex. Yes, all in the first day. This is a very full and fast paced day.

Day Two: One hour of “last looks” – your chance to make any last-minute adjustments to your sculpt. Then molding your sculpt and letting the plaster set. Once molding is complete, you will pour your latex. A 2 hour dwelling period is needed for the latex to develop the skin so we provide a tour of Dark Hour Haunted House during this time. After 2 hours, we pour out the excess latex, leave the skin and it will dry overnight. 

Day Three: “Hatch Day!” Pulling your latex skin from your mold and meeting your creation face to face. Trimming the flash (extra latex around the edges), eyes and nose holes. Airbrush and embellishments take place for your finishing touches. 

Yes!  As a Monster Camp student, you're welcome to record and photograph the lessons for future reference.  

A $100 non-refundable deposit is made to hold your spot in camp.  You can pay the balance for Monster Camp at your own pace.  Full balance is due 2 weeks before class begins.

Yes, with a few caveats: Switching from one class date to another of the same camp (example: switching from one Advanced camp to a different Advanced camp) is no change to your class balance. If there is room in the camp you wish to attend, we can switch you. If you are switching from one tier to a higher tier (example: from a classic/beginner level camp to an advanced level camp, the extra balance required for that higher level camp will be added to your balance. If you are going to a lower tier camp, there is no refund for the extra balance. 

Monster Camp Express is a 2 day condensed camp for the student who wants core skills only. As it is 2 days instead of 3, it is less expensive, but the pace is just as fast as the other camps. Basically, you are learning the core skills that you can take back with you and practice on your own. There is less sculpting time (only about 4-5 hours instead of a full day in other camps) so you can learn the molding and pouring process. Your final product is a simple hand painted half mask. 

Both Love Field and DFW International Airport are 25 minutes from Stiltbeast Studios/Dark Hour Haunted House.  

 Yes!  A light breakfast is served each morning in the classroom.  Lunch and Dinner are served Friday and Saturday.  Sundays are lunch only as the class ends before the dinner hour.  We keep you well fed at Monster Camp.  

This is a working monster shop so make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dirty.  With latex, paint, plaster and clay, there is always a chance you're going to get something on you so wear clothes that you're willing to sacrifice for your art!

We have had students from Maine, Iowa, Illinois,  California, Florida, Wisconsin, North and South Carolina, Washington, Ohio, Tennessee, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Oklahoma  and Minnesota.  Don't let distance stop you from doing this!  Book the flight and hotel or pack up the car and make a road trip.  Students from all over the country are joining us.  You can, too.