All posts by lioness

2014, Events

Seven Events in Three Countries

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The shiny just keeps on happening! This weekend there are events in Australia, Canada and the United States.

First up is Nowra, Australia holding their third CSTS screening. If you have been following the posts on their Facebook page, you’ll know they have an exciting evening planned with all sorts of amazing prizes. As well as Serenity there will be Dr. Horrible’s Singalog blog, a Costume contest, an auction and door prizes.

After a great success showing Serenity, Toronto is back showing Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog. There will also be games and prizes. Wonder what exactly is Wonderflonium? Find out this and more. Follow them on Twitter for daily updates.

The day ends with the Arizona Browncoats having their 2nd event in as many weeks! This time it is Tucson’s turn.… Read more…

2014, Events

Hopping Across the Countries Coast to Coast

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Another busy CSTS weekend with 6 events in 2 days.

Halifax is back with 2 back to back screenings of Serenity, as well as Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, a silent auction, merchandise for sale, trivia contest and door prizes. Come in costume and be immortalized by their very talented photographer! There will even be a Hero of Canton sing-along. Halifax is known for getting unusual auction items such as the Kaylee Special. (It runs on batteries);-). They will have a wide assortment of unique Tshirts and a comic signed by both Nathan and Adam. If you are in the area, it is not to be missed.

Sandy Utah is having its first CSTS event ever and it is already sold out! Serenity will be showing in an intimate 56 seat theater and will be accompanied by a raffle and an auction with shiny goods that have to be seen to be believed.… Read more…

2014, Equality Now, Events

Four very Different Events

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The weekend of Sept. 13-14 sees a wide assortment of CSTS events. Montreal is back with its first event since 2006 and it promises to be worth the wait! It is happening within Montreal Comic-Con so if you weren’t going to attend, you might want to think again! Tickets are only $10.00 to get in CSTS Montreal but you do need to be attending Montreal Comic Con already. There will be a showing of Serenity, a costume contest, prizes for trivia, an auction, Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog and a few special things for sale.

The Beeston Browncoats can always be counted on to run a fun Affiliate event.This year they even have their event on the same day that SyFYUK is showing Serenity. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe SyFyUK recognizes the perfect time to show the film!… Read more…

2014, Events

From Rhode Island to Utah

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It’s been a long time since Rhode Island had their very own Can’t Stop The Serenity Screening, so be sure not to miss it on Saturday Sept. 6th! It’s being held in the Columbus Theatre, an historic Opera House in Providence. Just imagine how great people cosplaying Captain Tightpants and Kaylee in her dress will look in a setting like that! Besides showing Serenity, the RI Sci-Fi Club will also be hosting a food drive – bringing food items gets you a free raffle ticket! And what a raffle! Prizes will even include something signed by Joss Whedon himself.
Tickets can be bought here.

The Utah Browncoats are bringing an Affiliate event to Salt Lake City Comic Con. Dr. Horrible will be shown on Saturday, Sept, 6th.… Read more…

2014, Events, Why Can't Stop The Serenity

Why Can’t Stop the Serenity, Part V

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(Moon, who has been running Denver’s CSTS since the beginning tells us why.)

I’ve been asked many times over the last nine years, why I organize the Denver CSTS screenings. My stock answer is something along the lines of, “I’m a Browncoat,” “It’s for Joss’ birthday,” or “Equality Now is a wonderful charity that fights for the rights of women and girls all over the world!” While these statements are true and I always say them with a smile, it’s only part of the story that drives me to continue working with CSTS and Equality Now. Personally, I do it for my mother, the strongest and bravest woman I’ve ever known.

My mother, Sim Chae Yop, was born 1943 in a small fishing village in what we now call South Korea.… Read more…

2014, Events

CSTS In the Southern U.S.

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On Saturday Aug 23, the SRF Browncoats are hosting a screening at the Hurricane Bar & Grill in Miami Springs, Florida. There will be raffles, Dr. Horrible, Serenity and a local fan group will be hosting a Firefly themed Wheel of Fortune Game. The Hurricane has a full menu and bar. There is no admission for entry but hey – this is a fundraiser, so donations will be gladly accepted in cash, checks, paypal and credit cards. There will be special gifts for all who donate $25.00 or more.Even more details here.

