Disney animator to teach one-of-a-kind class at RCC

Medford, Ore. — Behind every Disney classic are the men and women who create the characters, and one of Disney’s animators now calls the Rogue Valley home. For the first time he’s bringing a community class to RCC, which will help animators of all ages, bring their drawings to life.

Walt Disney once said “animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive”, and for decades Phillip Young has been putting his mind in motion.

“I did Tony the Tiger, I did Toucan Sam,” retired Disney animator Phillip Young says, “all those things, selling cereal to kids.”

He was hired by Disney in 1977, and 3 years later got his big break.

“My first credit was Fox in the Hound in 1980,” Young says.

What would follow is a storybook career working on Oliver and Company, The Great Mouse Detective, Mulan, Tarzan, and The Emperor’s New Groove. He also worked on characters in Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

But now, it’s Young’s hope to share his love of animation with you. For the first time an “Action Drawing for Animation” class will be offered at RCC and the once a week class is open to teens and adults.

The class starts Thursday, March 31st, at the Higher Education Center in Downtown Medford. The 10 week course is $69. To register call 541-956-7303.