Category Archives: 2012

2012, Equality Now

Over $800,000 raised over 7 Years!

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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…

2012, Events

Watch the 2012 CSTS Intro Video

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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…

2012, CSTS Global, Firefly and Serenity

The 2013 Auction has Begun

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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…

2012, Equality Now

We are having an Auction, starting Nov. 3rd

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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.
… Read more…
2012, 2013, Contest, CSTS Global

Deadline extended for 2013 CSTS Art Contest voting

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The voting window has been extended for the 2013 CSTS Art Contest! This is your last chance to have your say on which design will represent CSTS for the 2013 season.


Voting will now close on 28 October 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.


To have your say, click here to see the designs and cast your vote!


So vote now for your favourite and spread the signal!

… Read more…

2012, 2013, Contest, CSTS Global

We want your vote on next year’s artwork!

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We sent the signal out to create the promotional art for next year’s events, and here they are! Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry (or two!) to the 2013 Can’t Stop The Serenity Art Contest.


We know it’s going to be a challenge, but we need you, the good folk of the ‘Verse, to help us choose which one will become the official artwork for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2013!


To have your say, all you need to do is click here to see the great designs and cast your vote!


You can only vote once and you’ve only got until 21 October 2012 at 11:59 PM PST to get your voice heard and your vote counted. So vote and then tell your friends to spread the word and come help us choose the best of the best.… Read more…

2012, CSTS Global

A Special Thank You to our Art Crew!

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Can’t Stop the Serenity has been extremely lucky to work with some amazing artists over the years, and it’s our pleasure to thank the 2012 crew! Phil (with the assistance of Karen) have been hard at work all year, turning this year’s promotional artwork contest winners design into art suitable for t-shirts, posters, patches, web-banners and more. And Liam has pulled off yet another fantastic Global Intro Video, which featured cast and crew plus a very moving piece on Equality Now.


As we wind down from the 2012 season, let’s hear a little from two of the team…


Phil Towle, Art Director for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2012….

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Oh wait, wrong galaxy. My love of Sci Fi started, like many, when as a kid I wanted nothing more than to be a Jedi (occasionally Han Solo).

… Read more…
2012, CSTS Global

Time’s ticking down for the Global Promo Art Contest! Entries close October 14

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The closing date for the 2013 CSTS Global Promo Art Contest is drawing near! This is your chance to design the logo that will represent Can’t Stop the Serenity 2013, featuring on Twitter, Facebook, T-shirts and promoting all manner of local events. All of the details for the contest are here and entries close on 14 October 2012. So get those creative juices flowing and be part of the fun!


… Read more…

2012, CSTS Global

A Special Thank You to our Communications & Web Crew!

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As we finish up another fine season of Can’t Stop the Serenity, we’d like to send a special Thank You to the folks who keep things ticking along smoothly from behind the scenes. CSTS been fortunate to have some wonderful people on the Global Team over the years, and the 2013 Team have been fantastic!

This year, we’ve had the pleasure of working with three amazing women who have been the backbone of our “front line” of CSTS by managing the website, social media and communications. So here’s a moment-in-the-spotlight for Lioness, Jacque and Julia – our dedicated Communications & Web Crew!

Lioness – Communications Director, Shepherd and overall Lady of Awesome – tell us a little about what you do…

As Communications Director and Shepherd, I’m been talking within – to the Browncoats running the screenings around the world- and without – talking to the wide world about CSTS.

… Read more…
2012, CSTS Global

Why would you volunteer to be the CSTS Global Events Coordinator? William shares his story…

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It’s always inspiring to meet the incredible people who take on the role of the Can’t Stop the Serenity Global Events Coordinator each year. And for the past two years, that fine outstanding citizen has been one William Pace. It’s been a delight to have William as our “Captain” for the past two years, and it is with sadness that we see him leave the role. However, we wish him the best with his new little Browncoat-in-Training needing the lions share of his attention! Thank you William! As he says farewell to his term as GEC, we asked him what made him put up his hand.

First, to understand why I’m here, you have to understand why I’m a Browncoat.



I’m one of the rare ‘first fans’ that tuned in to watch Firefly when the series debuted with ‘Train Job’.

… Read more…
2012, 2013, CSTS Global

Nominations are now open to join the 2013 Global Team

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Can’t Stop the Serenity 2013 wants you!


Do you to help guide Can’t Stop the Serenity towards a bright future and make 2013 happen? Do you know someone who would like to be involved at a global level? Nominations are now open for roles on 2013 Global Team!



Can’t Stop the Serenity is organised entirely by volunteers who work side by side with local event organisers to make each year’s events a success. We’re looking for dedicated, passionate, talented folks to join us. It’s fun, rewarding and a great experience!



Nominations are now open for 2013 Global Event Coordinator and Team Roles, and will be taken until 28 October 2012. The application process for each position is provided here. Applications must be submitted via email to gsc@cantstoptheserenity.com… Read more…

2012, Events

Final Weekend of CSTS Events

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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…

2012, 2013, CSTS Global

Design our next logo! It’s time for the 2013 CSTS Promo Art Contest!

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The Can’t Stop The Serenity promotional art contest is back for 2013!


In its seven-year history, Can’t Stop The Serenity has raised more than half a million dollars for Equality Now. We can do even more good works this year, but only if people show up! That’s where you come in. Since we’ve been doing this for more than half a decade now, the novelty factor has worn off, which means it’s more important than ever before to build excitement for CSTS. The annual logo, poster and t-shirts are critical tools for raising awareness about the event, building excitement, and getting people into theaters around the world.



Think you’ve got what it takes to design this year’s official promotional artwork? Then read on to learn the rules for this year’s contest:



THE SHINY STUFF:


The winner’s artwork will be used as the basis for the T-shirt and promos for the 2013 CSTS season.… Read more…

2012, Events

Big Weekend Coming Up

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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…

2012

Why Smart Pop Books supports CSTS

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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…

2012, CSTS Global

Chicago and Houston break atmo this weekend

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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…

2012, Sponsors

Why Think Geek supports CSTS

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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…

2012, Events

Serenity screenings Aug. 24-26

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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…

2012, Events

Halifax shows Serenity 4 times in two days

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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…

2012, Equality Now, Sponsors

Why Sending A Wave Supports CSTS

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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…

2012, CSTS Global, Events

See Serenity Aug 8 ,9, 10 or 11th.

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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…

2012, Events

Four Events. Three Countries.

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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…

2012, Events

A Busy CSTS Weekend

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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…

2012, CSTS Global, Sponsors

Why Scott Allie & Dark Horse support CSTS

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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…

2012, Events

Arlington, VA & Fort Lauderdale FL have screenings

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On Friday July 20, Arlington has their first of 2 screenings of Serenity, along with a Costume Contest, an auction and a raffle. The next day, Saturday the 21st, they do it all again but with the added content of Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog.

Get a ticket to one or both days.

Fort Lauderdale is running their event on Saturday July 21st. Not only is Serenity being shown but they also have a special performance by South Florida Taiko Dojo, a Japanese Drumming group who so wowed the audience last year they are back to do it again.
The event is being held at Cinema Paradiso

Both Fort Lauderdale and Arlington are running their events in a space with a full bar!… Read more…