Stop Motion Animation

About this event

Have you ever watched an animated movie and wondered — how did they make that? In Stop Motion Animation Studio, your child doesn't just watch the magic happen. They make it. This hands-on afterschool program introduces students ages 7 and up to the art and science of stop motion animation using LEGO bricks — the same fundamental technique behind some of the most beloved animated films ever made. Students will plan their scenes, build their characters and sets brick by brick, capture frame-by-frame footage, and assemble it all into a real animated short they created from scratch. Every session is a blend of storytelling, engineering, technology, and pure creative energy. WHAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN Storytelling & Creative Thinking Every great animation starts with a great idea. Students will develop their own original characters, scenes, and storylines — brainstorming, sketching, and making creative decisions the same way professional animators do. Visual aids, classroom brainstorming sessions, and guided building challenges help every student find their creative voice, even when they're not sure where to start. The Science & Art of Animation Students discover how stop motion animation actually works — how a series of still photographs, captured one frame at a time, creates the illusion of movement on screen. They'll learn the principles of motion, timing, and scene composition while applying them directly to their own builds, developing a genuine understanding of both the technology and the craft behind the art form. Engineering & Stable Structure A character that falls over mid-scene isn't going anywhere — and students quickly learn that strong building technique is just as important as creative vision. They'll experiment with different methods for building sturdy, poseable LEGO figures and functional sets, learning to trust their engineering instincts and make adjustments when something doesn't hold up the way they planned. Presentation & Communication Skills Students share their work with peers throughout the program in a low-stakes, supportive environment — explaining their creative choices, describing their storylines, and eventually screening their finished animations for the group. These regular, low-pressure presentation moments build the kind of confidence in front of an audience that carries directly into the classroom and beyond. Collaboration & Peer Feedback Animation is a team sport. Students will give and receive constructive feedback, celebrate each other's work, and learn how to build on ideas together — skills that mirror the real collaborative environment of a professional animation studio. CLASS SCHEDULE 2:30-3:30pm: Local Park Visit, Snack, Homework Help, Guided Free Choice 3:30-4:00pm: Warm Up Robotic Activity 4:00-5:30pm: Feature Activity 5:30-5:45 pm: Free Choice & Parent Pickup ADDITIONAL DETAILS CLICK HERE for our FAQ and General Policies Guide Complimentary Bus Stop Pickup Available Classes are held on all Tuesdays except for those days when school is closed. All Afterschool Students receive 10% off on No-School Camp Days at The Afterschool Collective. Full Semester price is discounted to $90 per session rather than the $105 per session drop in investment