We often get asked “What is the point of Can’t Stop the Serenity? I can watch my DVD/Blu-ray of Serenity anytime at home. Why should I support a local event?” We’d like to share our answer with you. By supporting a local Can’t Stop the Serenity event, you are helping to change the world. Now, that might seem like a pretty big claim, but here’s where it’s true. The money which you hand over at a local event for a few hours of entertainment, some merchandise, a few raffle tickets or perhaps to win something cool in an auction goes to support the vital work of Equality Now. And what does Equality Now do with it? They make positive change happen. Often, that change is in places far from your home such preventing child marriage in the Middle East, and protecting the rights of women in Africa and Asia.… Read more…
All posts by lioness
New York City celebrates Serenity with a Screening and Shindig
Saturday, June 8, New York City is changing things around a little with a pre-screening party at the New York Brewing Company before heading to the theatre for a costume contest and live music by Sean Faust. There will be a cash bar and drinks are welcome in the theatre.
There is also a live auction with some great items. Who wouldn’t want a set of tools signed by Jewel Staite? Just take a look at how she signed it!
There’s a First Aid Kit signed by Sean and an Equality Now hat that Joss himself signed, to name just a few items. Also, there is a very special not yet released game that anyone would be interested in…..
And of course, there is Serenity, the movie that can be seen over and over again.… Read more…
Message from Dave
Here we are approaching the heart of the CSTS event season!
I had the opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Comic Con on June 1st and was fortunate to meet with the crews from Philadelphia, New York and Pittsburgh who staffed fan tables there as well as the organizers from Raleigh and Arlington. There were Browncoats everywhere!
I lost count of the Jayne Hats, Firefly themed tee shirts and various costumes. I saw lots of Captain Mals and Kaylees; in fact a most unforgettable Kaylee with a thick beard and a magnificent handlebar mustache eating a strawberry. Gina, Adam, Jewel and Summer were guests at the con and there were long lines for autographs and photo opportunities. They were gracious enough to autograph some stuff for our CSTS auction.… Read more…
Can’t Stop the Serenity Flies with a Screening in Vancouver
On Saturday, May 25th, Vancouver returns with their 8th Annual CSTS Screening.
But they’re not sitting on their laurels. This year promises to be better than ever.
There is a scavenger hunt on now, with the winner to be announced at the screening.
Jewel Staite dropped by to sign all sorts of items for the auction. She has even offered to record a ringtone for some successful bidder!
There is trivia bingo, and since it is Towel Day there will even be some Vorgon poetry! There’s an Evil Laugh contest, a screening of Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog and more!
And of course, Serenity itself. It all starts at 12:30 and details can be found here or here.… Read more…
We Have Prizes!
Three wonderful 2013 calenders have been donated to CSTS and we want you to have one. Even though some of the year is gone, we think you won’t mind when you see the pictures!
One is a Xena Princess Warrior calender and the other is Supernatural.
How do you enter? If you are on Twitter, just retweet an @CSTS or @EqualityNow tweet, then send us a tweet and tell us which calender you would like. Include the hashtag #signal
If you are on Facebook, share one of our posts or one of Equality Now’s and again, let us know you did it, and which calender you would like.
The contest will run from now till the end of Wed. May 1, Pacific Time.
Retweet and/or Share as often as you like.… Read more…
Can’t Stop the Serenity 2013 gets off to a great start
This Saturday April 20 there is 2 events in 2 countries, doing what we do best.
Raising money for charity and having fun while doing it.
The Tidewater Browncoats in Norfolk, Virginia have the first screening of the Season. They will be showing Dr. Horrible’s Sing a long Blog, Mikey Mason is doing not one but two sets and new this year is Comedian James Rodatus. There will be many funny videos and last and certainly not least, the movie itself. Serenity. Proceeds go to Equality Now and Samaritan House.
Costumes are encouraged and you can buy tickets at the door.
Up Canada way, the Alberta Browncoats are starting with an Affiliate event at Happy Harbour Comics in Edmonton. Watch Dr. Horrible and some great videos of the nerdy kind.… Read more…
A Good Excuse
So you want to have a shindig with your fellow Browncoats. But everyone is so busy and it’s hard to agree on a time or a place. And everyone is well meaning but nothing ever quite gets off the ground.
