Learn from industry animation leaders in our nationally ranked character animation program.
The UCF-CREATE Pre-College Intensive Animation Summer Program is a fast-paced, hands-on experience designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors eager to explore the world of animation. Unlike other programs that focus solely on 2D animation, we provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes both 2D and 3D animation, modeling, texturing, and lighting—giving students a well-rounded foundation in industry-standard techniques.
Our unique two-week format is the perfect balance of intensity and engagement, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the creative process without the long-term commitment of traditional summer programs. Students will learn directly from UCF professors with industry experience and collaborate with graduate students from UCF’s prestigious Character Animation program, gaining hands-on training in professional animation techniques and workflows to develop essential animation skills, receive personalized feedback, and produce portfolio-quality work.
In addition to animation training, students will have the opportunity to refine their artistic skills through studio drawing sessions with a live model, a fundamental practice used by professional animators to improve their understanding of movement, anatomy, and character design.
As a bonus for families, our program is located in the heart of Orlando, Florida—home to world-class theme parks, entertainment, and cultural attractions. This makes it the perfect opportunity to combine an enriching summer education with an unforgettable family vacation!
To ensure students have everything they need to succeed, we provide professional-grade art supplies as part of tuition, eliminating any extra costs for materials.
Spots are limited—enroll today and give your aspiring animator the ultimate summer experience!
FAQ
How is an Intensive different from a typical summer camp?
Unlike a recreational camp, an Intensive focuses on building real skills in a concentrated period of time. Our program is fast-paced and structured much like a college-level course. Students spend several hours each day learning, practicing, and applying new techniques. While there are fun moments and creative freedom, the focus is on growth, collaboration, and completing a challenging animation film project in a short window of time.
Is this program right for my student?
Consider your student’s learning style and comfort with concentrated instruction. If your student enjoys hands-on work, can adapt to a collaborative environment, and is excited by the idea of immersing themselves in animation and drawing for long extensive periods of time the program may be a great fit. If your student benefits from a slower pace with more one-on-one support, a different type of summer experience may be a better fit. If you have questions, we encourage you to contact us and we’d be happy to talk through the structure and help determine if it’s a good fit the Intensive would be suitable.
What will my student gain from the program?
Students learn the foundations of animation principles and get hands-on experience with industry-standard software taught by UCF animation faculty. They practice working as part of a creative team, mirroring a professional studio environment. By the end of the program, students will have created an original collaborative short animation, received a certificate of completion, and gained valuable skills to strengthen both their confidence and their future portfolios.
Is the program competitive to get into?
We maintain small groups so that students can receive personalized guidance and feedback. We recommend early registration as spots are very limited. Admission is based on application order and interest. No prior experience is required, however a strong interest in drawing, storytelling, or digital art is preferred.
What are the daily hours and what should students bring?
The program runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with scheduled breaks and a lunch period. All professional grade software, equipment, and art supplies are provided, and students receive snacks throughout the day. Families are responsible for providing lunch, but a refrigerator and microwave are available for student use.
Are there housing options available for participants?
On-site housing is not available. However, participants can take advantage of special discounted rates at the Residence Inn Orlando Downtown and Marriott Orlando Downtown hotels. Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive reservation links to book your stay. In addition, you may want to look into nearby Airbnb options or other accommodations that best fit your needs. For more information, email us at create@ucf.edu.
& July 14-25, 2025
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$1065 (tuition) + $35 (reg. fee) two-week session
REGISTRATION:
After clicking the registration button, you will be redirected to our landing page. Select your choice from the dropdown box on the left.
Click to RegisterTopics Covered
- 3D Modeling/Animation
- 2D Animation
- Storyboarding
- Anatomy
- Environments
- Figure Drawing
- Physics for Animators
- Drawing
- Software used: Maya, ToonBoom, After Effects, Premiere, Substance
Important Information
- Instructors include industry professionals: UCF professors, former Disney animators and UCF character animation graduate students.
- Use of industry rated computer lab and professional digital software.
- Participants should bring a lunch. Snacks and drinks provided throughout the day. Please bring a refillable water bottle if you have one.
- While we do NOT provide on-site housing, we have teamed up this year with Marriott to provide participants with special discounted rates for the Residence Inn Orlando Downtown and Marriott Orlando Downtown hotels! Reservation links will be provided to participants after application has been submitted. If you have any questions regarding the housing options please email create@ucf.edu.
Featured Instructors
JoAnne Adams
Adams worked at Walt Disney Feature Animation for 15 years and has taught at the University of Central Florida since 2008.
Michael Cabrera
Cabrera has worked as an independent Visual Effects artist for the past 15 years and has taught at the University of Central Florida since 2017.
Ron Hargrove
Ron Hargrove (MFA, University of Central Florida) is an animator/storyteller and a Research Instructor with CREATE. He’s taught 2D and 3D animation, as well as modeling and visual effects at the University of Central Florida for the past 3 years.
Elaina Buffkin
Elaina Buffkin is an artist and designer specializing in draftsmanship and the 2D animation pipeline. She crafts a unique visual language to connect with her audiences through logic-based design choices, found aesthetics, and charming, illustrative style. Away from her desk, she enjoys jiu jitsu, yoga, Terraforming Mars, and ping pong.
Cheryl Briggs
Briggs is a published author, an Autodesk Certified Professional and Instructor in Maya, and has been teaching all aspects of animation production for over 20 years. She has been teaching at UCF since 2009, and working as Motion Capture Engineer with FIEA since 2019.
Christina Christie
Christina Christie (MFA, University of Central Florida) is a lecturer and Area Coordinator for the Emerging Media: Character Animation track and an instructor for the Animation and Visual Effects M.F.A. Though her journey as a filmmaker began locally, her award-winning animated short films have screened worldwide. Between projects and productions, she has worked as a successful freelance illustrator, rigging/modeling artist, and production manager for independent clients across the nation.