On Sunday, the North Texas Browncoats are back with Can’t Stop The Music, an evening of awesome live music, burlesque and a showing of Dr. Horrible. The fun starts with Dr. Horrible at 6:00 with the last musicians starting at 12:30.… Read more…

2014, Events

Nine Events in only Four Days

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Minneapolis is never content to do a screening like most other cities. Instead, for many years now, they have three screenings in a row. Everything starts on Thursday Aug 14 with Dr. Horrible at 7:45 and Serenity at 9:35. On both Friday and Saturday the events starts later – with Serenity being shown at 11:30 both nights. Please note that this is a cash only event so bring lots! Which screening will you attend?

Portland also feels that one screening is never enough, so they are holding 2 screenings in one day, Aug. 16th.
Both the afternoon and the evening events feature Dr. Horrible and Serenity as well as raffles with awesome prizes. Tickets can be bought online.

Browncoats all recognize the importance of Shindigs so Pittsburgh is starting their screening not at the theater but up the street at Fredo’s Market Deli from 3-5.… Read more…

2014, CSTS Global, Equality Now, Events, Why Can't Stop The Serenity

Why Can’t Stop The Serenity, Part IV

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Peepiecheep answers the question.

On July 6th this year, a team of dedicated volunteers ran a Can’t Stop the Serenity event in Leicester, UK. It was the first time since 2008 that an event had been held in the city. Last time we raised over $300 for Equality Now, this year we raised 4 times as much, both for EN and for our local women’s aid charity. It’s hard work, and it takes up a lot of our spare time, but it’s worth it.

Why? Because equality matters.

Equality, and the fight to achieve it for all, is important. For every woman who cannot fight, who finds her life and her choices dictated for her; for every girl who has been denied an education due to her gender; for every pre-teen who has been married off to a man three times her age; for every victim of rape and violence and oppression; we will help fight for them.… Read more…

2014, CSTS Global

Australia Takes Over

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Both Perth and Melbourne are having their CSTS screenings this weekend with an added Affiliate shindig in Perth.

Melbourne is running it’s 9th screening on Saturday, Aug 2. Serenity will be in HD so you can discover all those little things you never noticed before! Also showing will be Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog. To add to the excitement, there will be a cosplay competition, raffles, auctions, door prizes and all sorts of shiny merchandise. Please note that it will be cash only that day so be sure to bring along lots of cashy money as well as your best costume if you’ve a mind to. This event sold out the last 2 years so get your ticket in advance, just in case!

So plan to go, bring a friend, bring someone who has never seen Firefly, and they’ll have fun, raise much needed money and become part of the Browncoat family!… Read more…

2014, Events

Raleigh is Already a Hit

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Can’t Stop The Serenity is still flying in Raleigh, North Carolina where it looks to be a sold out event for the 5th year running, on Sunday July 27.

This is their 9th year so you know they are doing something right! Those lucky enough to have a ticket are urged to come early and have food and drink with your fellow Browncoats before the raffle and costume contest get underway. Yes, costumes! Dust off your duds and come dressed as an inhabitant of the ‘Verse. Following the raffle and contest will be a showing of the big damn movie, Serenity.

But before you head over, if you don’t have a ticket, be sure to check the website to see if any are left.

UPDATE: Raleigh is sold out!… Read more…

2014, Events

Make a Weekend of It

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As temperatures rise in North America, cities in Canada and the United States are adding to the heat. (Luckily all events are air-conditioned!)

On Friday night Halifax, Nova Scotia is showing Seasons 1-3 of the Guild. Tickets are only $5.00 and attendees will have their names added to the door prize draw at the main event in September – bonus chances to win some great stuff! Concessions will be available.

Down the coast Can’t Stop the Serenity is returning to Washington, D.C. on Saturday with doors opening at 11:00 AM.
This year’s event includes Serenity & Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog, a costume contest for best dressed Firefly/Serenity character & a second costume contest for best dressed as any character from any Joss Whedon production. There will also be raffles, door prizes, and a silent auction!… Read more…

2014, Events

Denver’s Ninth Season

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Denver’s Can’t Stop The Serenity has the weekend all to themselves and with everything they have planned – they need that time & space! This is their 9th year and they have planned a shiny night full of “good works”, to benefit Equality Now.

