Greetings, readers! Have you heard about Standard Action? If you’re down with RPGs, you will enjoy this earnest fantasy/comedy web series for geeks of all kinds. Since they have launched a Kickstarter to fund their third season, I thought what better way to introduce them to our audience than with a chat with producer, writer, star, and co-creator, my friend, Joanna Gaskell! So please, follow along today for the first in a three-part interview with Joanna! Today, we’ll focus on SA and their first Kickstarter.

Joanna Gaskell

Hi, Joanna!

Hi, Kristine!

Q. Let’s begin with an origin story. Tell us a little about yourself and what you do for Standard Action (SA)?

A. Sure thing. I’m the writer and producer of SA, and I also play one of the lead characters – a Elf Barbarian named Edda. I work on a variety of different projects in Vancouver, BC, mostly in an acting or voice over capacity, but I’m also producing a bit more now, and writing when I can. I’ve been in Vancouver for about six years, but I’m originally from Victoria, and I did my acting training in London, UK.

Q. I am familiar with the coolness of SA, but can you explain it to those who might now know?

SA is the fantasy webseries for geeks of all kinds. It’s a bit like Lord of the Rings if the entire party was made up of Pippins. It has the humor and the intelligence of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld or The Mighty Boosh, and the campiness of the old Hercules, Legendary Journeys show. It’s full of references to nerd culture and gaming, but it’s accessible enough for anyone to find the humor in it.

The story follows four inept, misfit adventurers who find each other and set out on a quest full of bumbling hilarity that tests not only their fellowship, but everyone’s perception of what a hero should be. It’s heartwarming in places, very silly in others, and it appeals to anyone who ever rooted for the underdog.

L-R: Ferdnando (Edwin Perez), Wendy (Tara Pratt), Martin (Daniel S. Johnston), and Edda (Joanna Gaskell).

Q. Do you have to have played an RPG to get the humor?

Our show is full of references to nerd culture and gaming, but it’s accessible enough for anyone to find the humor in it. We don’t just stick to gaming, either; we have Easter Eggs in there for Browncoats, Trekkies, Star Wars fans, Tolkien lovers, Monty Python addicts, and more. It’s really a story about interesting, relatable characters and their journey through the mishaps of a fantasy world. You don’t have to be a nerd to enjoy it, but every once in awhile you might appreciate a joke a bit more if you’ve ever been a gamer, or part of a fandom.

Fernando and Edda get their groove on.

Q. Your Kickstarter will be funded with less than a day left. Congratulations on your funded third season! Has its success been a surprise?

Thank you! One thing about being on the web is that we have pretty close connections with our fans, so we knew we had a lot of support out there. But I have to admit I was pretty blown away by the first week of our Kickstarter. We hit our base goal in just three days, and it certainly gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling to see the generosity from the fans, and the obvious appreciation for what we do. It’s always great to know as an artist that your audience wants to see more! We’re trying for a big last push as our campaign comes to a close, though ‒ the more we raise, the longer our season will be, and I’d really love to have a lot of episodes for Season 3.

Wendy, Edda, and Martin listen with apprehension.

Q. What you do when you’re not rocking as Edda?

Ha! I seem to wear the Edda ears and costume really, really often, so people always look surprised when I show up not in costume at a panel, or at another job.

Kaja Sadowski and Joanna Gaskell

Currently, I have a bunch of other projects on the go. I co-host a board game review show called Starlit Citadel Reviews, which has become very popular; we’re in our second season, and have over 60 episodes out. I’m doing a stage show here in Vancouver called the Critical Hit Show ‒ live D&D on stage ‒ which always gets a great audience. I’ve been working a bit with Zombie Orpheus Entertainment, the great troupe who made JourneyQuest and the Gamers movies. I’ve finished filming on their next feature (Gamers: Hands of Fate), and next up is a web mini-series called Humans and Households. And there are two sci-fi projects I’m co-producing at the moment: one of them is uber-low-budget sketch comedy show Space Cab, which I’m pretty darn excited about; and the other one… I can’t talk about yet.

