(This was first heard on The Signal podcast. Our thanks to Craig Kurumada for allowing us to reprint it here)
I confess that when I first heard of Can’t Stop the Serenity, I thought that these events would be something I personally might visit, but never help create. I imagined them to be similar to a big conventions. Well, not as big as DragonCon, but big enough to be put on by professional organizations and have a few celebrities. The cities were generally large metropolitan places with hundreds and hundreds of Browncoats able to raise thousands of dollars for Joss Whedon’s favorite charity, Equality Now.
Big league stuff.
So it took a while for me to connect a couple of dots. Please understand, I live in a small town: Arcata, California has 16,000 people when school’s in session.… Read more…
Last May Vancouver Organizer Samatwitch wrote about why Vancouver holds CSTS events each year. Thanks to her for giving us permission to reprint this from their website.
Why do we do this? Why do organisers spend so much time and money for each event? Why do people volunteer, paying for their own tickets to do so? Why do Browncoats – and others – keep coming out to CSTS events?
Partly of course, because the events are fun. Each city is different and has ideas and plans that work for them. A lot of people come out to see Serenity on the big screen or to sing along to Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Some people come to spend an afternoon or day with their friends at a fun event – or to bid on an auction item they can’t find anywhere else, especially handmade items.
We are very pleased to announced that in 2013 Can’t Stop The Serenity raised $115,420.00 for Equality Now and 20 other charities. This is $5,000 more than in 2012 and brings our total to over $900,000 U.S. over the last 8 years. New cities joined with their events and we had screenings in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Thank you to all our sponsors, organizers, and participants, for contributing to this tremendous success! Whether you bought a Tshirt, donated to an event, bid on an auction, attended a screening or spread the word, we deeply appreciate your commitment and generosity in helping us to support the rights of women and girls worldwide.… Read more…
As we ring in the new year and say farewell to 2013, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the success of the 2013 Can’t Stop the Serenity season and thank those who have worked so hard to make it possible. Over $110,000 was raised for Equality Now and other charities by countless volunteers across the world, which brings to total raised since the begining of CSTS to over $900,000! This achievement could not have been realised without the tireless energy, enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers on the Global Team and at each of the local events. On behalf of the Global Steering Committee (GSC), please accept our congratulations and our thanks.
The Global Team have given countless hours behind the scenes for over a year, and we would especially like to thank Dave Catoe, Stephanie Leisure, Liam Merrick, William Pace, Sheilah O’Connor, Phil Towle, and Julia Svaganovic (as well as their families for allowing them to give so much).… Read more…
Do you want to help guide Can’t Stop the Serenity towards a bright future and make the 2014 season happen? Do you know someone who would like to be involved at a global level? Nominations are now open for roles on 2014 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!
For the next 10 days, there will be great items up for auction on e-Bay with all proceeds going to Equality Now.
How about a copy of the Buffy script “Superstar” written by Jane Espenson, signed by Jane Espenson and donated by Jane Espenson?
A must have for those who collect action figures is the rare unpainted Jayne. It’s been signed by Adam Baldwin. You might want the Hero of Canton poster, the hat and the Mercenary Jayne action figure to go with it.
Perhaps you’d prefer a unique hand cross-stitched Jayne on a Tshirt which has been paired with a signed photo of Jayne on the mule. This one is shiny because you can still see the equipment used to make the Mule hover.
You’ll want to make room on your walls for these posters!… Read more…
Browncoats are fans of many shows, not just Firefly. That’s why we have items like a Tshirt and matching mug from Supernatural. (They both say “Fate”)
For Star Trek there is a picture of James T.Kirk, a Star Trek shot glass, a Tshirt and a dogtag of Data. Another auction combo sees a Star Trek TNG 25th Anniversary Baseball Cap paired with dogtags of the new Kirk, Spock and Nero.
A Xena Fan Pack includes 2 DVDs of early convention appearances by Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor.
There are also Stargate & Vampire Diaries Fanpacks.
Even if you’re not a fan of one of these shows, we bet you’ll know someone who is, so spread the word. The e-Bay auction starts at noon Pacific time on Sat.… Read more…
This year CSTS really scored with some excellent items to auction off. Jane Espenson generously donated copies of her Buffy script Superstar and signed them.
There is an unpainted Jayne action figure- a limited edition created for SDCC 2005 and signed by Adam Baldwin.
We are auctioning off a copy of the Titan book Still Flying and it is signed by Joss Whedon himself with the command to “stay shiny”.
There are posters that cover many of Joss’ recent works including The Avengers, Dollhouse (signed by some of the cast and crew) and Much Ado About Nothing.
