Category Archives: 2017

(Re)Introducing our Global Event Coordinator for 2018

As Bob Averell and his amazing crew finish up 2017, we are beginning to look forward to 2018 and an exciting year of fun filled fandom events. For the past 12 years, Browncoats all over the world have donated tens of thousands of hours of their spare time to organise events both big and small to celebrate our fandom and to support Equality Now, and 2018 is no different. Plans are already being made in cities across the globe. Will there be an event in your local area? All it takes are a few Browncoats to put on their cunning hats and make it happen!

The Global Team are here to help and we are pleased to announce that Annie Burnaman is returning to be the Global Event Coordinator again.… Read more…

Albuquerque proves yet again that Firefly still lives!

The Albuquerque Browncoats are holding their third event of the season (yes, that’s right – third!) on October 29th at the Jean Cocteau Cinema in Santa Fe.

They are showing Serenity on the big screen for their 9th year (2nd year in Santa Fe) and there will also be food, drink, prizes, fun, merchandise, costumes, raffles and more!

All proceeds will be split between Equality Now and local charity UNM Children’s Hospital, CMNH.

Organiser Charlie says “Doors will open at noon for concessions, drinks and shopping. The Big Damn Movie will start at 12.20pm and after there will be a costume contest and we’ll draw raffle prizes. This is a Facebook Public Event, so all of you can invite your Browncoat friends and family.… Read more…

Dressin’ shiny for great causes in Arlington, Virginia

For the second year in a row, the Browncoats in Arlington, Virginia will be hosting a Can’t Stop the Serenity event at the Arlington draft house.

The event is on Saturday 21st October from 2pm until 5pm and organiser Ray says “Ample comfortable seating accompanied by amazing beers on tap, and space cowboys? What could possibly be better? We will also have awesome door busters, raffle give aways so good you’ll buy the whole crew apples, and a costume contest prize that will make ya glad ya dressed shiny!

However, beauty isn’t everything. The runner up in the costume contest will have a rapid fire trivia round for the opportunity to kill their competition with their brain. Don’t forget ALL proceeds go to charity!… Read more…

Doin’ good works in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Browncoats have reunited and the newly formed group will be holding their ‘1st’ Can’t Stop the Serenity event on 21 October at the Baobab Stage Theater located in Town Square, Las Vegas Boulevard.

Organiser Noelle says “Join us in one of the shiniest cities in the ‘Verse as we aim to do good works to benefit Equality Now. Activities include a lucky numbers auction, costume contest, shindig, and a screening of Serenity.

Prepare to feel immersed in Inara’s world as you step through the doors to enter a boutique adorned with lanterns and filled with custom ensembles befitting a Companion. Make your way past the boutique through the curtained entry to reach the theater and prepare for an evening of fun!”… Read more…

Everyone’s a Big Damn Hero in their own way in Middleton, Wisconsin

Kicking off the final month for this year’s Can’t Stop the Serenity season are the wonderful Browncoats in Middleton, Wisconsin.

They’ve held their event in Platteville for the last 3 years but this is their first time in Middleton. On the 1st of October they’ll be showing Dr Horrible and Serenity at the Middleton Community United Church of Christ. The event starts at 1pm and will run until about 6pm, with an after party at a local restaurant.

Organiser Annie tells us ‘There will be an auction with several dozen items including autographed items. There will be a board gaming session to kick everything off while people gather. There will also be a short presentation about our chosen local charity,Middleton Outreach Ministry which hosts one of the largest food pantries in Dane County.… Read more…

Twelve years of good works by Browncoats in Denver

The Colorado Browncoats are about to hold their 12th Can’t Stop The Serenity event!

Their event on September 23rd will have a costume contest, raffle, a pre-screening shindig and of course a screening of Serenity.

Organiser Krystmas says “We’re pleased to be back at the amazing Alamo Drafthouse in Littleton. The Alamo Drafthouse is a state of the art theater that also offers food and drink service at your table. The full menu would make Kaylee happy and means no hungry Browncoats. We are very excited to be working with them on our 11th screening.”

The doors open at 5pm with a Shindig in the Alamo Drafthouse Lounge. Serenity starts at 7pm with the raffle to follow.

All proceeds will go to Equality Now.… Read more…

Utah Browncoats are pullin’ a Crazy Ivan at Salt Lake City Comic Con

The Utah Browncoats are diving back into action on September 23rd with their now famous Dr Horrible screening at Salt Lake City Comic Con.