Oh, then there’s my day job. I have one of those, too.

Tune in early next week for part two of my interview with Joanna! We will chat about how SA has helped her hone her craft and where you might find Edda and her crew this year!

GeekGirlCon announces the appearance of Chaka Cumberbatch at GeekGirlCon ‘13 on October 19 and 20, 2013.

Chaka Cumberbatch

On February 4, 2013, Cumberbatch authored a piece on XOJane called I’m a black female cosplayer and some people hate it responding to an uproar over her professional cosplay career. In addition to being a professional cosplayer, she is the Associate Brand Manager at FUNimation Entertainment, and a freelance journalist/blogger. Her writing has appeared on numerous sites, including TheMarySue.com and NerdCaliber.com.

Cumberbatch cosplays as various superheroes, in full character, at comic book conventions. Cumberbatch’s cosplay has become such a large focus in the media, she says she expects to never enter a job interview without also discussing her hobby. If you want to talk about back issues and current issues of comics, she is the person to see!

“GeekGirlCon is excited for Chaka Cumberbatch to attend our third annual convention. We look forward to hearing her speak on social, race, gender, and sexuality issues within the geek community and seeing her cosplay,” said Jennifer K. Stuller, Director of Programming and Events.

Visit Chaka Cumberbatch’s Facebook page or follow her on Twitter to learn more about her.

GeekGirlCon ‘13 is partnering with Homewood Suites and W Hotel.
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is seeking fabulous Vendors and Exhibitors (through June 1).
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is looking for your programming and events (through May 15).
GeekGirlCon ‘13 has press pass information.
GeekGirlCon presents GeekGirlConnections at the Con (apply now) and year-round.
GeekGirlCon offers fantastic events throughout the year that you don’t want to miss!

Don’t miss any exciting updates, schedules, and more for GeekGirlCon ‘13! Buy your passes now!

GeekGirlCon Nerdcore Benefit Concert featuring the returning Jonny Nero Action Hero, Canadian rapper Nursehella, and GeekGirlCon’s own Shubzilla!

The Details:

• Date:         May 17, 2013
• Time:         9 p.m.
• Price:         $8
• Where:    White Rabbit, 513 N 36th St, Suite E (Fremont)
• Transit:    N 36th St & Dayton Ave N

Join host GeekGirlCon to welcome three fantastic musicians to our Benefit Concert at the White Rabbit in Fremont!

Jonny Nero Action Hero has performed for us before; he has been performing for fifteen years, and writing his own material for ten years.

Nursehella was born and raised in British Columbia, Canada; this will be the Canadian rapper’s first performance for GeekGirlCon.

Shubzilla, GeekGirlCon’s own Public Relations Content Producer, debuted at NerdcoreNow’s First Annual Vocalist/Producer Challenge.

Add these three talented performers together, and we get a smashing nerd concert. Proceeds go to benefit GeekGirlCon and our mission. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets; get online and buy yours now!

Ready to gather with your favorite movie lovers at Central Cinema? Come kick off GeekGirlCon’s on-going programming and events this year and watch the Director’s Cut of Supergirl!

Have you ever seen a movie so bad, you love it? Many people said that about Supergirl, an awkward translation of comics to screen filmed in 1984. Helen Slater stars in her debut film as Supergirl against villain Selena, played by the deliciously evil Faye Dunaway. They may be campy, but they sure are fun to watch.

When: Monday, May 27, 7:00 pm (one showing only)

Where: Central Cinema, 1411 21st Avenue, Seattle (21st Ave and East Union Street)

Price: $6 in advance–get your ticket here! / $8 day of the show

Walk, drive, cycle, or take the bus! The #2 bus stops just around the corner at 20th & Union. The #48 stops at 23rd & Union two blocks away.

Been to a TV Dinner but not a feature film at Central Cinema? Never fear, your instructions are here. The superheroes suggest you arrive early and settle in, peruse the menu, and place your order with the wait staff. What do superheroes eat? Whatever you choose, it will arrive and you can enjoy your food and your show. Visit Central Cinema for more information.