The SIE Film Center will play host on Saturday, July 12th. Event activities include a pre-screening shindig in the Henderson Lounge, Serenity and Dr. Horrible on the big screen, a costume contest, and huge raffle for shiny items donated by generous Sponsors.

Last year’s Jayne’s Hat Mob was big but they are hoping to beat that so remember to bring your “cunning hat!”

Denver’s special ticket packages “Big Damn Hero” and “The ‘Verse” have sold out already, so you might want to buy your ticket in advance as the event normally sells out before the day of the screening.… Read more…

2014, Equality Now, Events

Three Countries, Three Screenings

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The weekend of July 4-6 sees three shiny screenings in Canada, the United States and England.
First up chronologically is Toronto. The Royal Cinema once again plays host to an afternoon of Serenity, door prizes, and an auction full of unique items. Tickets are only $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. The screening will be followed by a shindig at a nearby pub but RSVPs are neccessary for the shindig.

Albuquerque has a very full day planned on Saturday. Besides shiny shopping, raffles, an auction, a shindig, Serenity, catered dinner available for purchase at the theatre, there is also comedy and music! Comedians Drew Wayne and Genevieve Mueller will open the event and Mikey Mason will play right before the dinner break. Costume are encouraged and anyone who buys their ticket in advance gets a Fruity Oaty bar and other shiny swag!… Read more…

2014, Events

Bookending a Birthday

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Continuing the celebration of Joss’s birthday, 3 U.S. cities are holding their events this weekend. Their names also all start with N but the similarities end there!

The Nashville/Murfreesboro event is a concert featuring The Secret Commonwealth and Kasey Lansdale. There will also be a raffle and auction and probably a few surprises. Tickets will be available at the door.

Norfolk, Virginia is putting on a big damn shindig, also on June 28th. It starts at the Naro Cinema with a showing of Serenity in Hi Def. Doesn’t matter how many times you have seen Serenity. You owe it to yourself to see it digitally. You’ll see & hear content you never knew existed.There’s a costume contest and rumours of a silent auction; a showing of Dr.… Read more…

2014

Happy Birthday Joss!

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This is a special day, even a special week for those of us who love Firefly/Serenity and all of Joss Whedon’s other creations. The Man himself turns 50 today, June 23. Ten years ago a select number of cities got to see Serenity for the first time on Joss’s birthday. It was a gift to us from him.

Then it became our turn.

Over the last 9 years Can’t Stop The Serenity has raised over $900,000 for charities especially for one near to Joss’s heart – Equality Now. But we aren’t the only ones marking this special occasion. With the hashtag #ThankJoss, Kiba Rika who runs the website JossisaHottie.com, is asking people to tell the world how Joss Whedon changed their life for the better. Check it out on twitter.… Read more…

2014, CSTS Global

Birthday Weekend

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Every year many CSTS cities hold their events around Joss’ birthday, June 23rd. This year we have 4 cities celebrating.

First up is Lawrence, Kansas. They always put on a good time and this year promises to be more of the same. They will show Serenity of course along with some of the other content we have been lucky enough to get permission to show. And then there is the Prize raffle. You’ll want to bring extra credits for that!

Boston is back for their 9th year holding a midnight showing at the historic Coolidge theatre. Their 2nd charity is Rosie’s Place and anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will entered into the raffle for some fun prizes. Their website has a list of what items are most in need so check it out!… Read more…

2014, Equality Now, Events, Why Can't Stop The Serenity

Make the World a Better Place (and Have Fun Doing It)

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Morgan B, age 12 wrote this essay for school. We think you will be in awe at this young woman’s grasp of what is important.

We all know that sometimes terrible things happen in the world, but did you know that in many countries women have almost no rights? In places like Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan, young girls may be beaten, married, or even sentenced to death by their own families with few or no legal consequences. However, human rights organizations like Equality Now are working to change that. Can’t Stop The Serenity is a series of movie screenings held annually to benefit Equality Now. Serenity is a Sci-fi movie created by Joss Whedon, so if you are a Whedon fan and care about women’s rights, you should definitely come to a CSTS event near you.… Read more…

2014, Events

Perth Sells Out

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Perth S-F fans are keen! Despite getting a venue that is twice the size as last year’s, the Perth CSTS Affiliate event for May 15 sold out well before it is scheduled to run.