Organiser Jess says “You may remember us from past years as the tickets only, charity panel, where people, sang, cried and complained dismayingly as the number called was so close to our own! That’s right, this is a musical event where we will be screening Dr. Horrible and have a drawing afterwards.

You must have a ticket to SLC Comic Con to attend and purchase your $2 ticket for this amazing fan event. Each collectable ticket comes with a free drawing ticket with proceeds going to Equality Now.

Dr. Horrible, yes that’s two “r”s, has become a tradition for hundreds to wrap-up the Con and a great way to give back.… Read more…

AMC presents……Serenity!

We are teaming up once again with the California Browncoats to present CSTS Orange County 2017! The event will take place on September 17th, 2017 starting at 2:15 PM at the AMC Classic Woodbridge Movies.
It’s always fun hanging out with a bunch of Browncoats, and it’s all for charity, so come on out!

CSTS-OC 2017 features a screening of Serenity on the big screen (of course) and a live performance by The Fallen Stars, the SoCal Americana band who created the amazing Firefly inspired music project, Leaves on the Wind–one original song per episode. These generous Browncoats donate a portion of LotW sales to Equality Now, and are global sponsors of CSTS.  And there’s more! There will also be a trivia contest, prize drawings, auctions, and shiny merchandise for sale! Read more…

North Texas Browncoats get Horrible this September

Continuing September’s mammoth run of events, the North Texas Browncoats take to the skies on Sunday 17th September at the Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson.

They will be screening Serenity and Dr. Horrible, plus lots of prizes and games, including costume and evil laugh contests for both kids and adults.

Organiser Annie says “This year we’ll also have a goofy surprise – you can get a photo with our Big Damn……..well you’ll have to come along to find out!”

Doors open at midday with Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog due to start at 1pm then the Big Damn Movie at 3pm with shiny fun in-between.

There is also a patio ‘after party from 6.30pm for anyone interested in joining the crew.

Tickets and patches will remain available for presale until 10:00 pm, September 16th.… Read more…

A very British Browncoat event in Harrogate

The Harrogate Browncoats, in association with Destination Venus Comics and the Geek Pub Quiz, proudly present the Second Annual Can’t Stop the Serenity – Harrogate Shindig.

On Saturday 16th September from around 1pm all Big Damn Heroes are invited to Everyman Cinema Harrogate‘s V.I.P. suite for an afternoon and evening of shiny Serenity themed events, culminating in a showing of Serenity on the big screen.

Organiser Reg says “This is the ONLY official Can’t Stop the Serenity event in the UK this year and seating will be limited.

The event is free to enter and the day’s activities will include boardgames, The Great Serenity Trivia Quiz, themed cupcake sale, raffle, Cosplay Contest, and hopefully a screening of the fan movie Browncoats Independence War (subject to confirmation) before the Big Damn Movie itself –Serenity.”… Read more…

The Kentucky Browncoats are on a Mission

Continuing our extremely Shiny September, 0n Wednesday, September 13th, the Kentucky Browncoats will be showing Serenity on the big screen at the Kentucky Theatre, Lexington.

Money raised from the screening will benefit Equality Now and Lexington’s own Military Missions [ www.military-missions.org ] who support and honour deployed military personnel by sending care packages year round as an expression of appreciation and gratitude.

Organiser Ria says “This is our 2nd CSTS event and we are looking forward to seeing you all again for this very special, ONE-NIGHT ONLY event. Captain Nyorissa Kel and the crew of the Jui Hai Shen (Wine Dark Sea) will be there to welcome you aboard and we’ve got lots of swag to giveaway!

If you would like to advertise in our event zine, we’ve got room for you!… Read more…

Strawberries, bonnets and misbehavin’ in Arcata

The Humboldt Browncoats are holding their 5th Can’t Stop the Serenity event on the 10th September at the beautiful Arcata Theatre Lounge.

Organiser Craig says “Our event has become an annual fixture in the Arcata, California, event calendar. We’ve consistently attracted around 160 people to our event, that’s 1% of the population of the town, thank you very much!

Our program has been short and sweet: we open our doors at 5 p.m. and offer a one-hour pre-screening program of prize drawings, trivia, costume display, and sing-a-long of the Hero of Canton. We will be selling CSTS T-shirts as well as Firefly/Serenity-themed swag of all kinds. All proceeds from the prize drawing, T-shirt, and swag sales will go to Equality Now.

The venue (the Arcata Theatre Lounge) is a wonderfully restored movie theatre, home to many unique events.… Read more…

Calling all Browncoats in the Greater Milwaukee area!