Don’t miss other GeekGirlCon and Central Cinema team-ups in July, September, and November this year! And don’t miss GeekGirlCon ‘13 – buy your passes today!

Saturday, May 4: Free Comic Book Day!
From the website: “Free Comic Book Day is a single day – the first Saturday in May each year – when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local comic book shop for their participation and rules.”

Saturday, May 4: Beginning Puppetry
From the press release: “In this fun, dynamic class, you’ll learn the foundations of good stage puppetry ‒ focus, physical commitment and basic puppet operation. We’ll focus on how to make your puppet seem alive and connect with the audience. You’ll get lots of hands-on time with professional arm-and-rod puppets plus a simple practice puppet to take home so you can keep working on your skills. No puppet experience required. Please dress comfortably and be ready to move. Class size limited to 16.”

Wednesday, May 8: Girl Power Hour: Let’s Get Social! The Power of Social Media
From the events page: “Make sense of what’s happening now in new media, a staple for individuals and brands looking to make their mark and cut through the noise in today’s ever-changing world. Panelists will include local social media stars and women doing big things. You’ll get social over cocktails and desserts before and after a 40 minute Q&A.”

Wednesday, May 8: Dungeon Crawl Classics at Gamma Ray Games
From the events page: “You are no hero. You’re an adventurer, a reaver, a cutpurse, a heathen-slayer a tight-lipped warlock guarding long-dead secrets. Join us as the Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG World Tour 2013 rolls through Seattle. “Learn to play” sessions will be run by Goodman Games’ writer, Jobe Bittman. No experience necessary!”

Thursday, May 9 – Friday, May 10: Minxes of Middle Earth: One Simply Does Not Strip Into Mordor
From the Facebook Page: “One Ring Has Been Found! Rumors circulated late last night that after the 111th birthday party of, now missing, Mr. Bilbo Baggins that the ONE RING has surfaced after centuries in hiding. No one would come forward with any concrete details but with a parade of unlikely characters showing up in the once quiet Shire anything is possible. Recent reports suggest that Sauron’s chief lieutenants, 9 Ringwraiths have been dispatched to take matters into their own hands. Discover the truth as the cast of Minxes of Middle Earth shimmy our way out of the Shire, shake our way past foes, bump n’ grind up to new friends and tease our way into Mordor to destroy the One Ring for good. Or will we? NOTE: This event is 21+”

Saturday, May 11: Intermediate Puppetry: “Finding Your Puppet’s Character”
From the press release: “In this fun, intermediate puppeteering class, you’ll learn the basics of characterization – voice, physicality and emotion – and how to apply them to your puppet. You’ll get tons of tips for making character choices and see what a big impact they can have on your puppet’s performance. Beginning puppetry class or equivalent puppet experience recommended. Please dress comfortably and be ready to move. Class size limited to 16.”

Saturday, May 11: Little Shop of Horrors at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Can a man’s strange passion cause a flower to kill? How will his madness end!? If you’ve never seen the original Little Shop of Horrors, join the gang at the Wayward Coffeehouse on Saturday, May 11th for a fun evening out.

Thursday, May 16: Geek Bingo at Gamma Ray Games
From the event page: “Seattle’s Browncoats bring you another great opportunity to have fun and support local charities on the third Thursday of every month.”

Thursday, May 16: Seattle Girl Geek Dinner
From the event page: “Light a Fire with IGNITE! Seattle Girl Geek Dinners and IGNITE are excited to partner in our first fundraising event to support IGNITE’s mission: to educate and increase exposure of STEM related careers to young girls..”

Friday, May 17: GeekGirlCon Benefit Concert
Nerd music concert to raise money for GeekGirlCon featuring Shubzilla, Nursehella, and Jonny Nero Action Hero

Wednesday, May 27: Central Cinema Presents: Supergirl with GeekGirlCon
From the events page: “GeekGirlCon is back with a screening that will make you believe a GIRL can fly! Starring Helen Slater, Faye Dunaway, Peter O’ Toole and hunky Hart Bochner, SUPERGIRL is one high flying and soaring fantasy adventure! Join GeekGirlCon and SUPERGIRL for an evening of awesomeness! We will be screening the 138 minute director’s cut!”

