2026-27 Mentorship Projects & Program Support

The Orange Tree Project – Year 7:

Established in 2020, The Orange Tree Project stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the realm of education. Born from what some might call a “Crazy Idea,” this transformative initiative is the brainchild of Nickelodeon Community Efforts (Nice) and Sisler High School’s Create program. At its core, The Orange Tree Project is dedicated to providing high school students with unparalleled access to mentorship opportunities, guiding them through the intricacies of the animation pipeline and immersing them in a dynamic, studio-like environment. With a focus on fostering creativity and teamwork, this partnership has empowered hundreds of Winnipeg students to unleash their potential, resulting in the creation of countless 2D animated shorts, one 3D animated short, and the development of six series. How amazing is it that this year’s Orange Tree Project concludes in a showcase at Nickelodeon Animation, a testament to the extraordinary journey and achievements of these aspiring animators.

Now Then Forever – Year 1:

Every student in the CREATE 2D animation program will be mentored bi-weekly by Adolph Lusinsky on the developement of his animated short “Now Then Forever.” The project kick-started on June 1, 2026 when Adolph visited Sisler.

About “Now Then Forever”
Adolph is a Director-of-Cinematography with Walt Disney Animation Studios. He’s worked on numerous movies over the last 25 years with the latest being Moana 2. The short is loosely inspired by his family. It’s a personal passion project that has had many contributions from his colleagues and as well students. Some of the contributions include character designs by Paul Felix & Bill Schwab. The color script was painted by Lisa Keene. Early visual exploration was done by Mike Gabriel. And there are many others that have contibuted. The project is so lucky to have contributions of this caliber.

Two groups of CREATE students will be mentored on the creation of a 75 second animated short. Jam Filled will also be training the entire program through a series of masterclasses, starting in September.

We are so fortunate to have been a small part of the Sisler Create program. Seeing the student progression throughout this process has been very rewarding and we can’t wait to see what these students do in the future.

PHIL LAFRANCE

The future looks bright for the next generation of animation professionals from SISLER CREATE. It’s been great to have the opportunity to give them feedback on story and see them actually apply what they learn. Go SISLER!

JAMIE LECLAIRE

The Sisler Create Program is nothing short of inspiring both for the students involved as well as for us as a studio. Seeing their passion and enthusiasm for animation grow, along with the confidence, skills and fundamentals they are gaining from being a part of this program has been truly amazing to watch develop over the past few months.

MICHAEL HUNTER

Sisler X Wacom’s CREATE for the World – Year 5:

A group of CREATE students will be mentored on a 75 second animated short by Sarajean TheOneWithBear, and Dave Bolton from Wacom Canada.

In 2024, our students created Mouse-Trap. Mouse-Trap is a comic book by Sisler CREATE For the World. The story follows Mus, a short, big-eared, freckled freshman going into a different school. While being the new kid, Mus faces obstacles such as social anxiety, self-confidence issues, and fake friends. The goal of this comic is to showcase the difference between toxic and healthy relationships with others and with ourselves. Working on this project hits close to home as everyone in the team sympathizes with the main character in a special way. We incorporated experiences from group members not only to create a source of relatability but also as a way to find closure in our own issues. A great thanks to our mentors, Jason Scheier and Dave Bolton for their nonstop support throughout the whole process. Without them and their advice, this comic wouldn’t be what it is today.

Sisler X Wacom’s Social Media Campaign – Year 2:

A group of students will be working with mentor Sarah Woodward, Dave Bolton, Sarajean TheOneWithBear and Wacom Social Media on the creation of social media projects.

My involvement with Sisler’s CREATE program is one of the highlights of what I do. Seeing the development of the student creators is beyond rewarding – it is an experience that I am truly thankful for each and every time we meet. Thank you to Jamie and the CREATE program for including me, and allowing me to learn what makes these students truly amazing.

DAVE BOLTON, Director – Wacom Canada

Working with Sisler’s Create program and our partners at Wacom is truly incredible! Being a part of this group is truly a dream come true. Watching our students grow into forces of nature with their human skills, artistic intelligence, and most of all kindness is why I love to be a part of this group. I’m so honored to be called a mentor by such amazing people. Everyone gives their collective all in everything they do, and it shows. Jamie and Chris are the glue that holds this entire project together, and Dave is a magnificent partner in sharing insight and wisdom with the team. Thank you Sisler for letting me be a small part of this amazing program! 

JASON SCHEIER
Production Designer-Transformers One
Paramount Animation