But an item that will get a lot of attention is the North American version of the Serenity poster. This is a mini-one size and it is signed by Joss himself.… Read more…
Every year we invite Browncoats from around the Globe to submit designs for the next year’s Can’t Stop The Serenity. The official announcement will be made soon so start thinking about what you are going to create. Take a look at what you’ll need to know but essentially:
All artwork you submit must be your own. If you plan to incorporate any stock imagery in your entry, you must have documentation showing that you have permission to use and reproduce it.
Don’t use copyrighted artwork in your submission.
Because this is about Equality Now and Peace in the ‘Verse, there should be no overt violence portrayed within the art.
The official CSTS logo which incorporates the Equality Now & Serenity symbols must be part of the design and must remain as designed.
On Monday Nov. 4th, Equality Now is honoring Joss Whedon in an evening event in Los Angeles.
Called Make Equality Reality, the Event Chair is Gloria Steinem and the host is Paul Reiser with a special live performance by two-time Grammy winning singer songwriter Colbie Caillat. It is being billed as an evening of music, film and theatre with special guests including Jada Pinkett Smith and Alyson Hannigan
Joss is a member of the EN Advisory Board and a long time & very vocal supporter of Equality Now’s work. As part of this, Equality Now is asking “What would you do to make gender equality a reality for women & girls everywhere?”… Read more…
Salt Lake City is seeing the CSTS event season out with style!
On Oct. 26th,the Utah Browncoats will gather to see Serenity once again. There will be an auction and raffle and some shiny swag for sale. Firefly/Serenity costumes are very much encouraged!
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.… Read more…
On Saturday, Oct. 12, CSTS Philly will be showing Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog. The fun starts at 2:00. $10.00 advance tickets are only for sale until the end of Wednesday Oct. 9th, then they are $15.00 at the door.
There will be a costume contest with two categories – come as a character from the show, or invent your own Super Villian, Hero or Side-kick! There are also games, snacks,& raffle items. … Read more…
CSTS Global was asked to revisit the question of how much money goes to Equality Now and how much goes to other charities. Currently, at least 75% of all money raised at an event is sent to Equality Now with up to 25% available for other charities. Many cites donate 100% to Equality Now.
The question has two choices. You can only vote once although you can change your vote until the poll is closed. You’ve only got until October 12, 2013 at 11:59 PM PST to get your vote counted.
Done The Impossible supports Can’t Stop The Serenity for many reasons.
Charity and worthwhile causes are very near and dear to my heart, and
that’s why I’ve always endeavored to make them part of my personal and
professional life.
In our complex world, there are many negative things we should improve and
lots of beautiful things worthy of greater recognition and support. CSTS
makes it easy to help Equality Now with their critically important cause
and Done The Impossible is honored to help. And what could be better than
combining a love of Firefly with helping others?
The Rivers and Bridges Brigade of Pennsylvania just can’t let CSTS go! In one last big hurrah, they are having several events at the Pittsburgh Comin Con. They have a CSTS Pittsburgh table on the convention floor at the Monroeville Convention Center all three days, where you can play the “Badger’s Dodgy Dice” game from this year’s Serenity screening to win wicked cool prizes, purchase CSTS 2013 t-shirts, enter a raffle to win one of three great prize baskets and sign up to participate on a team at Sunday morning’s “Hammer vs. Horrible” games.
Immediately following the games on Sunday, they’ll be screening “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” at noon.
Admission to Sunday’s CSTS events is free of charge, but those who wish to attend must purchase admission to the Pittsburgh Comicon.… Read more…
It may be mid-September but Can’t Stop The Serenity shows no sign of slowing down! And in our typical display of Globalism, events are in 3 countries this weekend.
We’ll start with Nowra, Australia. The Shoalhaven Browncoats are back for their 2nd year with doors opening at 5:00 and the event starting at 6:00. There will be food, a best dressed competition, an auction and sales. The Shoalhaven zoo has donated a family pass, a $50.00 item right there & there will be other exciting items. The main features will be Serenity of course as well as Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog.
Speeding around the world, we land at Miami Springs who are holding their first CSTS event although the Organizers are old hands at making CSTS fun.The… Read more…
Currently, any Browncoat group that does a CSTS event, whether a full screening or an Affiliate event, donates at least 75% to Equality Now and up to 25% to other registered charities. A few events have expressed a desire to donate more than 25% to other charities. The CSTS Steering Committee and the 2013 Global team recognize that this is a big decision and everyone should be allowed to have their say.
There will be a discussion about this on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, in the CSTS Forums and on the website until the end of Sept at which time there will be a poll for all to vote.
Emotions can run high when it is something important to you, but let’s make sure the conversation stays civil.… Read more…
We started September with an awesome event in London but this coming weekend sees two screenings and an Affiliate.