Don’t forget to check the calendars of some of your favorite geeky hangouts for ongoing events. Here are a few links from some GeekGirlCon partners:

*Ada’s Technical Books
*Card Kingdom
*Fantagraphics Books
*Fantasium Comics
*Gamma Ray Games / Raygun Lounge
*Wayward Coffeehouse

What nerdy activity are you going to do now that the days are longer?

If you’d like to see your event up on Geek About Town, please email shubz@geekgirlcon.com for consideration. Please note that we reserve the right to either approve or deny your request. All submissions must be in alignment with the GeekGirlCon mission statement.

Kelly Sue DeConnick will be appearing at GeekGirlCon ’13

GeekGirlCon proudly announces Kelly Sue DeConnick will be appearing at our third annual GeekGirlCon convention, October 19 and 20, 2013!

Kelly Sue DeConnick has worked in the comic book industry for the last decade, writing comics and adapting manga into English including the scripts for Kare First Love, Black Cat, Sexy Voice and Robo, and Blue Spring (among others!).

DeConnick’s best-known comic credit is her involvement with Marvel Comics and the evolution of Ms. Marvel, a character with beginnings in the 1970s as a feminist character named Carol Danvers, into Captain Marvel. The role of Carol Danvers has grown through many personal hardships, from identity crises to alternate reality disasters to alcoholism. DeConnick emphasizes the character’s strength in overcoming and living through these challenges, and focuses on the amazing woman who has become Captain Marvel.

“Kelly Sue DeConnick is a talented writer and a strong advocate for women in comics,” said Jennifer K. Stuller, Director of Programming and Events. “We are thrilled that she is coming to GeekGirlCon ’13!”

For more information on her fantastic catalog, check out Kelly Sue DeConnick’s author page on Amazon for information on her available titles.

GeekGirlCon ‘13 is partnering with Homewood Suites and W Hotel.
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is seeking fabulous Vendors and Exhibitors.
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is looking for your programming and events (through May 15).
GeekGirlCon ‘13 has press pass information.
GeekGirlCon presents GeekGirlConnections at the Con (apply now) and year-round.
GeekGirlCon offers fantastic events throughout the year that you don’t want to miss!

Don’t miss any exciting updates, schedules, and more for GeekGirlCon ‘13! Buy your passes now!

GeekGirlCon is seeking programming submission ideas, performers, and professionals for GeekGirlCon ’13. Are you interested in being a part of our convention this year? Please fill out one of the forms listed below!

Programming Submission Form: for all convention programming

GeekGirlConnections Submission Form: for our GeekGirlConnections room, a resource to help professionals connect with and mentor convention attendees

Events Submission Form: for musical talent at the convention

Do you have any questions? Please direct them to programinfo@geekgirlcon.com.

We’d like to invite you to join GeekGirlCon for a fun Twitter chat on Monday (April 15) during the PBS premiere of Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines. Wonder Women! is a fantastic documentary that examines representations of powerful women in popular culture. GeekGirlCon is a big fan of the film. We hosted a panel with women featured in the film at GeekGirlCon ’11 and screened the finished film during the closing celebration at GeekGirlCon ’12.

Now, Wonder Women! is being brought to the masses. We’re really excited to watch the film again. Find the screening time in your area, and take a peek at the film’s trailer below.

GeekGirlCon staff will be tweeting away as we watch, and we hope you can join us! Don’t forget to follow @GeekGirlCon and use the hashtag #WonderWomen as you watch the documentary to be a part of the conversation. We’ll be watching at 10 p.m. PDT when it airs in Seattle. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the film.

Attendees at GeekGirlCon ’13 pose for a photo while exploring the Exhibitor Hall

We are ramping up our plans for GeekGirlCon! We have opened submissions for panelists and for musical performers, and now we are seeking all vendors and exhibitors! If you have been a vendor or exhibitor at previous GeekGirlCons then you know the deal. If, however, you have not been one of our fabulous vendors or exhibitors, and you make, have, and sell some sort of geek-centric product, we’d love the chance to see what you have to offer.