Those lucky enough to get a ticket are in for a treat. It is a Sci-Fi quiz night with loads of great prizes from local sponsors and a heap of swag including an item signed by Jewel Staite.
There is an auction and raffles to add to the fun.

We’re looking forward to hearing some of the quiz questions!… Read more…

2014, CSTS Global

The First Affiliate Event of the Season

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There are many ways to run a Can’t Stop The Serenity events and over the last 9 years, we’ve seen a lot of them.

But this one is new!

A new festival, honoring web series has started up in Toronto Canada.
Called Toronto Webfest, it is 3 days of screenings, panels and other events. And what better way to celebrate a new festival that by showing one of the first major webseries?

On Friday May 9th at 10:00 p.m. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along-Blog will be shown with all proceeds going to Equality Now.

Tickets are only $10.00 and available for purchase online.

Imagine being in a theatre full of people who have not seen Dr. Horrible before or don’t know the works of Joss Whedon!

An evening not to be missed.… Read more…

2014, Why Can't Stop The Serenity

Why “Can’t Stop the Serenity?” Part II

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In Sept, 2013, birdandbear wrote about the North Texas screening but she speaks for all of us. Thanks to her for giving us permission to reprint this from their website.

Wanna hear something as mind-blowing as it is inspirational as it is humbling?

2013 marked the eighth annual CSTS event season. In that time North Texas Browncoats have raised more than $41,000.00, and the global events have raised over $840,000.00 for Equality Now and other charities. If the global events don’t break $1,000,000 next year, they certainly will for the 10th anniversary in 2015.

The stunning thing is, those figures aren’t subsidized in any way. There are no grants, no paid employees, no PR machine. Just some generous sponsors, and folks across the world coming together once a year to watch a movie, have a good time, maybe don a cunning hat, and make a stand in the name of what’s right.

… Read more…
2014, CSTS Global, Events

The First Event of the Season – in South Wales!

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It is always a great moment when CSTS starts up for the year. This year it is doubly exciting because it is a new event.

The Valley Browncoats in Wales are having a screening on April 14th. It’s being held in Blackwood and it promises to be great.
It is, of course, Easter Break and so this is an event for the whole family to begin with. For kids of all ages there are activities like Mask painting while the older ones can try out the new Serenity Board Game.

Firefly themed food will be available including Fruity Oaty Bars and Mudders Milk. (Non-alcoholic for the young’ns).

Join a team to challenge your knowledge of all things Whedon and Sci-Fi related and buy some shiny merchandise including hand crafted keyrings and earrings.… Read more…

2013, 2014, Equality Now, Events, Why We Are Here Stories

Why ‘Can’t Stop the Serenity’?

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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.

… Read more…
2013, CSTS Global, Equality Now

Over $900,000 raised in 8 years

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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…

2014, CSTS Global, Events

Registration for 2014 Events is Open!

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2014 marks our 9th Annual CSTS season and we are looking forward to welcoming our fellow Browncoats, whether veterans of the cause or new organizers! We are grateful and excited that folks are interested in holding their own CSTS events to raise money for Equality Now.

Registration is open now, so you can start planning a Can’t Stop the Serenity event for 2014. All the information you need to get you started can be found in the Host An Event section on the menu above.

Most CSTS events are known as “Screening Events” where Joss Whedon’s “Serenity” is shown on the big screen in conjunction with auctions, raffles, contests, merchandise sales and other multimedia (pending licensing arrangements).

If you’re unable to organize a Screening Event (due to funds, location or proximity to other Browncoats), an Affiliate event may be the answer.… Read more…

2014, Contest

Vote for your favorite 2014 CSTS Art!

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We put out the call and then made the signal go further and it came back full of amazing art. We have 14 designs, all wonderfully created by madly talented Browncoats. Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry (or two!) to the 2014 CSTS Art Contest.

And now it’s time for us all to choose which design will represent Can’t Stop the Serenity for 2014, our 9th year.
It will be hard to choose but we know you can do it!.
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 Feb.16th 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…