Do we have just the thing for you! Hold a Can’t Stop the Serenity Event! It’s BIG (or small), Splashy (or sedate). We will help you promote it and it will be the event to attend!
Think about it. You get to see Serenity if you choose to do a full screening, or with an Affiliate event, Dr Horrible and a whole slew of other videos we got permission to show this year. You are surrounded by fellow Browncoats and anyone else you choose to invite.… Read more…
Over $800,000 raised over 7 Years!
In the 2012 year, Can’t Stop The Serenity raised $110,465.98 for Equality Now and 19 other charities. This brings our total to over $800,000.00 U.S. over the last 7 years. New cities joined the cause and we had events in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States
With Equality Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, we are especially pleased to be able to donate in this banner year.
Thank you to all our sponsors, organizers, and participants, for contributing to this tremendous success!
We deeply appreciate your commitment and generosity in helping us to support the rights of women and girls worldwide.… Read more…
Registration is now open for 2013
Registrations is now open for the 2013 Can’t Stop The Serenity screening season.
We’ve made a couple of changes we think you will like. The event window now starts April 1st and goes until Sept. 30.
We hope that this will give colleges, universities and other schools a better chance to run either a full screening or an Affiliate while school is still in. Cities that have a good sized school in their area can consider if they will get students if they hold their event in one of the spring months.
There are 2 kinds of events.
Screenings show Serenity and may or may not have a variety of other things as well, such as raffles, auctions, contests and other multimedia (pending licensing arrangements). The majority of CSTS events are Screening events.… Read more…
Message from Dave
Hello Browncoats! We’re coming up on our eighth year; who would
have believed that a grass roots movement based on a failed TV show and
a movie that barely broke even would have lasted this long or done so
much good.
A guy had an idea and others bought into it, nurtured it and
now here we are. I don’t know the names of all the plank owners, the
organizers of the first events, but one day I will and if I ever meet
you I’ll certainly buy the first round.
We’ve been asking around for ways to make things better and we’ve received some good ideas.
First, the registration process is being streamlined.
Second,we’re going to open up the event window to include April and May.… Read more…
Watch the 2012 CSTS Intro Video
During the CSTS 2012 Season, attendees at the screenings were treated to a special introductory video.
Well known Whedon actors welcome the fans to the screening, and thank them for attending. Didn’t get a chance to go to a screening this year? No worries! We have now put the video up on our YouTube channel for all to see. Sean Maher, Tahmoh Penikett, Amy Acker, Jane Espensen, and artist Jason Palmer guest star.
The video also includes the piece “When We Speak, written by Joss Whedon and performed at the 20th Anniversary Fundraiser for Equality Now.
The global team would like to offer our special thanks to all those who contributed to the video, and to Liam Merrick for pulling it all together.
Check out our YouTube Channel for more videos, including past Global Intros and content from Equality Now on their 20th Anniversary.… Read more…
The 2013 Auction has Begun
Our Global Auction for Equality Now have begun! This is your chance to get your hands on some amazing Whedonverse collectables and more, while helping a wonderful cause.
Go here -http://bit.ly/TxTYEj
How about a silver Jewellry box which Gina Torres gave to the cast & crew during the filming of Firefly?
Or a Fanny pack which Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan gave to the Buffy crew at Christmas, 1998.
These are both incredibly rare.
The Avengers make their appearance with 2 full sized, double sided Movie posters along with a hard to find Dollhouse poster. You might also be interested in some of the official Avengers swag.
Maybe you are more into nifty crafts. Then you’ll love our Big Damn Heroes created as knit dolls.… Read more…
We are having an Auction, starting Nov. 3rd
As the CSTS 2012 season comes to a close, we’ve got one last piece of awesome to share with you. Thanks to a whole host of fantastic Browncoats, we’re excited to announce the 2012 Can’t Stop the Serenity Global Auction! It starts Saturday Nov. 3rd and runs till the following Saturday, Nov. 10th. We’ll announce the URL soon.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the items up for grabs…
- Jane Espenson donated two shooting scripts for the Firefly episode Shindig which she wrote. Can anyone resist bidding on these? We don’t think so!