How do you get to be one of GeekGirlCon ‘13’s fabulous vendors and exhibitors? Here’s how:

Contact kris@geekgirlcon.com for more info and an application. We are closing vendor and exhibitor applications on July 1, so email Kris right now.

Easy, right? We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Friday, April 5: D23′s Disney Fanniversary Celebration
From the event website: “D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is hitting the road with D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration, commemorating dozens of unforgettable Disney milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries in 2013! Each show will be hosted by a Disney archivist and D23 Team member and will highlight the rich behind-the-scenes stories of these magical moments through rarely or never-before-seen film footage, concept art, photography, and exclusive interviews with many of your favorite Disney Legends and luminaries.”

Friday, April 5: Geek Bingo for Charity
From the calendar page: “Come play geek-themed bingo hosted by the Seattle Browncoats Charities. Cards are only $1 and proceeds go to local charities.”

Saturday, April 6: Seattle Supernatural Family Meetup
From the meetup page: “Please RSVP early, and be sure to bring water and snacks for yourselves (and the group, should you wish to!). This is the time to find people within short distances from each other, to discuss private screenings, share head canons and theories, and exchange stories from cons and other events.”

Saturday, April 6: Steampunk University hosted by Steamcon
From the event page: “Confused about steampunk or have a friend that is? It’s entirely understandable. It is a much misunderstood genre and has grown into an even more misunderstood subculture. In the course of working on Steamcon, we have had a lot of opportunity to accumulate knowledge and we’d be happy to share it with you… free of charge! We will be talking about how it all started, why people wear goggles, how to find great clothing and lots more. This is a great chance for those new to steampunk to get their feet wet.”

Thursday, April 11: GeekGirlCon Cocktail Connections: Geeky networking!
From the invite: “GeekGirlCon is hosting our very first Cocktail Connections! Come out to connect and engage with other geeky professionals, and enjoy Lunchbox Laboratory’s infamous cocktails as well. Professionals of all flavors and persuasions are welcome, whether you are a gamer, a scientist, a writer, a pop culture fanatic, or any other kind of geek. Mark your calendars and bring your business cards!”

Thursday, April 11: GeekWire Meetup & Radio Show
From the event page: “GeekWire’s April 11 Meetup will feature a taping of the GeekWire radio show, with hosts Todd Bishop and John Cook plus special guests, giveaways, a live version of our Name that Tech Tune contest and a featured App of the Week presented live by the app developer.”

Friday, April 12: Various Authors Honoring Octavia E. Butler
From the calendar: “Join PNW authors in a celebration of Octavia E. Butler’s legacy. Readings by Vonda N. McIntyre, Nisi Shawl, Dennis Y. Ginoza, Erik Owomoyela, Caren Gussoff, and Rashida Smith. Copies of the e-book anthology Bloodchildren: Stories by the Octavia E. Butler Scholars will be available at the reading.”

Friday, April 12 – Saturday, April 13: Contac in Tacoma
Contac is a free mini gaming convention for Tacoma. Contac will be hosting the Northwest Qualifier for Vampire the Eternal Struggle. Boardgame events at Contac will include Ticket to Ride, Small World, and Survive: Escape from Atlantis event. There will also be several Heroclix events on both days. Other boardgames include: Republic of Rome, Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar, a Great Dalmuti Marathon.

Saturday, April 13: Screening of Phantom from Space
This event is hosted by Seattle Sci-Fi Cinema at the Wayward Coffeehouse.

Saturday, April 13: init(together) conference
From the website: “The conference will feature a series of panel discussions and hands-on workshops for women seeking to develop their skills in computing. We are launching our mentorship program to connect female computing students and women entering industry with faculty and industry professionals in Southern California. Our Career Expo will feature a variety of companies and programs in Southern California – bringing industry directly to attendees.”

Saturday, April 13: BoneBat “Comedy of Horrors” Film Fest
From the website: “The BoneBat “Comedy of Horrors” Film Fest is an annual evening of giggles & gore, hosted by Steve and Gord of The BoneBat Show!”