It is always a great time with the Chicagoland Browncoats and this year will be no different. The Screening this year is at the Genesee Theatre with ample parking, and public transit to get you there. There will be an stupendous silent auction (check the website for details and pictures), a costume contest, Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog and of course, Serenity. All Whedonverse characters are welcome for the contest. We hear rumours of a special video too- one which can only be seen at the Chicagoland screening.
The Alberta Browncoats are back with another Affiliate event, this time showing seasons 1-3 of the Guild at the Happy Harbour Comic shop.… Read more…
Saturday, Sept. 7th, The Londinium Browncoats welcome all to the Jet Lag Bar. There will be a showing of Serenity & Dr. Horrible but that’s not all!
Put together your favourite Whedonite costume for the cosplay competition. Brush on your Firefly/Serenity facts for the Quiz and hold onto your tickets for the raffle. The Londinium Browncoats have been getting shiny prizes for the raffle from around the world.
And just when you think that will be it, there’s an afterparty!
Please note this is an over 18 event only. … Read more…
Both Melbourne and Phoenix are fortunate to be, at this time of writing, close to selling out their Can’t Stop The Serenity events!
And no wonder!
Melbourne has Serenity, Dr. Horrible, raffles, a costume contest, Hero of Canton karaoke and more. Their auctions are full of must-have items. But get your tickets fast!
Phoenix always has a great time with Dr. Horrible, Serenity, awesome merch, a costume contest and even a Photo Booth. The raffle features rare and hard to find goodies. No wonder it too is close to selling out.
Before heading over, best to check the website to see if your event still has tickets.… Read more…
Saturday Aug 17 is a busy busy day for Can’t Stop the Serenity with three events running.
First up, with the doors opening at 4:00, is a Mighty Fine Shindig put on by the South Florida Browncoats. There will be raffles, merchandise, Serenity of course and a lot of mixing and mingling. A costume contest is sure to please as will a screening of Dr. Horible.
Further up the coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, they aren’t satisfied to show Serenity and Dr. Horrible once! Nope, these Browncoats are offering a chance to see everything twice! Doors open at 4:30 with Dr. Horrible at 5:00, followed by Serenity at 6:00. Or you may prefer go to the later shows starting at 9:00. In between there will be a silent auction.… Read more…
Minneapolis is starting off the weekend on Thursday with a big event. Showing both Dr. Horrible and Serenity in one night! Starting at 8:30, this is perfect for anyone who has to work the next day. 😉
They continue the fun with both Friday and Saturday nights seeing the doors open at 11:00 p.m. with Serenity being shown at 11:30. There are raffles all three nights with great prizes to be had. The Riverview is a restored 1950’s Art Deco theater and a treat just in itself.
Whedonfest is underway for another year, from Aug. 9-11th. A joint CSTS event with Browncoats from the Nashville, TN/Scotsville, KY area, this is a weekend of all things Whedony. Come for the day or the weekend. There are panels, games, an auction, a shindig with special guest Mikey Mason, Dr.… Read more…
For the first time since 2005, Serenity is back in a cinema in Perth! The Perth Browncoats hold their CSTS screening on Aug. 3rd followed by a now sold out Shindig.
There are discounted popcorn combos, a door prize, raffle, lucky dip bags & prize hampers. Costumes are encouraged, and there is a prize for the best dressed. The online auctions will end right before the movie starts, so that is your last and best chance to get the items you’ve been eyeing.
The shindig will have more auction items, raffles and bingo.
Will you be there to welcome back Serenity to the big screen?… Read more…
On Friday July 26, Halifax, Nova Scotia plays host to an Affilate event. At the lovely Museum of Natural History, the first two seasons of the Guild will be shown. Whether you are a fan of the funny Felicia Day or a true gamer, you’ll enjoy her take on life in the gaming world. Take this opportunity to buy tickets for the Screening of Serenity in August.
On Sunday, July 28, Raleigh is celebrating 8 years of running a Can’t Stop The Serenity event. Still at the Raleighwood Cinema Grill, where they started, the evening promises to be great fun. As always, there will be a raffle before the movie and if you want to enter the costume contest, you might want to get there when the doors open at 6:00.… Read more…
Can’t Stop the Serenity (CSTS) is a unique opportunity to indulge your geeky side while doing some good! Since 2006, fans have organized screenings of Joss Whedon's Serenity to raise funds and awareness to support Equality Now in their work for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world. Join us as we aim to misbehave for a good cause!
There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That’s me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That’s a great deal harder, and that’s Equality Now. It’s not about politics; it’s about basic human decency.