- For Christmas 2008 Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan gave the Buffy crew a fanny pack with the name of the show, Sarah & Alyson’s names and the date embroidered on the pack.
Final Weekend of CSTS Events
The last weekend of Can’t Stop The Serenity events sees us end with a bang as five screenings and an Affiliate event take place in the US and Canada.
Salt Lake City has an afternoon of fun planned for Sept. 29th with a Costume Contest, raffle and of course Serenity. Since it is a Cinema pub you must be 21 with ID to enter.
Edmonton, AB is showing all episodes of the Guild – at the Whedon friendly comic book store Happy Harbour Comics. The fun gets underway at 10:30. Details at the website.
Can’t Stop The Serenity – Orange County is back for their 5th year with Serenity, Dr. Horrible and new this year, live music from “Hello, the Future” which includes Firefly filk. There will also be an auction of collectibles and of course, prizes!… Read more…
Big Weekend Coming Up
CSTS cities are out in full force this weekend with events in 3 countries.
Tucson, AZ has a raffle, a costume contest, local sci-fi/steampunk webisodes, some gaming, Dr. Horrible and Serenity, all in one evening. It will be held at the historic Fox theater.
Bristol in the UK also has a Serenity screening as well as a look back at the TV show, Chuck. When it is over, everyone will repair to the pub nearby.
Up in Canada, Toronto, On is also showing Dr.Horrible as well as the Guild. There will also be door prizes and a mini auction.
Philadelphia is having their Dr. Horrible screening on Sunday Sept. 23rd which will include games, a costume contest and a raffle.… Read more…
Why Smart Pop Books supports CSTS
We asked our sponsors why they support Can’t Stop The Serenity.
Leah Wilson, Editor-in-Chief of Smart Pop replies:
My favorite part of working on BenBella’s Smart Pop titles is the
contact we get to have with fandom — with the people who devote their
time and energy to not only building community, but doing good on
behalf of the books and shows and films they love.
It’s a (wonderful) inevitability that communities bear strong
resemblance, especially in values, to the properties that inspire
them. And so the strongest fan communities grow up around properties
that value community. The communities who most strongly reach out to
help others are the communities whose heroes do the same.
We’re proud to support Can’t Stop the Serenity not just because of
Equality Now (as incredibly worthwhile an organization as it is!).… Read more…
Chicago and Houston break atmo this weekend
September 8th sees the Chicagoland Browncoats holding an event packed screening. They have great auction items including a Firefly script signed by Tim Minear. They are also looking forward to a costume contest with any character from the Whedonverse. Everything gets started at 6:00 p.m. and ends with the screening of Serenity.
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Houston has jumped onboard and will be showing Serenity, not once, but twice on Sept. 8th. They have linked to one of the original trailers to the movie- don’t watch it if you haven’t seen the movie! It gives quite a bit away.… Read more…
Why Think Geek supports CSTS
We asked our sponsors why they support Can’t Stop The Serenity.
This is what Steven Zimmerman of Think Geek had to say.
“”Because our coats are brown.
Because life should be shiny.
Because everyone can be a big damn hero.
It might be cliche, but we’re fans above all else. ThinkGeek does what it does because everyone here has an interest in the culture and community that surrounds and astounds us.
CSTS is no different. To see such a dedicated group going out year after year not only rallying around a beloved movie and show, but harnessing that power and turning it to the forces of good is a sight to behold.
We’re all in this one together and we’re proud to stand side by side with other Browncoats the world over.”… Read more…
Serenity screenings Aug. 24-26
It’s another full weekend for Can’t Stop The Serenity Cities.
The New Melbourne Browncoats have an afternoon packed full. There will be a raffle, auction, door prizes, Dr. Horrible will be shown and the New Melbourne Browncoats plan to beat Philadelphia’s record with their own Hero of Canton karaoke.
They will also be showing a special interview with Sean Maher filmed just for this event!
Of course, Serenity will be the main attraction..
Their Online auction on Ebay is also going strong. Be sure to check it out.
The Seattle Browncoats are showing Serenity 2 nights in a row at the Browncoat friendly Wayward Coffee house.The Festivities start with Geek Bingo.