Saturday, April 13 – Sunday, April 14: SpaceUp Seattle at the Museum of Flight
From the event page: “SpaceUp Seattle is a two-day unconference and interactive conversation about the cutting edge evolution of commercial space flight. Join space enthusiasts of all ages for this fascinating look at the democratization of the space frontier, as we talk with representatives from Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Planetary Resources.”

Monday, April 15: PBS Airing Wonder Women! Documentary
From the Facebook page: “This fun and warmly witty film traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940s to the blockbusters of today, Wonder Women! looks at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society’s anxieties about women’s liberation.”

Tuesday, April 16: Firefly & Serenity Trivia at Central Cinema
From the meetup page: “For the 21st episode in our MAP Theatre trivia series, we bring you…
FIREFLY/SERENITY Trivia Night! 50 questions about your favorite band of space cowboys! We will also be watching your favorite Firefly episode on the big screen after Trivia. Vote here to determine which one!”

Saturday, April 20: Pop Conference 2013: Begging to Differ: New Visions, New Sounds at the EMP Museum
From the event page: “Begging to Differ: New Visions, New Sounds will include one-on-one debates as well as two-on-two or three-on-three debates; critical karaoke where three to four panelists will be grouped together to argue the highs and lows of an artist, album, or genre in the length of a single song; and Ignite Talks where presenters will have five minutes and 20 PowerPoint slides to make their case.”

Saturday, April 20 – Sunday, April 21: Fan Expo Vancouver
From the website: “Fan Expo Vancouver is a celebration of all things pop culture including comic books, anime, sci fi, horror and video games. FAN EXPO VANCOUVER™ showcases over hundreds of exhibits and sprawls to over 150,000 square feet. This event is in association with the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo.”

Friday, April 26: Opening of Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic at the EMP Musuem
From the event page: “Be among the first to journey through Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic. Explore the realms of darkness and light with the Conquerors’ Scavenger Quest; challenge your companions to an archery contest; witness a sword fighting presentation by Knights of Veritas; make modern myth come alive with a photo of yourself perched atop the Iron Throne from HBO’s Game of Thrones; take in a special appearance by the Carter Family Marionettes; game play with Card Kingdom; learn-to-play demos and R&D spellslinging with Magic: The Gathering; enjoy spotlight talks with historian and head archivist for The Jim Henson Company Karen Falk, New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks, and American executive producer of the Oscar award-winning The Lord of the Rings film trilogy Mark Ordesky.”

Friday, April 26:Stormworld by Brian Herbert and Bruce Taylor
From the calendar page: “Join Bruce Taylor for readings from the short story Stormworld by Brian Herbert and Bruce Taylor. Brian Herbert may also be reading. Come support local authors!”

Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27: She’s Geeky
From the website: “Are you a woman? Are you a geek? Well, this event is for you! We invite women from a diverse array of technological fields and those doing technology in non-technical fields.”

Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28: LinuxFest Northwest
From the website: “LinuxFest Northwest is an annual event produced by the Bellingham Linux Users Group, and volunteers from other northwest U.S. open source users groups. It is held on the campus of Bellingham Technical College. The Fest features Linux and open source experts and aficionados sharing their experience and enthusiasm with a wide variety of free and open source technologies.”

Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28: Stumptown Comics Fest
From the website: “We’re proud to bring you publishers like Dark Horse Comics, Oni Press, Top Shelf Comix, and other well-respected comic book publishers. Guests include Fables creator Bill Willingham, Eisner award winning artist Becky Cloonan, multiple award winning writer Greg Rucka, as well as some of the countries premiere comic book studios like Periscope Studio and Tranquility Base. Stumptown Comics Festival’s ten-year anniversary will be the kick-off celebration of the expanding vision of Stumptown Comics, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a wider appreciation of comics through education and public events.”

If you have any geeky events you would like to see on Geek About Town, email shubz@geekgirlcon.com. Please note that we reserve the right to include or exclude events from our list.