LOCAL TALENT!!

One of the things we like to do at CSTS Vancouver is highlight the creativity of some of our local Browncoats/geeks/nerds, through the auction and in the programming.  In the past we have shown episodes of local webseries, Mind My Brains, Darling, Standard Action and The Masked Roger.  We have had local filkers to sing and if you look back at previous years' auction items, you will see many crafty objects up for bid.

This year is no exception.  We will be showing a short short film, Quintipus, written and directed by local talent Victoria Angell.

We will have art from several local artists, including Seth Rutledge and Francois Cannels.  You can find examples of Francois's work at Patreon and Seth's at his tumblr. We also have crocheted Minion figures from the talented Julia Simpson.  Here's Mal with his brown coat open to show his suspenders:

There are a couple more to come. :)

In addition, this year we will have a new game - Name That Tune - in which local musician Carrie Chapman will play the first few notes of a sci-fi theme song on her tuba and a select group will try to guess the 'tune'.  The contestants will be limited to a few volunteers, so come prepared.

And local bakers Courtney & Colin of C&C Cakery are back this year, making a large cake which they will be serving for a small - or large - donation!

LOOK WHAT ALBERTA BROWNCOATS SENT US!!

The Alberta Browncoats had a poster signed by Nathan Fillion and Jewel Staite, especially for us!

The signatures are not showing up in the picture but Nathan's is on the left, Jewel's on the right and they both wrote something - Jewel addressing the BC Browncoats!

Standard Action has donated a signed DVD of Season 1 so you can start catching up before Season 3 starts.

VCON has once again donated two memberships to this year's convention, which will feature pirates!!

The schedule will go up later today.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR JUNE 9TH - UPDATED!

You've asked for it and here it is (always subject to change, of course):

10:30am              Doors open
11:00                   Brief introduction, then singing along to Dr. Horrible
11:55                   Evil Laugh contest
12:15                   An episode of Mind My Brains, Darling
12:25                   Reaver Dance
12:35                   Animism
1:00                     Firefly Trivia Bingo
1:40                     Episode 12 of Standard Action
2:00                     Live Auction
2:35                     Costume Contest parade and awarding of prizes
3:00                     Close silent auction
                            Draw for Fan Expo ticket prize
                            Door prizes
                            Joss's Equality Now speech
                            CSTS introduction
3:30                     SERENITY
5:30                     Announcement of winning bidders in the silent auction

There are still tickets left.  Ticket sales at La Fontana will end at noon on Friday and on the blog at midnight.  Any tickets left will be available at the door.

A reminder that no food or drink, except for beverages with tops, is allowed in the auditorium, although you are welcome to use the table and chairs set up in the Lounge for that purpose.  C&C Cakery will be present with their Firefly-inspired treats for a recommended donation.

The parking lot is paid parking - $2 per hour or a flat rate of $10 from 6 am to 6 pm. After 6 pm, it is a flat rate of $5.  They are pretty strict in the lot so if you are staying after 6 to join some of us in the Lounge to order food, please make sure you pay the evening rate.

REMEMBER, all monetary transactions at CSTS Vancouver are cash only.  That includes tickets available at the door; limited grab bags ($5); Bingo cards ($1); CSTS 2012 patches (a limited number for a minimum donation of $4); food and auction items.  There will also be jars around if you would just like to drop in some change - or bills - as an extra donation.

If you are entering the costume contest, please arrive by 10:30 and go directly to the Lounge where the judges will see you.  If you are entering the Superpowers costume contest, you will be asked to fill out a card with your Superpower name, talent, how you would use that ttalent and whether you would fit in with Iron Man, Black Widow and the gang, or whether you plan to aid Bad Horse, the Thoroughbred of Sin!

STANDARD ACTION WEBSERIES

If you were at CSTS Vanvouver this year, you saw some episodes of this local webseries.  If you weren't, you can catch up here.  Episode 12 is up - the first half of the season finale.  If you would like to see more episodes, you can support the team - which includes our own Assistant Organiser, Vanessa/cymerin as Associate Producer and several other titles as well!  Go here to see the great gifts they are giving to donors.

Elves & Druids & Zombies, Oh, My!

You know you're going to see Serenity this Saturday (if you have your ticket!) since the event is called Can't Stop The Serenity.  Maybe you know that you can sing-along to Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Joss Whedon's Internet sensation.  But are you prepared for zombies and other magical creatures scampering - or slouching - across the screen in front of you?  Well, we're giving you fair warning. You can expect all manner of fantastic - and fantastical - creatures to entertain you.

We'll be showing the world screening premiere of Episodes 1 and 2 of the new webseries, Mind My Brains, Darling, locally made by our own Browncoats, Higlet Films. Episode 1 is live as of Monday but you'll be the first to see Episode 2! Watch teasers and learn more about the series at their website.

Standard Action, another locally made series, is full of adventure and humour, following a rag-tag band of magical creatures as they quest and quarrel their way across the land.  CSTS Vancouver is pleased to present these original webseries to a new audience.

Members of both series will be appearing at a panel at Geek Girl Con in Seattle in October, so you can catch them there talking about the ins and outs of producing your own webseries.  In the meantime, enjoy them on the big screen at CSTS Vancouver on Saturday and meet members of both casts.