Kansas City, Missouri Browncoats will be able to catch Serenity on either Aug 24th, 25th or 26th.… Read more…
Halifax shows Serenity 4 times in two days
On Aug. 17th and 18th, Halifax, NS will hold a CSTS event with a 2 day long silent auction, an Evil laugh contest each day, Dr. Horrible shown each event and yes, Serenity 4 times.
You can choose an afternoon event or an evening, Friday or Saturday. The final Saturday screening will be a “Special Hell” version.
Each event will also have a Trivia contest with sections such as complete the quote: “We applied the cortical electrodes…” It’s at a new theatre this year; Carbon Arc is now at the Museum of Natural History Auditorium.
This will be a great weekend!… Read more…
Why Sending A Wave Supports CSTS
We asked our sponsors why they support Can’t Stop The Serenity.
Wendy Scott of the UK podcast Sending a Wave answers:
Personally speaking, I think Mal Reynolds pretty much hit the nail on the head when he said “It ain’t about you, Jayne. It’s about what they need” at the end of “Jaynestown” and I believe that the same can apply to CSTS in that it was created to support a charity that truly acts on the global stage bringing issues, distasteful and disturbing, that would normally pass the news agencies by whether it be how women are depicted in video games for the domestic Japanese market to the rape laws of Morocco.
Equality Now continues its work both diligently and tenaciously giving women a voice in countries where they either have none or it is a scared whisper to those whose society ought to know better.… Read more…
See Serenity Aug 8 ,9, 10 or 11th.
Chelmsford, UK is new to CSTS but you’d never know it by all they have on offer on Aug. 8th. They are showing Serenity & Dr. Horrible, running a Fancy Dress competition, and running a raffle. Food includes themed cupcakes and cocktails.
Pittsburgh is not only showing Serenity, they’re playing games and attendees can win raffle tickets playing those games! They have incredible prizes including artwork, handmade crafts, & unique themed items. All this and more on Aug. 11th.
Minneapolis has been running CSTS events for all 7 years and they haven’t slowed down! This year they are showing Serenity 3 different nights, each accompanied by a different movie such as Dr. Horrible or the Guild.
For a detailed schedule, head over to their website. … Read more…
Four Events. Three Countries.
Australia, Canada and the United States are all holding CSTS Screenings this weekend and not one event is the same!
The Browncoats of Shoalhaven, NSW, Australia are running their very first event. They will have a raffle, prizes for Best Dressed and will show Dr. Horrible as well as Serenity. The excitement is running high for this August 3rd screening!
The San Francisco,U.S. Browncoats have been running CSTS events since the beginning. Now in their 7th Year, they are rightfully proud of their new venue, the Delancy St. Screening Room. Among its many charms are the ergonomic chairs! The SF events will feature Dr. Horrible as well as Serenity. Don’t forget your Jayne Hat – there will be a Jayne Hat mob photo!
Grande Prairie, AB, Canada is another new member of the CSTS family.… Read more…
A Busy CSTS Weekend
It’s a busy weekend July 27 – 29 with multiple events happening.
Perth starts it off with a CSTS Shindig that promises much merriment and a costume contest and probably a drink or two.
Staying in Australia, there is another Affilate event by the New Melbourne Browncoats. They are showing Season 3 of The Guild on Saturday, July 28th. Everyone is welcome to head out for dinner afterwards.
Also on Saturday, the Rocky Mountain Browncoats are back for another year. There will be a costume contest before the showing of Serenity, so come prepared! The Cinema Grill is a full service restaurant and bar, so the shindig will start as soon as you enter!
After the tragic event in Aurora on July 20th, Denver CSTS will be giving 25% to the Aurora Shooting Victims Fund and they ask those who can’t make it to the screening to still give via the donate button on their website.… Read more…
Why Scott Allie & Dark Horse support CSTS
We asked our sponsors why, year after year, they support Can’t Stop the Serenity & Equality Now. This is what Scott Allie of Dark Horse had to say.
“We’ve always loved the fact that Can’t Stop the Serenity started here in Portland, the same as Dark Horse. We deal with a lot of different kinds of fandom in comics, and it’s amazing when this silly fantasy stuff that we all love so much can generate real good in the world.
What the Browncoats achieve with CSTS and all their charitable efforts is humbling and adds to our pride in contributing to the world Joss created.”… Read more…