On Saturday, September 9, the Browncoats in Milwaukee will return to 42 Ale House for CSTS Milwaukee 2017.

Organiser David says “This year, in addition to screenings of a Big Damn Movie and a certain Sing-A-Long Blog, entertainment will also include a Guilded web-series and a little show about a Con Man.  While you kick back and enjoy the entertainment, there will be plenty of things to bid on in our FOUR Silent Auctions and always impressive Live Auction.

Not including the multitude of games, artwork, and other merchandise up for bid, some of the fandoms represented by merchandise and autographed photos in this year’s auctions include (but are absolutely not limited to) Harry Potter, Star Wars, Batman, Arrow, Gotham, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Luke Cage, Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, Wonder Woman, Hellboy, Guardians of the Galaxy, Gilmore Girls, Stranger Things, Supernatural, Walking Dead and of course, Firefly.”… Read more…

Grab your Wonderflonium and head to Albuquerque’s Bubonicon this Friday night

Join the Albuquerque Browncoats on Friday 25th August as they present Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog at Bubonicon 49.

The screening is being held in the Cimarron Room at the Albuquerque Marriott Uptown, with doors opening at 8:45pm, and the event beginning at 9pm.

Organiser Charlie says “It’s a free event for the public and for Bubonicon attendees. However, it is a charity event after all, so there is a suggested donation of $2-5. If you come a little early you can check out the Bubonicon Art Show and Dealer’s Room, which are also open to the public. Afterwards, you can attend the Bubonicon Late-Night Charity Auction, which also features stand-up comedy.

We have some amazing raffle and auction items including a QMx Penny maquette signed by Felicia Day, DH posters and Felicia Day photo signed by Felicia, graphic novels and rare t-shirts.… Read more…

Rivers and Bridges Brigade bring the Verse back to Pittsburgh

Two of our founding cities have their events on Sunday, July 30!

Pittsburgh’s 12th annual Can’t Stop the Serenity charity screening will be held on Sunday, July 30 at the historic Hollywood Theater in Dormont, PA.

Doors will open at noon for an afternoon of games, raffles and a 2pm matinee showing of Serenity on the big screen.

Organiser Christopher says “Of course proceeds from the event will go to help the shiny folk at Equality Now, and this year we’ll also donate a portion of the proceeds to the Al Wooten, Jr. Heritage Center in memory of Ron Glass.”

Admission to the event is free, but a minimum donation of $10 is required to see the Big Damn Movie.

CSTS Pittsburgh is presented by the Rivers & Bridges Brigade of the PA Browncoats (www.facebook.com/Cant-Stop-the-Serenity-PittsburghRead more…

Founding flyers take to the sky in Raleigh

On Sunday July 30 the Raleigh Browncoats will hold their 12th annual Can’t Stop the Serenity in Raleigh NC.

The event will be held at the wonderful Raleighwood Cinema Grill and there will be a raffle and costume contest before a screening of the Big Damn Movie Serenity in Digital DCP format.

Organiser Jim says “As in years past we will be raising funds for Equality Now. In addition to Equality Now we will be raising funds to honor our dear Ron Glass’s charity, the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center. We all will miss Ron and his infectious smile. We have lost one of our crew. He will never be forgotten and is forever our Shepherd Book. As well as the donation, we’re planning a short video tribute and a moment of silence in his memory”

Doors open at 6:00pm with the movie starting at 8:00pm after the costume contest and raffle.… Read more…

It’s Time for a New CSTS Icon

 

When we started in 2006, we got permission from Universal and from Equality Now to combine images from both to create the symbol we all recognize as the Can’t Stop The Serenity logo.

It has stood us in very good stead for 12 years now but Equality Now has changed their look and we must follow suit. After some discussion, they have given us permission to use their new logo – or part of it – the abstracted equal sign in 2 shades of Blue.

So we need a new logo using the Serenity icon and the Equality Now image.

We will be accepting submissions for the new CSTS design until Sept. 29th. You may submit up to 3 choices.
The Steering Committee will make the final decision.… Read more…

Melbourne’s online charity auction has taken to the skies!

The New Melbourne Browncoats may not be holding any more Serenity screenings but that hasn’t stopped them doing mighty work in the name of Equality Now.

This year they are hosting an eBay auction that’s filled to the brim with autographed Firefly and Serenity collectables.

Organiser Jen tells us “Starting July 10 you’ll have the chance to bid on goodies signed by Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Sean Maher, Jewel Staite, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Summer Glau, Adam Baldwin, Felicia Day, Amy Acker and more!

You can bid on the first few items right now on ebay and we’ll be adding more items over the next few weeks for fans of Firefly/Serenity, Dollhouse & Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

So head over to ebay and bid high and bid often for a great cause!”… Read more…

Firefly lives on in Albuquerque

Join the Albuquerque Browncoats on Saturday, July 8th, as they aim to misbehave for a good cause!

They will be showing “Serenity” on the big screen for their 9th year, and proceeds from the evening will go to support Equality now and their local charity UNM Children’s Hospital.

Organiser Charlie says “Doors open at 4pm and we’ll have food, fun, merchandise, raffles, a costume competition, the film of course and other surprises.”

The event will take place at the beautiful South Broadway Cultural Center Theatre which is a hidden gem in Albuquerque with a theater, gallery and library.

Tickets are $10 and are available from Hold My TicketRead more…

SciFest gets shiny in July

The Alamo City Browncoats will be getting shiny at SciFest on July 8th & 9th. SciFest is a free, family-friendly convention held at Wonderland of the Americas mall, formerly known as Crossroads Mall.

Organiser Melissa says “We will have our table set up the whole weekend at SciFest and our collection jar available for those feeling generous. Our Browncoat trivia cards are also ready for all challengers!

Even if people don’t feel up to the trivia, we love chatting with our fellow Browncoats. This is our 3rd event and we had so much fun each time. We know this time will be no different. Stop by and join in on the fun!”

All money raised over the weekend will go to support Equality Now and the Al Wooten Center.… Read more…

The shiniest craft fair in the ‘verse hits LA this weekend

The LA Browncoats in conjunction with Geeky Teas & Games are holding the “Shiniest Craft Fair in the Verse” this weekend at the Geeky Teas Game Store and Tea Shop in Burbank.

At the Fair you will be able to pick yourself up The Slayer’s Scythe, some Premium Alliance Cargo, Tesseract Crystals or even some Freezeray Wonderflonium!

They will also be screening Serenity, playing games and generally having a great time raising money for Equality Now and Fandom Charities.

The fair happens on Saturday, June 24 between 10:00am-4:00pm at Geeky Teas  – 2120 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, California, 91506

For more information on Geeky Teas check out their websiteRead more…

Philadelphia take to the skies again!

The Philadelphia Browncoats have shot out of the space-dock this CSTS by holding two events in the first month!

A report on their Dr Horrible screening at Philadelphia Comic Con will be posted shortly but now they’re calling on Browncoats to join them for a screening of the Big Damn Movie on Saturday 24th June between 2 and 6pm.

The event takes place at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia and organiser Tanya says “Before we show the movie, we’ll have fun games, light refreshments, a special guest appearance by musician Sean Faust, and a raffle auction, featuring many wonderful prizes donated by our generous sponsors. (Bring cash if you’d like to participate!). “Verse” inspired garb/costumes are highly encouraged!”

Please note – as with most screenings, Serenity is rated PG-13 so children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.… Read more…

Utah Browncoats bring the ‘Verse to Salt Lake City

The Utah Browncoats are roaring back into action with the first Can’t Stop The Serenity screening event of 2017.

The event is on Saturday June 10th and is the second time they’ve used a split venue with the movie screening of Serenity at Brewvies from 1pm-3pm and a separate after-party next door at Legends Sports Pub from 3pm-6pm where there will be food, auctions, prize drawing, and a cosplay contest.

Organiser Halo says “We did this for the first time last year and the response was overwhelmingly positive, and we had much more time to relax and socialise together”.

One exciting addition to this year’s screening is the introduction of the Browncoat ‘Guilds of the ‘Verse’.

Halo explains “Last summer the Utah Browncoats won the bid to host the prestigious national event, the Browncoat Ball.… Read more…

Dr Horrible is coming to Wizard World in Philadelphia

On Saturday 3rd June 2017, the Can’t Stop the Serenity season officially begins with an affiliate event held by the Pennsylvania Browncoats.

They are holding a screening of the fantastic Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog as part of the Wizard World Comic Con and organiser Matt tells us “We’re just asking for $2 donations for entry and we’ll be giving out raffle tickets for $1 with some great CSTS and Dr Horrible swag up for grabs. All the money we make from the screening will go to Equality Now so come along, sing if you know the words and support a great cause.”

The screening runs from 2.30pm until 3.30pm on Saturday in Pennsylvania Convention Centre Room 108AB.

Tickets are available at the door or at the Browncoat Ball table, Booth #409.… Read more…